We don't have kids living with us, so schools aren't a direct concern.  My husband is an artist and a tailor and amasses a rather surprising amount of "stuff".  I love wood floors, raised foundations, and older homes in general, so tract homes aren't my first choice, but in the right neighborhood (can't define it but I'll know it when I see it), with a large enough lot and no HOA, they can work.  We live in a tract home now, that we like, but we're renting.

The toughest thing is moving outside of OC will instantly double our gasoline costs even if my commute doesn't increase, because my husband will be driving to OC and occasionally LA for his art and to see family.  Arrgh.

Rebeccah