[redwitch]

I've stayed in several different locations and types of homes in TV while dog sitting. I really don't like the kissing lanais. For me, that's just too much of a loss of privacy, even with good landscaping. I'm not a big fan of the idea of living off a golf course because of the golfers' conversations I've overheard while sitting on lanais. Courtyard villas are too closed IMHO -- you can truly go days or even weeks without seeing a neighbor. To me, street noises are really not that much of an issue. The best, though, is a water view. I'd even take that over a patio villa if it were in my budget.

There are two houses that I stay at that are street lots. One is off of Stillwater and the other off of Odell. I've found the noise and traffic really isn't that bothersome at either location. So, I figure if it doesn't bother me while staying in a strange place, it probably isn't that bad for most. The exception, to me, would be a corner lot on a busy street (Bailey Trail/St. Charles comes to mind). That is truly too noisy for my taste.

I really don't want to hear other people's conversations, whether they be sitting in their lanais, walking by, driving by in their golf carts. I've found that with good landscaping this can be avoided on street lots but not with kissing lanais.

So, my vote (if I could afford the choice) would be:

1. Water view
2. Patio villa
3. Street lot w/good landscaping
4. Golf course view
(Kissing lanais and courtyard villas could not be on my list, sorry.)

The good thing about TV is that there are choices. What bothers me is what thrills others. Give yourself time, be honest about what you like/need/can afford and you'll find the right place for you. If worse comes to worse, you can always sell and buy a new place after you move here -- many do.