I posed the question and have received over 600 replies so far! It has been interesting to learn what people love about their homes, and I have summarized the responses by category. I was most surprised that the scenery dominated the vast majority of responses (43%), and that home features were mentioned so little (4%). Of all of the people that chose to respond, only 4% dislike their home. And People & Local Culture tied with Preferred Weather (whether Four Seasons or Year-Round Warmth) at 18% each.
Beautiful Scenery: Almost half of all respondents love where they live because of their beautiful surroundings. It is not necessarily a view from a window, although that helps. It can be the view from a park, which overlooks over a lake. Or perhaps mountains in the distance. This has more to do with nature, and not so much man made art, buildings or history.
People and Culture: 1 in 5 respondents love where they live because of the people and man made features around them. Being in a friendly place, and feeling a sense of belonging, is important to our wellbeing. Surrounded by likeminded people, with similar beliefs, status and family structures will enhance our experience, as it will be easier to make new friends. While having neighbors we do not enjoy being around, can be a major detraction.
Weather: While some respondents prefer four seasons, and others year round warmth, weather is a major consideration when it comes to where people choose to live. Sometimes, it takes a back seat to other factors, such as where the best work opportunities are, but for those in retirement years, year round warmth tends to be more of an attraction, whether moving full or part time. Twenty percent of respondents selected weather as a reason they love where they live.
Quiet, Clean & Spacious: 1 in 10 respondents love where they live because it is peaceful. Some people enjoy living in a secluded area, while many others like to be surrounded by neighbours and activity. This really comes down to personal taste, and choices will be affected by whether they are more introverted or extroverted. Does being around alot of people energize or drain you?
Home Features: Surprisingly, this had very little to do ongoing satisfaction in a home. I say it is surprising, because most people concentrate on the interiors when looking for a home, and give less consideration to the neighbors or the view. The interior of a home can be changed or updated, while where it sits cannot.
Affordability: While many of us would prefer to have more affordable housing, it is not a major factor. It seems that we are more apt to go for something at our upper limit, if it provides us with a better lifestyle. We tend to choose the best we can afford, and along with that usually comes improved safety and security as well.
It was very interesting and insightful to connect with so many people and hear their perspectives. Here are a few excerpts of the replies I received.