Helpful advice is don't buy a house in an "empty" development where you may be the only occupied house on the block. The area was seriously overbuilt, meaning some great buys, but also some areas that look "abandoned". Same thing goes for buying a condo, make sure you are not the only tenant on the floor!!! You want to have a neighborhood where folks look out for each other. If you see all the houses have bars on the windows like some kinda prison, or the exteriors all look abandoned,keep looking. Best thing about the place I bought are the neighbors, I don't have to worry about my place when I am not there, and I am always welcomed when I come back. I have considered getting a place right on the water, but hate the thought of losing my neighbors. Good luck,