8 years ago I decided to buy somewhere to live that I could call home. I first looked at 1 bedroom flats in a good location in a city. I actually bought a 2 bed house with separate lounge & dining room with a garden for the same price which is 10 min max walking distance from the said good location. The street I live in is a dead end with only 10 houses. There have been some sales in the last 8 years and the properties have been on the market for weeks before being sold.
I would say I bought a house in a not so nice area but you have to weigh up the proc's & cons. I am happy I bought in the location that I did, I feel safe if I am out & about at night. I know all my neighbours in the street by first name, I do not really need a car anymore and supermarkets, doctors, dentist, local shops, schools all within easy reach & this was not my first time buy.