bonniegrrl | Won't you be my neighbor?

So since my horrendous neighbor incident last week, and various other nagging issues about my neighborhood that keep me up at night, I'm actively looking for a new place to dwell.

I haven't given notice yet, but I am looking in both the inner and outer Richmond as well as Sunset neighborhoods. Today I went wandering around the inner Richmond with

chefgrrl which made me relax a bit.

We looked at one place that had a fireplace, a retro kitchen and plenty of windows, but the bedroom window looked at nothing but a concrete square and the neighbor's bedroom window. Plus the living room overlooked part of a park and after living over a park where people now go to have sex, masterbate against trash cans, shoot up, party and fight -- I vow never ever to live near a park again.

The second place we looked at was a small one bedroom that was in a great location, but the room was in an apartment that reminded me of a motel kind of layout. I liked the big rooms, but there were windows in both the living room and bedroom that people could walk right by and see inside. Plus I'd be in between an apartment with an old lady in it and on the other side an apartment with a student. I think I may feel a bit suffocated. It was a bit pricey at $1,200 for the space.

I know I'm being picky, but this is the first time I get to take my time instead of rushing to find a place. I think when I see the place meant for me, I'll know. It'll just hit me that it would be "home." A home where I can feel safe coming home to at night; somewhere I can relax and recharge my mental batteries.

As I drove around the outer Richmond neighborhood (around California and 20th) I felt a sense of calm. The hood has a bunch of cute houses and well-kept apartments, coffeeshops, restuarants and so on. It didn't have a grimy city feel to it, and it made me think that this should be where I concentrate looking for places to live next. So we'll see.

In case you're curious, here's what I'm looking for in a "home":

Off-street or garage parking
A view of something other than into the next apartment
Plenty of windows/light
Top floor (I refuse to have high heels above my head waking me up)
Not directly facing a main/busy/noisy street
Not next to a Judah or busline that will wake me up at night
Carpeting (it muffles downstairs neighbor noise)
Prefer a Victorian type flat or a building with less than 4 other tenants.
(less neighbor noise/misc. issues to deal with)
Safe neighborhood (can walk at night without the constant worry of being mugged)
Parking not too much of a problem (in case my driveway is blocked or people want to visit)
Closer to the Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge (for work)
Cable ready and Internet ready
Tub and shower combo. With great water pressure and quick hot water.
Quiet neighbors and neighborhood.
Cafes and shops within walking distance (optional)