Thinking out loud

Boring post #4,285 about house hunting - run along to the next blog post on your reader if you've had enough. ;-)

We're investigating a new-to-us area. It's a similar commute for dh to the areas we are already searching, but in a different direction. I'm having a horrible time figuring out what we should do...dh thinks that where ever a good-for-us house comes up, that was meant to be and we should get it, no matter what town it's in -- I'm wondering if we shouldn't just *wait* for a good house to come in whatever area we deem the best. I'm praying and seaking that peace -- more on that later. Here are the thoughts on each area

Area 1:
-the current area we've been searching in
-it feels "known" because we've been looking in it and living nearer to it for awhile
-it's closer to my parents than area #2 (like 15 min vs an hour)
-there *is* a homeschooling group or two but I believe many of their events are on the far side of their covered area, and I've met many in the secular group at least and...well...ehhhh. Didn't really hit it off. The Catholic group, at least years ago when I met some of the people, seemed good.
-dh's commute will be similar length for both areas but on more tree lined, windy roads for this area (this is a minus)
-probably both about same distance from shopping
-I could maintain a few friendships from our current town - it's far but not as far as area #2
-house prices are similar, land you get is similar for both areas
-both have rec centers and activities
-more foresty here, I seem to be craving that "shade"

Area #2:
-dh's commute on major highways (he likes that) even though it may be a touch longer here (traffic, etc)
-the church here is apparently awesome - large, good priests... every priest that I've liked has wound up going here for a time.
-there are a few homeschooling groups and co-ops, one in particular seems RIGHT up my alley and a friend is part of it. It's a co-op, but it's SO large that if you have to bow out for a season, it is fine, you just come right back. And there is much more to pick and choose from both in terms of classes for the kids (up to high school) and ways to volunteer to get your "co-op" helping covered. I don't like teaching (I wind up being SO anxiety filled) but I don't mind child care or room monitor or whatever...and a few hours a month and you are DONE! (boy that was long winded, LOL)
-10 minutes to any store you could ever want, but you still feel like you're in the country
-most houses seem to be out in the open, a very windswept feel, although some areas are wooded.

Looking at both areas, I *want* area #2. I want a clean break from where we are, I want new friends for me and the kids, new homeschooling groups, a great church, a large, well run co-op. So why do I feel no PEACE?? Area #1 offers nothing better than #2, except being closer to my parents which can be both a blessing and a curse.

So I'm searching for that peace, and wondering what to do next. Thinking about putting a fleece out on a dewy night and seeing what happens, LOL.