This brings us to the question of neighborhood, which is important.  Beware of a place too near a small factory settlement.  The latter is apt to grow and destroy the peace you have come so far to get.  Besides, your property value will decline in direct ratio.  We once knew a charming place set high on a hill with neat hedges, shrubs, and arbors reminiscent of England, birthplace of the man who built and developed it.  The family that bought the property forgot to look down at the foot of the hill.  If they had, they would have seen a large and efficient looking factory and could have read the signs accordingly.

The disadvantages of a country home located close to a hamlet inhabited by old native stock families that have degenerated should be weighed carefully.  Such people resent what they consider unwarranted intrusion by newcomers and have many underhanded ways of expressing their antagonism.  Of course, if these settlers are merely tenants and the region shows distinct signs that a number of city pioneers are about to buy property there, it may be a gamble worth taking, since one can always buy property cheaper before a boom than after it has set in.  Also, these settlements are frequently located in the most beautiful sections of the country.  Some of the houses are quaint farm cottages that only need a thorough cleaning and a little intelligent restoration to make them attractive homes for any one.

Again, some of the most picturesque and desirable locations are off on by-roads.  They are much to be preferred to property directly on the main highway since they are well away from the roar of traffic; and if there are children or pets, one need not be constantly on the alert to keep them from straying off the premises.  However, half a mile off the main highway answers the purpose as well as a longer distance and one must be sure that half mile is passable at all times of the year.

We have in mind one young couple who bought a place in Vermont.  It stands well up on a hill and the view is worth going many miles to see.  A picturesque dirt road winds a crooked mile up to it.  Very attractive for summer but these two live there the year around.  The snow drifts deep in winter, and early spring and late fall find the mud so deep that the average car bogs down hopelessly.  Thus, they are virtual prisoners during these seasons.  Of course that is an extreme case and even here the road can be made passable but only at heavy expense which must be borne principally by the householder.

Lastly, in selecting the locality for your experiment in country living, if there are children consideration of schools is essential.  The ratings and relative standings of graded and high schools in various localities, may be easily obtained through state educational authorities, college entrance boards, and similar organizations.  But even where the rating report is good, personal investigation is advisable.  Certain social elements enter in, despite the sound and democratic principles underlying the American public school system.