Former Los Angeles, California perspective: the house can be right and the location can still be wrong. People focus on square footage, kitchens, and price, but the first-year stress usually comes from toll roads, two-car routines, setup costs, and commute or school logistics. Renting first is annoying, but it buys local knowledge. If buying immediately, confirm insurance, taxes, inspections, school boundaries, pet rules, and commute before you emotionally move into the house.