Housing Dilemmas

Welcome to our housing dilemma.  Now that Chuck has a job, we are moving forward full blast in trying to find a rental home.  We have put holds on two different houses, and are torn between them.  It's really hard to know what the wisest decision is when we don't know the area at all.  We're both leaning towards one, but I'll try not to give it away.  Truth be told I'm really writing this post to process my own thoughts about these two houses, but feel free to weigh in.

A

A

A

Exhibit A.  This house was our first love.  After visiting several properties, we kept going back to this one in our minds.  We actually visited it twice, took a tour of the model home, and were really excited about it.

Cons
-I could not walk anywhere besides the development because it's surrounded by corn fields
-Jovie (dogs) is not allowed to be on the walking trail/park behind the house: that's a major reason why I walk
-With only one car, I'd feel stuck out there unless I drove Chuck to work:  not ideal with a newborn
-Awkward and small living room/kitchen/eating space
-No glass stove top
-Deck is ground level, but there's no way to leave the deck: kindof like being caged in
-Steps up to front door
-Not as warm and inviting of a community
-No amenities
-Strict painting policies
-A little bit more money than Exhibit B

Pros
~Open concept kitchen/living room/eating space
~Laundry room upstairs
~Own master bathroom
~Full basement (unfinished)
~Garage
~End unit
~Gorgeous view
~No one can just walk up to the back door: deck off the ground
~Side window, extra lighting
~Extra yard space on the side for Jovie
~Community park and playground within walking distance
~Available soon
~Get stuff settled before baby arrives
~All light carpet- no wood floors
~Our first love

B

B

 Exhibit B.  We happened upon this place driving away from Exhibit A where we had already paid for a hold.  We had originally thought it was out of our price range, but stopped by anyway.  It was quite a surprise to learn about their community and prices.

Cons
-Not an end unit
-A crammed community of houses
-View is houses all around
-Garage takes away from front lighting
-Anyone could walk right up to our backdoor at anytime
-No basement
-No laundry room, just a laundry closet
-Smaller master bedroom
-Not available until after the baby is born
-Could not get anything in the house settled until after his birth
-No private patio, small patio space

Pros
~No front entry stairs
~Great living room/eating area/kitchen space
~Glass top stove
~Bigger living room, normal shape
~Garage is 4 feet bigger
~Laundry upstairs
~Nice master shower, and no tub to clean
~Playground behind the house
~Short and wide, not tall and skinny
~Doggie stations/welcome dog community
~Waking distance to the grocery store
~Walking distance to DUNKIN!
~Free work out room
~Near a gym for Chuck
~Free pool
~Stone exterior, front yard with a tree and bushes
~Closer to LWCC: easier for me to drive Chuck to work if I need the car
~All light carpet, no wood floors
~A little bit cheaper

I'm sure I'm missing some pros and cons on all lists, but for now that about sums it up.  We're open to any thoughts and opinions.  Hopefully we'll have the big reveal sooner than later!