As of now I'm the only person to have chosen the first option. However, I choose it with the caveat that "largest" does not necessarily mean "best." Small is okay if there is character compatible with me. When I walk through the door of my home, I want to feel completely, well, at home. Decoration can take me a good ways there, but if the building itself doesn't welcome me, I don't want to be there. I don't mind traveling to be with my preferred community, but I do mind inviting people to a home that isn't representative of who I am.

I actually feel like my interpretation of the first answer isn't all that different than your description in the second answer. I'm more concerned with the property (inside and out) being compatible with my lifestyle/taste, than the area surrounding it.