All I would say is to do lots of research before making the move - not just into houses, but into clubs, social opportunities, places to pursue your hobbies and to meet people. These are even more important than the accommodation you live in.
When we were contemplating a move to Brittany (an area we know well) several years ago (which was scuppered for health reasons and the arrival of a rash of GC!) we spent a couple of weeks devoted to the social opportunities and I set up various visits on the email and on an ex-pat forum before our visit. We sang with a choir there for one rehearsal, met someone who was interested in using my photographic skills for part-time work, looked into volunteering possibilities etc. All this was very important in our decision-making.
As I say, in the end it all fell through, but we really did feel that if we had made the move, we had laid important groundwork as to what we would DO while we were there, rather than just where we might live.
I am sure you will not be short of things to do if you are moving nearer to the GC! - but you will also need your own social life.
The other thing to say is that if you are a townie, think hard about moving too far out in the country - and vice versa.
The other piece of advice is to rent in the area for a period of weeks to get a better picture of how you might fit in.
Good luck!
