i'm fond of breezehome in whiterun. It's not bad looking, and it's a great loation. Right in the middle of the map, it's more or less on the way no matter where I'm going, and there are a ton of stores in whiterun, so basically I can sell most of my stuff, and store the rest in my house and be on my merry way. Beyond that I don't have much use for houses, think i've only slept there, maybe 3 times.

I'm planning on using this, but is everything confirmed safe storage? I mean the barrels, the sacks, the chest, everything. I've got stuff sitting in there now (arrows) but its a pain to have to wait an in-game month to check.

Honeyside in Riften
Reasoning:
1. It does not force the MQ on my characters. Breezehome requires you begin the MQ.
2. It does not force any Faction questline on my characters. Hjerim requires you to choose sides in the Civil War.
3. It does not require a minimum Level. Proudspire Manor requires your character to be a minimum of Lvl20.
4. It does not require a minimum Level. Vlindrel Hall requires your character to be a minimum of Lvl20 to receive the required quest.

This leaves Honeyside.
I can purchase at any level, requires only minimal favor questing, affordable, and does not require my characters to join any faction nor begin any questline I never intend to complete.

A simple choice, really.

I have all the houses and Markarth is the one worth keeping.

Solitude's house lighting/shadows is fubar which annoys me, and the three floors makes it a hassle to find your spouse. Windhelm is piss poor, blood and bones everywhere, I wouldn't mind if I didn't have a wife but I do and why would I want my wife to slog around in what looks like a [censored] sacrificial pit from planet of the apes? (No I'm not an RP-er but it's just wrong) Whiterun's house is too small and peasant-like, and the annoying Lydia sitting-up-down-up-down bug drives me nuts (not that I would want to live there anyway)

That leaves Riften which is just lol. First off it's located in Riften which is an automatic [censored] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtvIYRrgZ04, and also it's fugly beyond reason which is another http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtvIYRrgZ04

Proudspire Manor all the way. People may call it expensive, but to live in the Imperial civilization of Solitude - a rare Cyrodiliic oasis in wild Skyrim - is priceless. Sun, peace, tolerance, great location, great views, easy shipping (once the mods roll out, expect Solitude to be the centre of transport via ship elsewhere), great architecture (the Blue Palace is beautiful), etc.

The manor itself is great as well; 3 floors, alchemy and enchanting, copious amounts of bookshelves and weapon racks, mannequins, illumination, an amazing patio - perfect spot to read - a lovely neighbourhood. I'm in love with Solitude :wub:

Same :/