F
or 27 years, Annette Larkin called the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Va., home. As a media relations consultant who works remotely, she valued its village feel and walkability to shops and restaurants. However, as the political scene on Capitol Hill became increasingly toxic, her priorities shifted. "I wanted to live closer to the mountains and have total privacy in my front and back yards," said Ms. Larkin, 61. She also sought a fenced-in area where her dog Artie could safely roam.

    Ms. Larkin's search for a new home began several years ago while she was working as director of public relations at the Inn at Little Washington, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant about 75 miles west of downtown D.C. She fell in love with the town and its surroundings, nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

    With a budget of around $500,000, Ms. Larkin sought a property with some land and a house that wouldn't require significant renovations. Her ideal location was within a 90-minute drive of her mother's home in Maryland. She listed her four-bedroom Del Ray house, which remains unsold, and started searching for a new home in April.

    "I wanted to sell my house in Del Ray and buy this next house without a mortgage," Ms. Larkin said, aiming to live debt-free in retirement. Among her options were three properties: a factory-built modular house with 1,560 square feet on a 4.2-acre lot; a brick house built in 1978 on 1.2 acres in Little Washington; and a cabin from 1976 on an 18-acre wooded lot.

    Ms. Larkin's priorities included at least two or three bedrooms for space to work and entertain, as well as views of the mountains where she loves to hike. She also wanted a kitchen with ample prep space and a fenced-in area for Artie. Ultimately, her goal was to find a comfortable home that allowed her to enjoy a simpler lifestyle.

    The modular house offered an open floor plan, big kitchen, and woodland views, but lacked landscaping and hardscaping. The brick house in Little Washington had a beautiful view of the mountains from the backyard, but needed upgrades for better flow and a fenced-in area. The cabin on 18 acres had a "rustic and chic" vibe, but Ms. Larkin worried it might be too large to manage and its price would stretch her budget.

    Ms. Larkin's search was driven by her desire for a debt-free retirement and a simpler lifestyle. With her priorities in mind, she carefully considered each property before making a decision.