When you first arrive.. where to live?

[Lupie]

Unless you already have a job lined up... Don't think that you'll find anything too quick. Make sure you have plenty of money to live on, because you most likely won't work for 6 months to a year after getting here.
I would rent for at least 6 months while you look to buy. You're going to realize you probably want a smaller house than you are used to on the mainland. "Things" become so much less important.

Good luck to you and yours.