Child-Friendly/Safe Neighborhood with a minimum of 1900 sq. ft.

Our priorities are to be in an area where we can comfortably allow Owen to move about, ideally one with other young children.  We like ranch houses, and brick houses, and houses with character.  We are not afraid of having to do some flooring/bath/kitchen updates, but aren't interested in putting excessive money into the house.  If it is a 2-story house, we would like to have two separate living spaces, and potential for at least one room to serve as a bedroom on the first floor.  We are not looking at this house as one where we would need to make a profit, but, rather a house we can live in for the next 15+ years that will ideally at least hold its value.