If you move from an unhappy place to a happy place,

that's probably the most powerful thing you can do over time to favor your happiness.

Not all of us can move, however.

But there are a few things you can look for in your house.

Number one : contrary to what your realtor will say, you do not want to buy the cheapest house on the block.

You want to buy the average house on the block

because you don't want always to be taunted by the neighbor who 's got a nicer house and a better car.

Number two : you want a house with a sidewalk.

The happiest Americans are socially interacting five to six hours a day.

You're much more likely to do that if you live in a connected neighborhood

than if you live in some soulless cul-de-sac.

You want a front porch on your house as opposed to a back deck.

Once again, a front porch invites social interaction ; a back deck, you're off by yourself.

You want good light in your home.

You want plants in your home.

That actually favors happiness.