Having lived in both, I'd recommend the latter.

All depends on your personality and possible HOA's in a more populated area.

Personally, I don't have a problem being separated from people, and you don't have to be lonely just because you're away from people - animals can provide you company and keep you busy. I would go with the more recluse location as you can do what you with your property more so than in a neighborhood. Grow a garden, have a bon fire, and just generally have more freedom. Land and houses are generally cheaper a little farther out so that also helps. As long as you have a reliable mode of transportation then living farther away from people is my go to. Also, a plus if you work remote and don't have to commute.

The thing I like the most about my neighbors is that they leave me the fuck alone. I got lucky.

Considering how much turnover there has been in the area, I expect a few people who bought at less than 200k in the area are going to be looking to sell, and the landlord's who are going to be buying property are going to rent it out to some crackheads, I'm sure of it... When they do, that bliss I have of being left the hell alone will go right out the damn window.

If I had the choice, of this place, or another just like it, but away from any neighbors, I would have pushed to be away from neighbors.

Anyone who I want around, can drive here. Everyone else can go away.

of course it's cheap, it's filled with spiders. I'm willing to pay a premium and deal with neighbors to avoid my flesh being necrotized

If you can drive, recluse house all the way. It's my cottagecore fantasy for when I'll finally make it (any day now!)

I decided to never own a car again, and that was the tiebreaker.