Forget about living near the airport. The airport bus service is great for 13 rmb or a taxi from almost anyplace will cost not more than 100.

Forget about a car. Figure out what kind of amenities you want access to and just go live there. Best bet is to find an apartment in inner city, you will be close to everything and not need the car, or any of the hassles that come with owning a car.

faraday is right - Chinese inner cities have not (yet!) been ruined by the geographic class-stratification, brought about by the private automobile & suburban/urban ghettoe-ization, that has occurred in US cities, and perhaps cities elsewhere in countries where cities have been historically new implants and where there are way too many private automobiles for anyone's health.

China- if lucky, the family MAY have 1 car.

USA- 90% of family have 3+ cars. Kids got to drive to school!

Yes, many cars in China now, and a lot more coming. Yes air quality suffers somewhat, but the way Chinese drive, it might end up a good way to control the population. So there are pro's and cons.

But in the end, Chinese have as much right to own cars as the free world does, so no need to complain about it.

Bad air from cars is a small health problem compared to unregulated food quality, medical care, petty crime.

Need a car? Don't feel guilty, go buy one (or two). No big deal and you can be free to live where you want.

Go ahead and buy that car but don't complaint when you're in traffic for hours. Don't complaint when you have to pay for parking. Don't complaint when you have an accident. I agree with @Bucko. Everybody has a right to own a car if they want one and get a license. Having a car is a big headache especially in the center of town.