Wheee! We just bought a duplex. We'll be living on the 1st floor, with hang on... A BACKYARD (fenced in)! And a small patio! In a nice neighborhood (a bit trashy in some areas but getting better i.e. father and child riding chopper bicycles in the summer), that has the best animal policies in the city. No pet limits, need to be spayed/neutered to have a rebate on city license, and no breed specific laws.
We're moving in march (last winter with no yard!) and I can't wait! I just needed to share the joy!