Some notes and observations from folks down in Be'er Sheva (heretofore known as BS)

The BS kehila is much larger than that of Meitar, and more varied. Meitar is much more 'suburban-minded', tends to be a bit more upscale, I think. One of the prominent traits of the BS community is that it's emphatically modest. Also perhaps you'll find BS a bit more laid-back religiously, although there certainly are a lot of hardal-tending families your age as well. Omer doesn't have much of a 'community' per se.
The BS community is usually referred to as Shchuna Hey, although it extends into Tet and other areas. The 3 big shuls are the Kipa (lots of Anglos, but mostly Israeli in flavor--that's where I go), Rambam (a bit younger, more Anglo-oriented, more colorful and tolerant--that's Miriam Green), and Tet (no lack of Anglos, but mostly Hebrew-based, more houses over there across the street). But people don't always daven in the closest shul--the distances aren't that great.

Omer is richer and snootier, has decent schools, and is mostly secular (but has a wonderful Conservative congregation) - is very close to Beer Sheva, and has a problem with the Beduoin tribes who live adjacent to it (higher theft rates). Lehavim is also secular, closer to Tel Aviv and even has its own train station, and is very expensive. Nice population, on the whole, and a wonderful staff at the Clalit clinic. Meitar is third of the three, very lovely aesthetically but poorly served by the bus routes, and has problematic schools and a slightly "lower class" population profile. There is, however, quite a vibrant religious community (including Anglos), and a small "start-up" Conservative congregation which also features Anglos quite prominently.

That would explain the donkey cart we saw riding through what should have been a locked gate with some kids in it...

Ok, glad I sent out the email...

We're in love with Be'er Sheva.

There are several neighborhoods and outlying communities we are going to be getting serious about. The Ramot and Ramot Bet neighborhoods of Be'er Sheva, the community of Omer and someone recommended Meitar.

I'm not sure Even Shmuel is going to happen... at first blush, the settlement looks... run down... which unfortunately is a pretty Israeli-settlement thing... they're just not big on aesthetics. Also, the fact that our rep doesn't really seem all that interested in getting us to move there.