In selecting the type /style of snowblower, it would appear that you are on the boarder between a single stage and a two-stage blower with me leaning in the direction of a two-stage.
- So what is the difference and why: Two-stage commonly come 'self-propelled' where single stage is a push style with some help from the impeller to pull it forward. Also, two-stage units have two separate actions: the most visible is the cutting /feed unit across the front with a second that sits behind it, which lifts and throws the snow. A single stage combines the two actions. Heavy, wet snow tends to clog both types, but two-stage units tend to handle it easier.
- Regardless of type, I strongly recommend you look at snowblowers with a supplemental electric start. At some point, your snowblower will for whatever reason will choose to not start, by using the manual pull handle, which works well 95% of the time. With the market leaders this feature is standard, but you need to check!
- Gas powered units, which I strongly recommend for snowblowers need to use Marina /Recreation grade gas. Not regular Pump Gas that is currently used in cars and trucks. You will also want to use a Gas Stabelization Product to keep modern gas from degrading. You will find that using that type of gas will also help you lawn mower. Never leave gas in the tank between seasons!!! I always have my mower and snowblower service at the end of their season. That way it is ready when the season begins, just add fresh gas and go. After service, I run the gas out by allow it to run itself out of gas, then a couple of pulls and store.
- Cut width, is important for several reasons. The wider the cut width, the faster you get the job done!! But, as noted by my good friend above, the greater the cut width, the heavier they get and the more manhandling is required. Also, the bigger the more difficult they are in getting them in and out of the garage, turning in general and for a small city lot, just plain over-kill! You likely will want to look at a 24 to 28" cut width.
- Features are a personal thing and each user will have their must have items.
a. Handle Bar Warmer, common when outside of the city, rare for in City. It's an exposure to wind thing.
b. Electric Start, most machine come standard with this feature. I assure you that you will not likely use this feature, but with most things, it will be a lifesaver when you really need to use the snowblower.
c. Lights are one of those things that are truly specific to your area. A moonless, heavy clouded night and it can be really dark and snowblowers are not something that you want to run into something with. Not needed if you have reasonable outside lighting in the general area(s) you will be using it.
d. Enclosures are like handle bar heaters, rare in the City.
e. Reverse gear(s) are a deal breaker (must have) in my mind! Manhandling a two-stage snowblower is a pain! I see reverse as a Must Have and with your different areas, you will need it more than you will believe.
So, who is the best!!
As I stated above the repair guy is very important and is the main reason I have Toro snowblowers and lawn mower. If I had an Ariens shop closer I would have Ariens.
I have both, a single stage at our home (city) and a two-stage at the cabin. Next time, I replace the home snowblower, it will be a two-stage for the same reason as Bill upgraded his unit. I am getting older, although a bit older than Bill.
Hope that this has helps!
If we do get fluffy snow in the super cold months, it tends to be smaller amounts spread over a few days. 
