what geographic features might be desireable to settlers? why

Question

geographic features that might influence settlement

Answer 1

Many considerations. 

1) Should be near water......drinking, bathing, laundry, irrigation, fishing

 2)Should have climate and soil for farming and any livestock, food and clothing depending on what you plant.

 3)Should be near wooded area for building materials, housing, dams, weapons for hunting and protection, hides for clothing, wood for fire and cooking.

 

All of the above should provide enough for the basics....food, clothing and shelter. 

I am assuming you're starting from scratch and are in more primitive times.

 

It would be nice to live by a diamond mine or even a coal mine or petroleum pocket....some commodity that can be used for trade. But you really need 1,2 and 3 to provide the basics..

 

I wouldn't move near danger....by a volcano, earthquake zone, tornado alley or hurricane zone, although most of us do. My region has none of those things, at least very seldom.....but that's my personal preference.