I like to ask the forum guys n gals in the show case section. Because I don't really care if they vist or not. I'm more interested in seeing creative towns.
That is what I love about this game, so many amazing towns that think out the box and not just copy others. I keep my list small so I can visit easy and often and also spend time looking at there new designs.
The key is to ask first. Most people Rarely ever say no.
As ppl suggested forum reg are your best bet as you get a rough idea on how they play. E.g I'm not gona have a neighbour who dictates what buildings I type. I do help out with the tile glitch but I won't be told :lol:
I only ever use the add me sections if I need neighbours fast but also understand that most of them will be low lvl and may have farms. But we were all there ones :mrgreen: