Usually I just like to build my own stonewalled hut with a nice secure metal door, but it usually takes a lot of time to get the skills to do that and have essentially an impregnable fortress.
But usually I just camp out in the starting evac shelters. Plenty of rags and thread, metal and wood to keep you going for a while. The best part is the active monitor in the shelter though, because I can do sewing and reading at night! Forever! Wheee!
The main problem people will think is OMG 8 WINDOWS UUGGHHH ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING but it really isn’t hard to just make spiked pits outside said windows. Then board up the windows. It really is t hard.
What’s that? A jabberwock smashed down your wall? Well… ha… uh… alright shit. Starting shelter down, retreat!
But for me just upgrading evac shelters is sufficent because its a nice shaped house with a basement, good space and a easy symmetric design to work with. And the fucking monitor’s awesome infinite light is so good and can’t even begin to tell you. Screw yo’ fancy atomic night lights (but those are pretty amazing too.)