[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Perhaps Elrond was receiving complaints about the smell of sulphur from an impromptu fireworks factory. After all, Rivendell is as good a place as any.

Returning to your point, Essex: the fact that Gandalf didn't really settle anywhere doesn't mean that he didn't live somewhere on a temporary basis, although I don't remember any mention of that. To my mind he had his work cut out for him inspiring and guiding the enemies of Sauron throughout North-Western Middle-earth, travelling thousands of miles on horseback or on foot and still managing to attend meetings of the White Council. No wonder he tried to get out of it by claiming to be afraid of Sauron.