Joining into the discussion rather late in the game here, but I'd like to chip in my two cents. I personally think that it's nigh well impossible to say that one lodge may be "better" than another, but I think one may be a vastly "better fit" than another for you. The brethren who have contributed to this thread up ahead of me have made this observation in one way or another. Most lodges have a dinner before their stated meetings, and it might be a good opportunity to visit with those brethren to see which might be the "better fit" for you.
Get to know the brethren, await the time with patience, and determine in the fullness of time which of these lodges is the one likely to suit you best. As a Mason of over 20 years (I was a rarity then, initiated, passed and raised when I was only 21 years old), I can say I've never once regretted my membership in the fraternity, and I've been awfully proud to be a Mason. It's good knowing that anywhere I go in this world, I can find a brother. I applaud your interest and your decision to petition a lodge, and I can attest to you that you'll get out of it at least what you put into it.
Fortunately, many lodges these days are getting infusions of younger members in their twenties and thirties, which I think is a huge blessing. Ten years ago, considering the age of the average Mason, I'd have guessed the fraternity was to die off in twenty or so years, but no more.
Anyway, there's my opinion and advice, for whatever it might be worth to you.
Patrick T. Heffernan
Past Master (2008 - 2009)
Anson Jones Lodge #1416, A.F. & A.M.