How to find the best websites for playing chess? What factors are important when selecting a website to play chess on, including but not limited to features and community?

Note: Since asking for the best chess websites does not fall within the rules for types of questions that are allow on Stack Exchange, I figured I'd attempt to ask basically the same question in a way that will not result in it being closed.
It would depend to a certain extend on what your playing level is and what you want from the experience. Whether you want to play a few games for fun, or if you want to play to improve your game. Also whether you are looking for a free site or are willing to pay a subscription. 
I play for fun as well as to improve my game, so I look for a site with a larger number of active players with a good range of rating. And if you are willing to pay the subscription there are sites like ICC and Playchess (hope it isn't against the rules to name sites) that offer very good learning materials like video lectures by very strong players.