I am considering a power vent water heater due to the area I'd like to have it. I have read they can be noisy. I'd like to hear from anyone with experience with this type of heater.

Power vent heaters are not particularly noisy if placed in a basment. They are much more expensive to buy than a flue type heater, but work very well and are very safe. If for any reason there is a malfuction the heater will not light and shut itself down.