My Journey to a Rural Home: Living with Pluses and Minuses

When I moved to my current neighborhood, it was the only option available after my home purchase. It sits in a rural area with over an acre of land, which provides plenty of open space. Although it is a quieter place compared to my previous neighborhood, there are certainly pluses and minuses to living in such a setting.

From Comfort to Compliments

Initially, my previous neighborhood was both refreshing and disappointing. After the real estate bubble burst, the houses in our once-pristine subdivision became cheaper, almost reminiscent of a trailer park. Residents would sit on their front lawns, laden with deck chairs, sipping beer and playing loud music through open garage doors. Cars and trailers cluttered the streets, with various types of vehicles and sports equipment visible. Dogs and children were everywhere, making it a bustling scene.

While some might appreciate this lively atmosphere, I found it more tranquil to return to my previous neighborhood, which was quieter and less crowded. The market eventually recovered, and we were able to move closer to my workplace, a delightful change indeed.

Health and Obligation

My decision to stay in this rural area is not so much a choice but rather a necessity. I am the live-in caretaker for my grandfather, who refuses to move elsewhere. Despite living in some less desirable areas in the past, this decision is based on pure pragmatism.

With my age and some health issues that prevent me from engaging in much labor around the property, I have no regrets. The semi-rural environment offers a good quality of life. The air is clean, although the effects of forest fires sometimes affect the local skies, making them a bit smoky. While there are no big city shopping areas, there are still many conveniences available here. The weather is generally cool, with temperatures over 65 degrees considered a warm day and 70 degrees a significant heat wave. This environment allows me to adapt and appreciate the simple pleasures available in my area.

Diversity and Harmony

I identify as white and live in a racially diverse neighborhood. My house, a beautiful older home with stunning woodwork, great craftsmen-style windows, and a lovely yard, would have cost at least 10 times more in other parts of the city. It has been a journey to find and embrace these pluses.

Although there have been some challenges, such as a drug dealer in the area and children playing in the street in the summer, the strong Neighborhood Association and supportive community make me feel safe and supported. Our neighbors, who come from various racial backgrounds including African American, Puerto Rican, Hong, and white, are all homeowners, contributing to a sense of community and diversity. These factors, coupled with the many good aspects of my neighborhood, make it a place where I am happy and plan to stay.