Why do you live where you live?

[3rdbase]

I've lived in a lot of different states and big city suburbs, San Francisco and Chicago to name a few. I was always interested in Thomas Jefferson and his life and visited Monticello after a few years of marriage. Really thought the Charlottesville, VA area was perfect. Four seasons, very long springs and falls, Blue Ridge Mountains, reverance for history and a strong anti growth feeling. The University of Virginia is in town. I bought property here five years ago, while still living in the Chicago area, with a plan to retire on it, and it was getting quite expensive. Decided two years ago to move then and not wait. I really like it, and feel blessed to be where I want. I have the 30 acres a little north of town. I live in a subdivision of three acre lots-the property is a bit too long of a drive for day-day school stuff. We'll stay here till the last youngster leaves high school, then move out to the property. A local winery is interested in buying any grapes I grow out there, and my wife is quite interested in that-though it's a lot of work. I just love going out there and mowing the 15 acre meadow. I keep my tractor out there in a barn.

 

[alan40]

I bought my land in 1982 because my mother said I was making to much money and needed to invest it. (E-3 Navy)I've always loved Vermont and when I was going to ask my wife to marry me I took her up to the property and asked if she liked it. She said yes and it was another bonus point for our relationship. I moved back after 20 years in the Navy. We now have two little boys and 2 dogs. All my buddies can't believe I moved back here even though I told them I always would. Now they all desire the same lifestyle that I am very lucky to have. I stay at home with my two sons and it's the best damm job anywere in the world.
Have a great day!!!
Al

 

[TxSam]

Randy, good points made. I currently live in Dallas, but will be moving out of town aways and into the country. My Dad and I have been working on the house the last couple of weeks after work which has allowed us to be out away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just the other day, the sun was going down and we were cleaning up, getting ready to head home and were treated to on of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in quite some time. Colors that seemed unreal as the sun hit the clouds in shades of orange and pink and the blue of the sky seemed electric. We both sat in wonder as we viewed the spectacular view that only nature and God can provide. It was then that I thought to myself, 'This is why you live out in the country'.

A further comment as I have read the posts of other members here. I am so thankful to live in such a great and diverse nation as we do. Just to think, we have been afforded the opportunity to have the freedom and natural blessing to choose where we want to live is an overwhelming thought when you compare to others around the globe. From the Atlantic coast, to the Appalachians, the forrested hills of the southeast, the unequaled abundance of the Great Lakes regions, to the vastness of the Great Plains, the awe-inspiring pinnacles of the Rockies, the colorful deserts of the Southwest, the giant forrests of the Sierra Nevada and the wave-washed shores of the West Coast. An unequaled land for sure. Surely, God has Blessed America and I trust He will do so in the future. I am truly thankful to live in the place that I do. Amen.

Sam - Tractorless in Big 'D'

 

[Youare]

This truly is a great nation and a beautiful land, I hope I get a chance to see more of it from time to time. As I get to opportunity to travel I hope I run into poeple like you folks, it's people like you all that make this country a great place to live.

Sam, I wish more people could see the sunsets as you have seen them and recognize the blessing we have. As great as this country is there is a greater God who created it just for us. Glad to know you are all enjoying it.

Randy

 

[Anonymous Poster]

This has been really fun to read so far, thanks for everyone's input. I saw an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" once that really hit home. He was talking about the 3 zones in regard to your proximity to the in-laws. One zone was where you live too far away to visit or have them visit very often. Another zone is where they are just minutes away and might visit too often. The last zone is the "overnight guests" zone. I'm currently in that zone (175 miles). I'm convinced that it's the worst zone to be in. It's not far enough keep them from visiting too often, but far enough that they stay at our house when they visit for a weekend (or longer). I have to keep one room in the house as a guest room instead of using it for a hobby room or something. I should have married someone from a wealthier family so they could at least afford a hotel when they visit. The flip side isn’t good either, since when we visit them I have to sleep in an old worn out bed that’s too small and we don’t have much privacy. I suggested we stay in a hotel so the kids could use the pool and we could have more privacy, but that would “insult” her parents. I think the “minutes away” zone would be better, since then I wouldn’t have to live with them once a month and they would be available for free babysitting. But, that’s not going to happen unless they move south because I’m not about to move there (NW IN), it’s too cold and I need to see the sun once in a while. The “too far away” zone was ok until we had to make the 1200+ mile trek and stay there for days, then make the trek back every year (I’ve always hated flying). One week of my vacation was automatically spent making that trip. If I’m going to drive that far I’d prefer it be for doing something fun, such as a vacation in the mountains, not to sit around at the in-laws.

 

[MossRoad]

That's too bad. I love my inlaws like they were my own parents. They are about 15 minutes away and we see them every weekend. They are one of the reasons that I didn't want to leave this area. If anything happened that they would need to move in with us, I wouldn't hesitate. I guess I'm lucky.

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

 

[raptor]

MossRoad

Price per acre was very much a reason my wife and I bought our place in Oklahoma. Ground (to me) was still affordable there. Of course you have to take into account that wages are significantly less there, than a number of other places in the country. Hopefully it balances out with a cheapier cost of living. Undeveloped acreage at a radius of 50 miles or more of St. Louis can run anywhere from $3000 - $30,000 per acre. Out of site for me. Definitely one of those kinda things, where I should have bought all I could have 20 years ago......

Terry

 

[MossRoad]

And its probably hard to fly a falcon in the city, eh? Do you own any?

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

 

[Anonymous Poster]

MossRoad - I think we're on the opposite end of the spectrum on this one. Most guys are in the middle and would probably not want to have their in-laws visiting every weekend, let alone living with them. Most also probably don't dread it like I do when they visit. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate them. I just don't have anything in common with them. For example, they don't go outside unless they have to, whereas I prefer to be outside as much as I can. They love to go shopping (yes, even my father-in-law loves shopping) and I hate to go shopping. Their favorite way to spend a perfect 75 degree sunny day is to go to the outlet malls, mine is to putter around in the yard and garden, go for a hike, play tennis, etc.

Anyway, I think it's both interesting and good that most of you like where you live, for whatever reason, and don't intend to move. I probably won't move either unless I lose my job and can't find another one in this area. The reason I came here is because this was one place I could find affordable land and a job in a smaller city (Columbus is about 35K population), so I don't have a long drive to work (about 22 minutes) and can still live in the country. I have everything I need within a half hour drive (Hoosier National Forest, various state parks, tennis courts, Lowes, Home Depot coming soon, Walmart Superstore, Quality Farm and Fleet, and Sears. Also, Mike's Music and Dance Barn for smoke free Country and Western dancing). Another thing I like is that we don't observe daylight savings time, so we don't have run around twice a year and change all of our clocks. My kids have a 5 acre yard and about an acre of woods to play in and our neighbors are easy to get along with. I do miss the mountains and dry air of Colorado, but couldn't afford land there (those views aren't cheap).

 

[Boondox]

Danny -- I had to laugh when I read your comments about shopping! On my too-often business trips I'm continually amazed at how many city folk consider a trip to the mall some form of High Entertainment! Heck, I'd rather mow than shop!

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com