Why do you live where you live?

Bird · Dec 10, 2001

Our youngest daughter (age 32) called Saturday and told my wife that she and her son (age 12) had been crying all day; had to have their rat terrier put down after goodness knows how much money, surgery, etc. for an intestinal blockage.

thumperjb · Dec 10, 2001

I grew up in PA and joined the Army moving around every 2 years till '83 then settled in northernTexas. I would still be there if my mother hadn’t gotten ill and needed some help. Now I live in central Alabama. I bought 20 acres and created a stray animal sanctuary. I currently support 12 dogs, 10 cats and a few goats. It still amazes me how some folks can carelessly dispose of unwanted animals on the side of country roads. It was great to hear that you guys cherish your animals

Move? umm maybe if I could find another place even further out in the country where I could rescue even more animals.

PTRich · Dec 10, 2001

I like you have lived many places. I ended up where I started, Willington Connecticut. I live on a main road close to the highway. My road is very busy but I live 1600' off it so it is nice and quiet. We are 15 minutes from nowhere and 30 - 60 minutes to everywhere. Takes a little planning for shopping but not much. I feel we have the best of both worlds, 20 minutes to Home Depot and the Mall but still quiet country living. I can not see any neighbors from my yard witch I like. Like I tell my wife, the boys room is inside and the mens room is outside. We have a lot of deer, turkeys, coyotes, fish, owls etc... When I grew up I never dreamed I would live here but now I would not give it up for anything./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

PTRich.

s1120 · Dec 10, 2001

Well, hopefully I will be moving back to area that I was born it next year. I was born in Columbia county NY, and lived there till I was about 5 years, Then we moved just a bit north to Schodack NY for a few years. Then it was back to my hometown for high school. After that I wanted to move out of the country, and got an apartment in Schenectady NY. Ya that was nice for a few years. Got a house, got married, and now want to move BACK to the country. As we were looking for a house, I found a piece of land less than ½ mile from my moms house, where I used to live. Now I am glad to be moving back. I think it will be a much better place to rise kids. My wife is also looking forwards to it. She is a city girl, and has never lived in the country. Is she in for a surprise! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Youare · Dec 10, 2001

I think every one now and then kind of dreams of what it would be like to live in a different place than where they do. Those who live in a colder climate wonder what it would be like to live where it may be a little warmer. On those real hot and humid times we may long for a place where it doesn't get that hot. Every place has it's good seasons and it's better seasons.

I live in the relitive country of central New England. A place that can get down right cold in the winter and there are some stretches of summer heat that are just hot. But, it's for all those times in between the extremes that we live where we do.

I like where I live. We don't have to worry about snakes that could kill you if you intrude on thier proprety. We don't have a host of bugs that like to borrow under your skin or try to bite your head off, except for a few weeks of black fly time in the spring.

We do have four solid seasons, each one bringing their own special beauty. From almost any where you can be at the sea coast in a couple of hours or less or be in the mountians, Green or White.

I have neighbors, who live in Germany all but 12 weeks out of the year who say that this is one of the most beautiful places on earth, they purchased 400 acres of land here as opposed to buying land any where else. Their 35 year old son flew over from Germany for just a weekend about a month ago after going through some pretty rough times at home. He said to me, "you don't know how special a place this is and how lucky you are to be able to live here all the time." Just to be able to sit at the edge of the pond and think about what the important things are in life, away from the noise of the city and the pressures of business refreshed him.

Sure, New England is not the easiest place to live in, it has it's challenges, but it's for all those times in between that we live where we do. Each one of us is different and so we live in different areas we all like different things about where we are. I glad we all don't live in the same place, I wouldn't have as much tractor driving space as I do, maybe I wouldn't need a tractor that would be sad.

Being content with where you are is half the battle. I am greatful for where I am and the blessings that I have right here.

Randy

MossRoad · Dec 10, 2001

When you were looking for land did you notice that the highest prices were for parcels with big city phone number but rural school systems?

 MossRoad

RobS · Dec 11, 2001

MR, not sure if we noticed that or not. We did notice that the smaller the lot, the higher the per acre cost. We think we got a pretty good deal after looking at a lot of property and making an offer on two other parcels. We end up in Edwardsburg schools, Niles address, Cass county (Milton twp) and Niles phone (we think). The biggie for us was the Edwardsburg schools. We didn't even look in Indiana as we'd have to move to far from those in-laws to get rural and decent schools /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Boondox · Dec 11, 2001

Randy -- You said a mouthful, brother! I, too, look forward to the variety offered by the different seasons. And after nine years at sea and another 8 years confined in college, I find the wide open spaces are good for the soul. I see by your profile you're a manufacturing engineer. What sort of mfg? We might be facing the same sort of challenges on the job.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

MossRoad · Dec 11, 2001

Yeah. Land prices under 20 acres are outrageous. If you can raise the cash though, 80 acre parcels can be had for 2500-3500 per acre.

 MossRoad

Youare · Dec 11, 2001

Pete,

For 27 years I worked at a company that makes printing machines (systems) for marking and identifying products. Most of that equipment was tagreted for the electronics industry marking chips and other small electronic devices. They also made some machines for the textile and garment industry. For about 24 years I was involved with the division that produced the printing element side of the business. I designed and manufactured rubber and plastic molds, set-up and EDM process for engraving metal type, designed and built machines for in-house processes.

Then came the late 90's and down-sizing and I was given the opportunity to work some place else. I would have been content to stay there the rest of my working life. As it turned out I was blessed with a job working as the Maintenance supervisor at a company in Vermont that makes optical filters, a whole new world to me. Now three years later I am part of a team developing new products and the equipment to manufacture those products plus oversee the Maintenance department.

That's enough to bore most people, but I like what I am doing and I am thankful that I was rooted out of my previous job.

Randy

3rdbase · Dec 11, 2001

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 · Dec 11, 2001

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 · Dec 11, 2001

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 · Dec 11, 2001

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 · Dec 11, 2001

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 · Dec 11, 2001

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.

 MossRoad

raptor · Dec 11, 2001

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 · Dec 11, 2001

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

 MossRoad

Anonymous Poster · Dec 11, 2001

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 · Dec 11, 2001

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