This move was one I had considered for a long time. In fact, the chickiebabe and I were pretty sure we were going to move here when I got the news about my mom’s death in 2004, and that threw everything into a tailspin.
One of the reasons I resisted for so long was because it felt like “the ‘burbs.” I had grown up in burbs (in Memphis), had lived in burbs in San Diego, and in Cupertino. In fact, aside from a brief slice of time in college ghetto housing, I had lived in the burbs my entire life. I wasn’t really enthusiastic about moving again to just another slice of Generica. So not enthusiastic, that when the girl and I finally decided to move after 10+ years in Cupertino, it was to San Francisco, for my first taste of the big, bad city.
And I liked living in SF, I really did. Despite the 1:20 commute each day (each way), despite having the car keyed, despite having the bus broken into and the dash torn up, despite the cats pissing/spraying/marking their territory on an all-too-regular basis, despite having to move the vehicles twice a week to avoid the street cleaners, despite all of that madness, I really liked it. I loved our view of the bay, I loved the easy access to the fabulous art scene in SF, I loved the eclectic and exciting food options always available.
But we moved anyway, for a variety of reasons. And I’m very happy to say that these are not the same burbs I have been used to my entire life. If I didn’t think it sounded pretentious, I’d say it feels a bit like living in a small European village (like I have the experience to make such a comparison). Rather than being out in the distant burbs where the least thing requires a car, instead I find myself right next to the little town center. I’m within trivial walking distance of several tasty indy restaurants, my bank, the library (open seven days a week; take that, CA!), the post office, a small movie house and a smattering of shops. I’m also within easy walking distance of the area light rail.
And yet the place still carries a small town feel and charm to it, which I’m really enjoying. I’ve met a few of my neighbors, and I’m planning an event to meet many more of them. We’re having dinner most every night with The Neighbors, sometimes with food cooked by us, sometimes by them, and most often a bit of both. And because I’m working at home, my five minute breaks away from the computer can be spent punching down dough to let bread rise, or tasting a soup that’s simmering for dinner.
So far, I would say everything has turned out better than I had hoped for, indeed, better than I could have expected.
I am so glad to hear that. 8)
Nice area of Gresham
Gresham does have an interesting mix of rural, suburban, and the old town community, but I had to laugh at the thought that anyone could describe it as like living in a small European Village. Admittedly you do live in a very convenient location there and old town is quite quaint. But all the strip malls, commuter traffic, and Starbucks down the street are strong indicators that you are still in the burbs… sorry.
Re: Nice area of Gresham
Totally true. I’m thinking more of the city center to the east, not so much the strip maul to the north.
Although, my limited experience in Europe has been depressing in that regard. Even a little postage stamp like Brugge, Belgium is overrun with Kenny Shoes, Benetton, The Gap, etc. Globalization, feh!
I’m glad the move is working for you. It sounds great.
Ja and I are struggling with the fact that we clearly belong in Midtown, where many of our friends and all our hangouts and both our jobs are handy, but we are unable to pay twice the price to live in a smaller place with better locks, and unwilling to give up the garden space, fireplace, and friendly privacy (e.g., neighbors who check on us when the firetrucks visit or there are other signs of trouble, but either don’t notice or forbear to ask when we have sex on the back porch.) I suspect we’ll move again even if we don’t leave town…
I can so see you in Midtown; I’m sorry to hear it seems so unlikely. I’m surprised costs are so much higher there. It’s been a long time since the heyday of Midtown, Theater on the Square and the like. I have some very fond memories of being there with you, including two prom dinners. Is Paulette’s still there?
But yeah, I know what you mean about treasuring the space and privacy you get when you’re a little further out from town. Where do you think you’re most likely to move to next?
Re: Midtown
Well, see, downtown and midtown are becoming
gentrifiedrevitalized these past 10 years…Re: Moving Again
I want another couple of years in this house, I guess– but it all depends on money, family issues, and career issues. I can see moving to East TN or up towards the stepdaughters if I can put up the bucks and if I can get a job in a similar nonprofit…
Paulette’s, the Square, etc.
Yes, Paulette’s is still there, expanded into the house next door now; the owner who was resisting selling to the restaurant died, I heard. There is a Bosco’s brewery/restaurant next door with occasional live music, and a movie theater that plays somewhat more avant garde stuff over behind… things are slicker on the Square than in the late ’70s, but it’s alive again.
I almost cried when The Public Eye burned down.