We all have our reasons for residing in our little “neck of the woods.” And the answers are as diverse as the life experiences of each resident.
There are a few that have lived in the same house all of there lives. Born and raised and producing new generations whose destinies are intertwined with that of their communities.
And there are others that want to remain near to family and dear friends, and they choose to remain close in both affection and proximity.
Others are relocated by their employers, and know very little about the region other than the fact that it offers them continued employment.
Some areas offer attractions that draw residents, such as being near the beach or national parks. These area offer unique lifestyle opportunities that cannot be duplicated in other parts of the country.
Climate can also play an important role in many decisions to move. There are as many micro-climates in North America as there are potential home buyers, as many desire warmer, cooler, wetter or dryer regions.
Local economies and levels of taxation are also a huge factor. Many local economies are still growing while others are shrinking, leaving the burden of taxation to an ever dwindling number of residents.
And finally, there are those that simply want a change of pace or something different from their current situation. They seek out communities that offer something of particular interest to them. Whether it be good schools, excellent shopping, recreation or transportation, they all have their reason to select a relocation destination.
So if someone were to pose the question: “Why do you live where you live,” what would be your response? How would you sell your community to them?
Because your answer could make the difference between a new neighbor or a lost opportunity!
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Thanks for the post.
I would say I have lived in the area all my life.
Have a good day.
Good question, I came here 15 years ago for a job. Now I guess it is the climate, no state taxes, close to the beaches...not sure! I think I could sell that pretty easily!
Richard:
This is a wonderful post and a good way to engage people on exactly why they should consider a particular community.
After spending a number of years living in San Francisco, which was great fun, I got the urge for city life out of my system. I now love my little "peaceful" little town of Ashland. It is quiet, safe and the people are wonderful.
J & H...
Which is a selling point, because you have never wanted to leave! Thanks.
Gary...
OK I'm sold! See you in a few years. THX
Claudette...
San Francisco is a beautiful city but you have to be a millionaire to live there! Thanks, my friend.
We originally came to the area 30 years ago because of my husband's job. Now we stay in the area because all our family are here. We love the area because of it's diversity. It's the country lifestyle with mountains and beaches, yet very close to the city lifestyle of Boston.
Wake Forest has the small town charm I was looking for, a VIBRANT historic downtown, exceptional town planners, LOADS of local parks and walking trails, a variety of homes in all styles and prices making it a very diverse place to live, fantastic schools, and I am only 10 mins from Raleigh if i need something from the "big" city! We are 3 hours from the beach and 3 hours from the mountains making day trips EASY! There is ALWAYS TONS to do and events to attend. I will live NO where else!
My community of Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert AZ is a family friendly multi generation lake community. We moved here because we love the green landscape that's required in this town in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. We saw this home that is on the lake and bought it the same night because it fit all our criteria.
We are well past the retirement age and would never consider a retirement community. We have always been around children, our own and our grandchildren, and wanted to live in a community that is multi generation. It helps to keep us young.
We have moved several times since our marriage in 1996; we've lived in small isolated Southern towns (in dry counties!!!) where the stores closed at noon on Wednesdays AND Saturdays and where I read all the books in the library in a year; I've left behind my dream house more than once and yeah, I've lived where my commute was 3 hours per day, but through it all, I always had the attitude that while I could not control the environment, I COULD control my attitude and be happy anywhere.
I try to point out to relocating clients the positive of every location where I have lived, no matter how large or how small the community...there are positives everywhere, if you look hard enough.
By the time I move from any place, I have "been there" "done that" long enough and am ready to move on. So many places to see, so much to experience, so little time.
Richard, when I was young I went where the family took me, later I moved around with a best friend. We left Atlanta for Alexandria, her mom was there. Back to Atlanta after a year for me, then a few years later she had moved up to Kent, CT to be near her father and brothers. I took a trip up here for a visit, and never left!
Do I love this place? You bet. Would I move? Well, if circumstances were right. I will not leave because of a job myself, I think moving to a new area for a Realtor is a hard thing to do, but you never know about my husband. I don't think so though. My kids are here, the grandkids, and for now this is where we want to be.
The only thing that may make me move in years to come is snow, although I love to look at it, the snow and cold weather wear on you after a while. But then again, so does the sweltering summer heat, LOL.
I have no problem to sell this area, it is a fantastic place to live, work and play!
My best friend wants to buy an RV when she retires and wants us to retire with her, traveling across the United States. After being here on AR for a while I realize there are so many places I want to visit, so that is something I am really hoping we can make happen!
Hi Richard,
It is family and friends that make us never want to leave Pennsylvania. In all honestly, the nicest people in the world live in Pennsylvania. It is also a beautiful state that offers everything from great cities, history and culture to beautiful mountains, wildlife, and recreation. Schools, colleges and hospitals are top-notch in Pennsylvania. We are also close to New York, Baltimore, Washington and the Atlantic Ocean. We have four gorgeous seasons and seem immune to natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, etc. It is truly a wonderful place to live.
~Lisa
I grew up here in Idaho but lived in Southern California for about 10 years...went to college and forgot to come home....have been back in Idaho for about 16 years now....and it is HOME....
I love the mild winters....the dry hot humid free summers ....actually we have all 4 seasons! WHen my hubby can get his early retirement from his job in Northern Illinois he will be moving here full time! I don't really see us moving from here..we may be nomads for awhile but this will always be home!
It is easy to sell the family oriented, pretty conservative life style we have....plenty to do here with all the festivals, mountains and lakes!!
HI Richard
I was drawn to the tropical balmy breezes in metro Ft Lauderdale long before we had an international airport. A former cosmo gal from NYC loving a city that never sleeps. The transition doesnt come without compromises.
Andrea took several years off to RV around the aoutheast quadrant of the USA. Yes, there are so many places to experience before we leave this planet.
Now I live one mile fromt he Atlantic Ocean on a PGA rated golfcourse where I can put the key in the the door, lock it and travel. Living seaside is envigorating and lends itself to a business climate that is fun. Although I specialize in commercial real estate, the investors want a reason to own a residence along with the income property to come to our beautiful area more often.
NOthing like putting your toes in the sand and a few laps across the surwaves, unless there is riptides, every morning to begin your day!
Happy Independence Day my friends
Richard, we moved here because of a job transfer and really like the Washington DC area. The climate is perfect with four seasons and a great location.
For me, it's very simple why I live in the Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area of NC. Great schools for my little one. Great weather for me! Low taxes, Lots to do and affordable housing. And that just scratches the surface of why I live where I do!
I came to Maryland for college (from Jamaica). We moved back after grad school because we really liked the history and culture of the Washington, DC area. I like it because it's a city but it doesn't feel overwhelming and it's a quick drive into the suburbs.
We chose our particular development because my husband really liked the idea of living on the golf course. There are other amenities that attracted us too. Now that we've been living here for 2 years I would say my favorite thing about the community are the people. The neighborhood is incredibly warm. People wave, kids run to each other's houses, people invite you to barbeques. Except for the fact that we have a higher mortgage :-( moving to Oak Creek is one of the best decisions we have made.
Richard, I often think our buyer clients are looking for their broker to affirm the choice and help them make a life style change. "Tell me what your area has to offer?" is their question.
Very fair question. I live in my area for the low crime and quality schools. I also have space between my neighbors house and mine. After flooding from Katrina five years ago I decided another 15 feet above sea level was a good idea. Just my two cents.
Richard, we live 7 miles from where I was born. My wife was born overseas, but also moved into the Waterbury area when her family emigrated here. It's our family ties that keep us here, and will keep us here. Even though I have asked to go someplace warmer, it's the ties that bind that will keep us here.
We have some of the best schools in the state. Some of the greatest universities such as Duke and Carolina.We are 3 hrs from the beach and 3 hrs from the mountains.
Just a few days ago I wrote a blog on why I love my neighborhood in Urbana, IL. My husband and I moved to Champaign-Urbana for him to start grad school, and this university town has been a great fit for us. The area is great for students and families alike. It's a small town, really, but it's easy to get to St. Louis, Chicago, or Indianapolis from here, and we have family in the Chicago area, so it's great to be near them!
Wow...
These comments are so great that here is my challenge to you.
Turn your comment into a blog post about why you live where you live!
I was born and raised in Northern Virginia. However, after traveling all over the country I have learned that there is no place like home. Our economy is always in better shape than the rest of country thanks to being so close to the Federal Government. Also, it gives someone all four seasons and ability to have a short drive to waterfront or beachfront areas, or out to the mountains. You get a bit of everything here.
Richard, in the "working years" people live where they live because of jobs. Outside of jobs, it is a choice of lifestyle.
I love my area and what it has to offer. My wife has lived in this house for over 40 years! Another reason. Selling my area is so easy, with the recreation and shopping in the area yet still sort of a smaller town feel.
Moved here to TN after a business relo and now because of the people, climate, cost of living we would never leave.
Eatonton- close to everything, next to perfect.... our city motto and true. I can be in Atlanta in just over an hour yet I live in the country by a beautiful lake and taxes are low. Besides that I have 7 generations buried here... it's just my home.
Richard, I blog regularly about my neighborhood. I live in Snug Harbor in Stuart, Florida, because of the excellent quality of life. Low density, great weather, beaches, boating golf and on and on. It's my ideal!
I have lived in Atlanta since 1966 and found it to be a big advantage, especially to newcomers. I am a great historian for those that that kind of thing.
The big question of knowing the area is never a question after they know my history.
I moved to escape the cold, no work available winters (and an exwife) of northern Minnesota. Might have gone to North Caroliana where my brother lived, or Seattle where my sister lived. Both told me they would be moving soon. That was 23 years ago and I made the right decision to be here in the northwest.
I would say I live in Bradenton, Florida because the beaches are beautiful(STILL!), the cost of living is low, the people are fantastic and the weather is great. Even in the summer heat, it's a wonderful place to live!!
Anyone who's ever been to Jackson Hole knows why I live here! It's just too beautiful to leave.
Here in Breckenridge, it's all about the lifestyle. Whether someone is here in the winter for skiing or in the summer for the biking, hiking, rafting and fly fishing activities... it comes down to choosing your adventure.
I live three miles from where I was born. Lived in a couple of larger cities for a short time but always came back to my small town. Situated in the middle of the state I can drive to Kansas City, St Louis or the Lake of the Ozarks for the day. Have access to everything I need yet the safety and friendliness of small town living. It is great!
Colorful Colorado. Love the winters, love the summers.
Great question and you are so right it could make the difference between a new neighbor or a lost opportunity!
When I moved to the very small town of Pearce, Arizona I was not a real estate agent at that time. I was looking for a small town away from the busy city but close enough to get supplies, within two hour drive. I found that. I do have mix feelings for I don't want our town to grow which isn't the best for business. So much personal conflicts.
Great Blog. I reblogged it with a bit of info about my area. Thanks for posting
I live here because.....of most of the above reasons (Long Beach, Ca)
I would answer..... "because I have the wonderful Atlantic Ocean just steps away! And I have NO STRESS!" This is the way we were meant to live!
Wow, Good thing I am not looking to move. All good sales points being made for different areas. I am a gypsy at heart, love to travel and want to experience all I can but Wyoming is the place for me.
I like the idea of asking others in the community this question. I am sure to get some different /interesting perspectives to pass on.
The Wyoming cowboy will always be on my license plate.
Good questions! I love living in Arizona as we have huge amounts of sunshine, vast blue skies, gorgeous desert fauna, and everyone is friendly. Sure, it gets to be 112 or so, but that's only a couple months out of the year. With all things blooming year round what's not to love - okay ocean would be nice!
When my husband retired from teaching at the Uniformed Services Unversity of Heatlh Sciences in Bethesda, MD, he wanted a small town and a slower pace of life than Maryland, although I had enjoyed 25+ years in real estate in that area and wasn't eager to leave. We looked at a lot of small towns and chose Johnson City, TN, where we have been happy for almost 7 years, enjoying the mountains, rivers, friendly people, great climate, and far more amenities than one usually gets in a town this size. See the link below for other reasons.
http://www.tntricitieshomes.com/JohnsonCity-WhyChoose .
People from all over the country have agreed with me - it's a great place for families, for slowing down or retirement, for home-based businesses, for recreation. Send me your folks who need a change or a second home.
I have a good answer for my clients. I can get a lot of home for my money in this area in a nice community to raise my family.
I will take your challenge and turn it into a blog post. Denver, Colorado rocks.
I live where I do because my husband and I and my kids and grandkids are settled here (lived in the area my whole life, husband left for 20 years and came back, I met him 11 years ago and we found out that we grew up only 4 blocks apart). I still hang out with grade school and high school pals. It would be difficult leaving my family and friends full-time, even though I hate winter. If I never saw snow again I would not miss it!
I always say I was born in the wrong state but never had a good enough reason (or the courage) to leave. My Mom and brothers all live in CA and I love it there but the prices are ridiculous.
Soooo, we purchased a townhouse in Scottsdale, AZ last year and depending on how slow things get this winter, we might spend some time there. We were too busy to do it last winter. This will be our retirement destination, although I think we'll be snowbirds and keep a place in IL to come back to during fair weather to be with everyone.
My son thinks I'm a bit crazy for staying here - just over the mountain from where my great-grandparents homesteaded in 1892.
It's a small town with "nothing to do," barely any shopping, and no real place to go out for dinner. And we live several miles out of town, so a trip to the grocery store is a 2 hour jaunt. He thinks we should follow him to the city - which would drive me wild.
I'm not going anywhere. I love my mountain valley where my nearest neighbor is a quarter mile away and I can sometimes look out and see a deer, an elk, a bear, or a coyote crossing the meadow. I love that my dogs can run around outside without fear of being run over - and that the only sounds I hear when soaking in the hot tub at night are frogs, coyotes, owls, and the creek rushing by.
My son doesn't understand why anyone moves here... but they do it for the very reasons I love it. Peace and quiet, a tranquil lifestyle, little crime, fresh air, and no pressure to hurry up and "go somewhere."
When I was still a Realtor I had to get up and leave every day. Now that I write marketing copy for a living, there are times when I only leave home once a week to make a grocery run... and I love it.
Great post Richard. I would have to say I live where we do because my husband was relocated back to the area with his job, but we couldn't have picked a better community. It is close to a big part of our family, but not too close. We love the weather. It was a great place for our kids to grow up and it is a wonderful place with a sense of community. We are a little over an hour west of South Lake Tahoe and a couple hours east of San Francisco. El Dorado Hills, CA - if you ever decide to check it out, I know a great realtor I can refer you too!
Richard,
Great question. I am look forward to hearing what other have to say.
I lived in the Houston area most of my adult life with the exception of 2 years in the Army and 1 year in Richmond VA.
I moved to Dallas 3 years ago to get married, as this is where Sharon lived. I must say I love being in Dallas.
I live 15 miles away from the town I grew up in...I built some spec houses here 10 years ago and my wife and I decided to live in one for 2 years then we could take the tax free cap-gains and move back to our hometown...well, that was 10 years ago...we found an amazing sense of community...a great neighborhood where everyone looks after everyone's kids...the kids play ball in the street...the adults have parties and progressive dinners and get-togethers quite often...last April about 40 of us went on a cruise together and will do a different one next April...we've made lifelong friends...we struck gold when we moved here and we'd be hard-pressed to leave...this is a truly special place, so I would have to tell someone of the strong sense of community we have here in our litte seaside hamlet.
Funny Story
We live where we live because my wife said that she wanted a beach house and I couldn't figure out how to say "no"
Then to find am 11 mile stretch all zoned residential with wildlife all around you, how can you not fall in love with it.
Great question Richard. I think about it a lot because it gives me a way to put myself in the shoes of potential buyers. I live in Downtown Chicago because of so many reasons. First of all, I love to be able to walk to many of the places I need to go. I grew up in the suburbs where we had to drive everywhere. I even had to take a school bus to school. Besides walking. I love the wide variety of things I can do within my area such as enjoying outdoor events. entertainment, museums, volunteering opportunities, boating, biking, etc. Also, I am not tied down during the winter, because when there is snow, it is plowed quite quickly since a major years ago lost an election because he was too slow in removing the snow.
Thanks for the post. It is a great conversation starter that gets me the information I need to know.
Great weather, beautiful beaches, water everywhere...and close to my family. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else!