To Move or Not To Move, That is the problem.
The missus and I have been kicking around the ups and downs of relocating closer to civilization. And there are plenty of pluses and minuses in both directions to consider.
Where we are out in the bush we have these good and bad points.
The Good:
1. I can open the door and let the dogs out without putting on a robe. Or underwear.
2. I can take the trash to the truck without putting on a rob. Or underwear.
3. The dogs can run free, and 5 acres seems enough space for them.
4. No neighbors.
5. No highway noise.
6. No wondering if we are going to have a place to park near the door for the three vehicles.
7. No one cares if I don't mow the grass.
8. Sitting on the back pourch drinking coffee and watching the sun come up without wearing a bathrobe. Or underwear.
The Bad:
1. No delievery food.
2. Twenty minutes from the nearest store.
3. Forty minutes from work.
4. A mile of dirt road.
5. An acre of grass to mow.
7. Constant brushes with wildlife.
6. Dogs constantly dragging dead animals into the yard.
7. Dogs constantly creating dead animals in the wild.
8. No quick jaunts to visit friends.
9. No quick jaunts anywhere.
10. If Sara and I drive separate to work we only see each other on the weekends.
Now for the moving to town part.
The Good:
1. Close to everything we would need to do.
2. Close to everyone we would want to visit.
3. Many delievery options available.
4. Less grass to mow.
5. Short drive home after I get out of fencing at 9pm every class.
6. I could drop Sara off after work every day before I go teach fencing.
7. Smaller gas bill.
8. A neighborhood you could walk/bike in.
The Bad:
1. There are currently 5 place for sale in my neighborhood and all of them have been on the market for some time. (Two more than a year.)
2. Physically moving.
3. Having to wear cloths everytime I open the door.
4. Fenced in dogs used to more romping room.
5. Finding something in my price range. (why I went native to begin with)
6. Bad/Nosey Neighbors.
7. Being expected to mow my grass regularly.
8. Being expected to paint regularly in an association approved color.
9. Three vehicles.
10. Homeowner associations. (Rant material)
So much to think about and I am sure there are other points both good and bad that I have not thought of yet.
Comments
Dear Woody, stay where you are. I don't want your damn dogs jumping the fence to chase my cat and I sure as hell don't want to see your naked ass on your deck with my morning coffee.
But seriously, if you decide to move to town, take your time. Needing some time to sell your place may be a blessing, especially if you want to really make sure you're getting the right house and the best for your money. Kathy and I spent six months looking (we were month-to-month on an apartment, so no worries), we probably viewed 15 properties (plus another 50 or more "drive-bys") so when we found this house, the decision was easy. We knew that it was the best we'd seen as far as location, size, condition and amenities in our price range. When I think of some of the places we gave serious consideration to, I'm just glad we didn't jump too quickly.
Listinbook is an invaluable tool. It's at www.triad.listingbook.com (but be prepared for a lot of spam to whatever email address you provide.)
Posted by: Roch101 | July 18, 2005 6:08 PM
There are plenty of neighborhoods (such as mine) without home owner associations. My house is brick, I will not have to paint it. My neighbors are cool. My next door neighbor had four vehicles. We can't hear traffic from our location, it is very quiet. I think your biggest objection is the whole naked thing. A house is for sell just down the street from us. If you buy it, I won't complain if you retrieve your newspaper in the buff.
Posted by: Ike | July 18, 2005 10:00 PM
Not all neighborhoods have a home owners association. We don't for instance. But if you do move into a neighborhood with one it can ocasionally be a pain.
Posted by: Cameron | July 19, 2005 8:38 AM
2. I can take the trash to the truck without putting on a rob. Or underwear.
Hey, you been using other Rob's behind my back?
The decision is a tough one. On the one hand I like quiet. I wish for land. On the other hand, I enjoy convenience. I like being able to go to 4 multiplex cinemas within 10 minutes from my house. I like having at least 1 24 hour grocery store or pharmacy within 10 minutes of my house. I know this is a tough one for you, and I know you will work it out.
Posted by: Rob | July 19, 2005 9:44 AM
Maybe you can find a neighborhood with a "clothing optional" association.
Posted by: Sharon | July 19, 2005 4:48 PM
I was just thinking you might want to start your own nudest camp. A few cabins, a general store, a couple or three campsites and you've got your own community with everything you need and YOU are the homeowner's Association.
Posted by: Billy The Blogging Poet | July 20, 2005 6:18 PM
Nudest camp
hmmm
Nah, I like naked time as much as the next person, but I am no exabitionist!
Posted by: Woody | July 21, 2005 9:09 AM
Hey , if you find a good spot in Greensboro let me know, we want out of our complex soon too!
Posted by: jim | July 21, 2005 7:14 PM