Admin

What's in a neighborhood?

By
Real Estate Agent with Pacific Union International 00976705

As I was showing homes to a client the other day, we discussed the type of neighborhood she was looking for. She's single and travels away from home on business on a regular basis.

"I want to be able to walk to shops." she said.

"Like living close to Old Town Pasadena?" I asked.

"No, I don't need to be close to a Pottery Barn or the Gap. I want to be close to a neighborhood coffee shop, a dry cleaner and a mom and pop little grocery store."

 "Oh" I said, "The kind of things you can't get on line. I get it."

And so began a lengthy discussion on how the internet has changed the dynamics of what matters most in a neighborhood. Our conclusion was that tops on most people's list would most likely be walking distance to a Trader Joe's (the ultimate, California based, mom and pop grocery store on steroids and the home of the famous "two buck chuck").

So what makes the perfect neighborhood for you? And what can you do without now that the internet has brought the world to your doorstep?

If only they could digitize pizza!

Comments(3)

Show All Comments Sort:
Tori Stamps
Stamps Realty - Franklin, TN
MA JD - Broker/Owner Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Having grown up in La Canada (just a stones throw away from Old Town Pasadena for those of you not familiar with the area), I thought I grew up in a small town.  When I lived there, there was no Starbucks, no Barnes & Noble.  Looking back, it was relatively small for what I knew then.  In the last year, however, I moved to a TRUE small town.  Leipers Fork TN consists of a town of MAYBE 10 buildings (old historic homes, really, that are now zoned "commercial").  We have 4 antique stores, 2 real estate offices, a grocery store, a restaurant (if you want to call it that - the food is horrid, but it's where the locals gather), a sandwich shop and an art gallery.  I live about 1/2 mile away - across from a 135 acre horse farm.   I know my neighbors - something I can't claim when I lived in California.  Oh sure, I'd see them now and again and wave, but here, I TRULY know my neighbors.  We stop and chat.  I know their names.  I've met their friends and families.  They housesit when I'm gone.  We may not have a Starbucks (there's one next to my office in the "big" town of Historic Franklin TN).  We may not have a chain grocery (but I can get milk if I'm willing to pay $5 a gallon! *grin*) - but I can guarantee I'll run into someone I know when I go in to get that milk.  I also know that this is a place I would have hated growing up.  Here, I know my phone will ring if my son is out doing something he isn't supposed to.  Here, my neighbors won't be afraid to scold my child to keep him from hurting myself.   Here, everybody knows everything about everyone.  As it should be - we're neighbors.  

Oh...and I don't really feel as though I'm missing anything.  There's no Nordstrom - but I have Nordstrom.com. 

Jul 24, 2006 02:46 PM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

I'd be happy to have a Trader Joe's within driving distance! We keep telling the companies developing highrises in downtown St Pete and building retail spaces that we don't need another gift shop, we need a Trader Joe's.

 

Jul 25, 2006 01:39 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Idabel, OK
Call for houses for rent or commercial space!

Roland,

I happened across this post of yours.. I do a lot of shopping online so I really value those stores that give me something I can't get online.

Mar 03, 2010 12:03 PM