Why do you live in the town you live in and what keeps you there?

I ended up in Beaufort, S.C. after a long Law Enforcement career (42 years 7 months, 13 days, 9 hours and 52 seconds). I came from a long line of L.E. Officers, my great grandfather grandfather, Father and 2 older brothers. In 1979 I was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. I retired there in 2008 after attaining the rank of Lieutenant in a Dept. with 165 sworn Officers. I served as a Police Officer for 16 &1/2 years prior to being hired by BCSO.

I began my career as Police Chief in Ehrhardt, S.C. I served as Police Chief in other S.C. towns prior to going to BCSO. I would be severely remiss if I did not point out that I DEARLY LOVED each second of those 42 years 7 months, 13 days, 9 hours and 52 seconds, I served honorably, and proudly in a career I treasured!
 
Pepper said:
Much cheaper! I pay a few hundred a month living in a 2 bedroom that would cost thousands on the open rental market! I'd be homeless without this place.

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I own. There are only owners here, no subletting allowed and we have no HOA, we have an elected board & a mgmt. co.
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It's great that your situation is like mine. I wouldn't be homeless if I had to move to a comparable apartment, but my budget would be very tight. We pay between about 24% - 37% of what comparable apartments cost depending on their locations.
 
I live where I live because it's only a 13 minute drive to both of my son's houses. It's an easy commute for Michelle, too, within 25 minutes to her job and her school. Also, this area is exclusively residential except for a Bel Air Market just a few blocks from my house. And it's one of the smallest Bel Air Markets in Calif, which is nice....close and not a lot of walking to get the shopping done but they have everything, including an actual butcher, a deli, and a really good bakery.

I'm not fond of Sacramento at all. It's kind of a mess, really. There's several places I'd rather live, but I like this specific neighborhood a lot, for all the reasons above, and also, it's peaceful here, and I have really good neighbors, too.

we chillin.jpg
 
Born and raised here in east Texas. I have lived in other places but moved back in the early 90’s to take care of my aging mother. We both sold our respective houses and together bought the house I live in currently. My mother unexpectedly died after us living here only about 3 years. I have no family in the area but both my niece and nephew have assured me they will be here if I call. I also have a wonderful neighbor who is always available to haul me around if, for some reason, I cannot drive myself.

My house is comfortable, near everything and almost paid for. I’ve done a few “aging in place” upgrades and plan some more. I’ve considered selling, perhaps buying a townhouse in a 55+ community or moving closer to family but I just can’t imagine being happy in a different city plus housing costs are still so inflated here that I couldn’t purchase without a new mortgage and higher payments. I may have to do that someday but my health is fine and I just got a new knee that is supposed to last 20 years so I think I’m in a pretty good place.
 
NGPlayer said:
I ended up in Beaufort, S.C. after a long Law Enforcement career (42 years 7 months, 13 days, 9 hours and 52 seconds). I came from a long line of L.E. Officers, my great grandfather grandfather, Father and 2 older brothers. In 1979 I was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. I retired there in 2008 after attaining the rank of Lieutenant in a Dept. with 165 sworn Officers. I served as a Police Officer for 16 &1/2 years prior to being hired by BCSO.

I began my career as Police Chief in Ehrhardt, S.C. I served as Police Chief in other S.C. towns prior to going to BCSO. I would be severely remiss if I did not point out that I DEARLY LOVED each second of those 42 years 7 months, 13 days, 9 hours and 52 seconds, I served honorably, and proudly in a career I treasured!
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any firm views on gun control over there??
 
I moved here 30 years ago, when I bought the place. Back then, I was walking and working, and a place out in the sticks sounded good. Well, now, I don't walk or work, but my place is paid for, and cheap. Plus, there's two states between me and some of my relatives. Years ago I made sure my home was all on one floor. As a visiting nurse, I saw people whose bedrooms were upstairs, but now, since they can't go up steps, they slept in their living room. But I didn't think that living in the sticks would be hard if I couldn't drive.
 
I built a home here in the 1980s, and my boys spent most of their youth here after we'd moved in. We have a nice sized lake right here and a county park with hiking trails through varying ecosystems that are lightly groomed for cross-country skiing in Winter. We're adjacent to a major university town yet slightly isolated due to few major connecting roads, so taxes are a bit lower and we attract a diversity of cultures. There is a mix of housing from apartment complexes to rural estates with classic white fences and horses.

I'm not really tied here any more, but it remains comfortable so far despite the invasion of McMansions built up around us over the last decade.
 
Being able to rely on one another and celebrate together is something that's hard to find in larger cities. It's wonderful that you've found a place that aligns so well with your values and lifestyle. Do you have any favorite memories or moments from the Fourth of July parade or town picnic that you'd like to share?
 
kaemicha said:
I was born and raised in Portland. I've traveled. Seen many many beautiful places but Oregon is my home. It's just too beautiful here to leave.
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Marianne Williamson once said that we each have a 'spiritual home' on this planet. A place that speaks to our heart and soul. Hers was North Dakota (I think) and her daughter's 'home' is London. I think you're speaking of that and I can understand completely. Oregon is very much like BC and BC is my spiritual home. I miss it every day and love every square foot of it. The massively big trees, the ferny glens, the mountain trails, the glory of the ocean coastlines....

We've actually decided that we want our daughter to scatter our ashes somewhere between Grandforks and Fernie, BC. Doesn't matter where, the end of a rural dirt road, a lake edge, the middle of a meadow studded with pines...just take us home.
 
I can understand why these qualities draw you to live there and keep you rooted in your small town. It's heartwarming to hear about the positive impact your town has on your life. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your world!
 
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