Awe-what a delightful morning read. I am in Southern CA. Orange County. I have wanted to move for 25 years at least. Not my comfort zone. There are all of the things on your list, but it just feels too stuffy, too "look at me", too competitive, too fake. I feel a connection to the east coast or northern CA. Redfin is my first read in the morning, but my spouse will not budge. And now-in this current political climate, we are a bit frozen. What do we do? I said that in 6 months if things are worse, we have to seriously think of getting out of the country. A sad reality. I just want peace. I am frightened for our future here. And my first grandchild is expected in 3 months.
Will your grandchild be in Southern CA? There’s a lot to be said for being available. My parents, myself, and now my daughter, can’t seem to escape the bi-coastal family cycle. But I get that ‘fish out of water’ feeling. You (also) need to find your place.
We considered Orange County -- I'm going to cover that next week. A first grandchild will be a good source of peace and joy, and I hope you can figure out your home plans over time.
-great restaurants nearby (great farmers market/food scene from your list)
-within 1 hour of international airport
-quiet neighborhood
-wildlife that comes into the yard
-easy access to natural healing/integrative medicine
-nice views from my house
-easy access to nature
-diversity (sadly this one got sacrificed - I moved to Colorado)
-easy access to places I can work with horses (part of the work I do is with horses to help people learn about themselves and improve relationships, leadership skills and team dynamics).
We ended up putting together a list two years ago with our “wants” and spent two weeks in Seattle…we left NYC a year ago for the Emerald City and it was an excellent decision. It’s so fun to have freedom to make this type of choice.
We embarked on a similar quest but in reverse! We live in the Phoenix area and so crave somewhere cooler for the summer (and also as a plan B should climate change become even more extreme..ugh). We chose Eau Claire, Wisconsin! and offered on a house before ever even visiting the city which is SO unlike us. But it's been such a great adventure and the house has all the charm and quirkiness in its 1949 way that our early 2000s suburban house does not. We head up there this summer to finally furnish the house and start using it every summer! Cheers to you and finding another hometown to love!
Congrats on your house, Kelsey! I just saw your comment today -- and yesterday I wrote about how we bid on our house without having seen it. A nerve-wracking move that you know well! I'm so glad your house has worked out well, and I hope we'll have similar luck!
We live in a small town in the Colorado mountains and I also like to take note of the things I love about our current place (while dreaming of spending time somewhere warmer). The things we love here: cute main street, community feel, clean (and I’m going to say it no bums), tons of open space, and things to do outside.
We also have been taking trips to check places out to feel out the vibe. We’ve considered Austin, Arizona, and NC/SC. We like Charleston. We’re also strongly considering other countries.
I have considered it but never been. I will add it to the list! We thought about Hilton Head area too. Which reminds me near a Whole Foods or similar market is on our list haha. We are particular about food.
Love all you do, and I am sad that now it will require paid subscribers. It seems every worthwhile blog is ultimately open only to paid subscribers. It feels like paying for a dozen different streaming services. I wish you the very best in this venture.
I too made a list of prerequisites when we started talking about moving. I had lived in the same quirky home for 38 years and parts of it were never finished! One of my prerequisites that seemed critical to me was that no one died in the house we would move to. Well the home we found was only 6 years old and it ticked off most of our requirements. We didn't find out until after we moved in that the one and only previous homeowner, did in fact die in her home! As it turned out, it was the perfect home for us, and that detail never mattered! 🏡 ❤️
This may sound morbid, but I think there's something nice about people dying in their homes -- it's often a sign that they loved their home and lived a long life. I'm glad this house worked out for you!
One must-have when we were looking for our house in a new (much smaller) city was walking distance to at-least one restaurant we liked. Having spent 20+ years in NYC and then Chicago for 3 years, we became very used to living in a walkable neighborhood. We are so lucky to have already become regulars at a few favorite spots within walking distance to our new home. Makes you feel like you're really part of a community.
Hello Amanda - First a confession. This is the first time I've had a paid subscription to any of the people I follow on Substack. In fact, I have no idea what I am doing or how to post, share or comment. Maybe I'll learn by doing without too much embarrassment 🙃. I've read your work for years. In fact Cooking for Mr Latte is among my absolute favorites and I recently re-read it after you posted that you were going to embarking upon this new project. I too am a devoted home renovator/restorer although far more of an amateur. My husband and I recently completed a multi year restoration of an antique family home and my sister and I are completing a family cookbook that has really helped us to reflect upon our shared history. Not sure how much I am into commenting and sharing all this but we'll see! Happy to be here, even if primarily as an observer.
Hi there! And thanks so much for subscribing! I have no idea what I’m doing either so we’ll figure it out together. Your family cookbook sounds so interesting — I hope you’ll share more about it here. ❤️
Your statement regarding examining whether you are currently living the life you want to live is timely for my current life stage. My husband and I retired and left NJ post Covid to settle for a bit in OK before selling the farm where I grew up. We’ve been honing our “list” for a while. Though we are a different cohort, our list shares a few similarities to yours: College town for being around interesting people as well as recreational/CE courses;
easygoing culture, indoor/outdoor lifestyle
Climate, (less lawn equipment and winter outerwear)
First certified organic farmers market in the country, in Davis, first dedicated bike lanes (and flat!), easy Amtrak to the Bay Area and Sacramento, Mondavi Performing Arts Center better than anything in Sacramento, 2 hours to Tahoe or the ocean, no fire risk, lots of live music…and no place in town takes more than 15 minutes.
Oops…. Trying to edit and accidentally posted my reply. Actually for the best, because I tend to be verbose. Just wanted to add that we are spending the month of May exploring N California and central Oregon to determine our “best” fit and I’m so excited for this excursion! Farmer’s Markets are huge to me, because even though we grow wheat where we live, it lacks the bounty of produce and other goods.
Loved this. The cork on the end of the cooking fork tines made me smile—I bought 3 carbon steel knives there last time I was in Paris (and a copper stockpot, and two gratins, and many tiny-bladed paring knives) and I loved how they stuck corks on their tips.
So yeah, I think Tad is right about the university proximity thing, and also The NY Times. Austin is too hot. CA is also hot but not as. We want to be in midcoast Maine but we’re worried about the damp cold.
This will sound strange and I’m not a big-time worrier, but being near a good, well-reputed hospital is on my list. As is a university/college, so hopefully this one begets the other! Okay…now becoming a paid subscriber! See you next post!
An addition to our list, as we thought about location, was proximity to an airport. As we usually need to be there almost two hours prior to our flight ( security, etc ), we didn’t want to dedicate 2-3 hours on the road ( or the unpredictably of traffic ) before even arriving at the airport.
Very important consideration, I agree. We ultimately wanted to be somewhere close to a major airport so we didn't have a lot of connecting flights. We didn't totally accomplish this however.
Awe-what a delightful morning read. I am in Southern CA. Orange County. I have wanted to move for 25 years at least. Not my comfort zone. There are all of the things on your list, but it just feels too stuffy, too "look at me", too competitive, too fake. I feel a connection to the east coast or northern CA. Redfin is my first read in the morning, but my spouse will not budge. And now-in this current political climate, we are a bit frozen. What do we do? I said that in 6 months if things are worse, we have to seriously think of getting out of the country. A sad reality. I just want peace. I am frightened for our future here. And my first grandchild is expected in 3 months.
Will your grandchild be in Southern CA? There’s a lot to be said for being available. My parents, myself, and now my daughter, can’t seem to escape the bi-coastal family cycle. But I get that ‘fish out of water’ feeling. You (also) need to find your place.
We considered Orange County -- I'm going to cover that next week. A first grandchild will be a good source of peace and joy, and I hope you can figure out your home plans over time.
"Constraints inspire creativity." Blessed be:)) Also, I would love a Homeward Paris field trip w/you!
I'd like A Tiny Apt + Homeward Paris field trip!
I did this for each move. Here was my list:
-great restaurants nearby (great farmers market/food scene from your list)
-within 1 hour of international airport
-quiet neighborhood
-wildlife that comes into the yard
-easy access to natural healing/integrative medicine
-nice views from my house
-easy access to nature
-diversity (sadly this one got sacrificed - I moved to Colorado)
-easy access to places I can work with horses (part of the work I do is with horses to help people learn about themselves and improve relationships, leadership skills and team dynamics).
Wildlife that comes into the yard is a good one -- thanks for that!
We ended up putting together a list two years ago with our “wants” and spent two weeks in Seattle…we left NYC a year ago for the Emerald City and it was an excellent decision. It’s so fun to have freedom to make this type of choice.
So happy to hear that worked out so well!
We embarked on a similar quest but in reverse! We live in the Phoenix area and so crave somewhere cooler for the summer (and also as a plan B should climate change become even more extreme..ugh). We chose Eau Claire, Wisconsin! and offered on a house before ever even visiting the city which is SO unlike us. But it's been such a great adventure and the house has all the charm and quirkiness in its 1949 way that our early 2000s suburban house does not. We head up there this summer to finally furnish the house and start using it every summer! Cheers to you and finding another hometown to love!
Congrats on your house, Kelsey! I just saw your comment today -- and yesterday I wrote about how we bid on our house without having seen it. A nerve-wracking move that you know well! I'm so glad your house has worked out well, and I hope we'll have similar luck!
Your and Paula’s list fit my home, Davis, CA.
Davis is on our list! Taking a scouting trip to explore it as a possible next home town.
We live in a small town in the Colorado mountains and I also like to take note of the things I love about our current place (while dreaming of spending time somewhere warmer). The things we love here: cute main street, community feel, clean (and I’m going to say it no bums), tons of open space, and things to do outside.
We also have been taking trips to check places out to feel out the vibe. We’ve considered Austin, Arizona, and NC/SC. We like Charleston. We’re also strongly considering other countries.
Have you tried Savannah? I went there 2 years ago with my mom and liked it even more than Charleston.
I have considered it but never been. I will add it to the list! We thought about Hilton Head area too. Which reminds me near a Whole Foods or similar market is on our list haha. We are particular about food.
Love all you do, and I am sad that now it will require paid subscribers. It seems every worthwhile blog is ultimately open only to paid subscribers. It feels like paying for a dozen different streaming services. I wish you the very best in this venture.
I too made a list of prerequisites when we started talking about moving. I had lived in the same quirky home for 38 years and parts of it were never finished! One of my prerequisites that seemed critical to me was that no one died in the house we would move to. Well the home we found was only 6 years old and it ticked off most of our requirements. We didn't find out until after we moved in that the one and only previous homeowner, did in fact die in her home! As it turned out, it was the perfect home for us, and that detail never mattered! 🏡 ❤️
This may sound morbid, but I think there's something nice about people dying in their homes -- it's often a sign that they loved their home and lived a long life. I'm glad this house worked out for you!
Your list describes Charlottesville, VA.
Bookstores, music, mountains, weekly farmers market(s). And a Squash center funded by our local tech millionaire.
I need to tell Tad about the squash center.
One must-have when we were looking for our house in a new (much smaller) city was walking distance to at-least one restaurant we liked. Having spent 20+ years in NYC and then Chicago for 3 years, we became very used to living in a walkable neighborhood. We are so lucky to have already become regulars at a few favorite spots within walking distance to our new home. Makes you feel like you're really part of a community.
This is a great one.
Hello Amanda - First a confession. This is the first time I've had a paid subscription to any of the people I follow on Substack. In fact, I have no idea what I am doing or how to post, share or comment. Maybe I'll learn by doing without too much embarrassment 🙃. I've read your work for years. In fact Cooking for Mr Latte is among my absolute favorites and I recently re-read it after you posted that you were going to embarking upon this new project. I too am a devoted home renovator/restorer although far more of an amateur. My husband and I recently completed a multi year restoration of an antique family home and my sister and I are completing a family cookbook that has really helped us to reflect upon our shared history. Not sure how much I am into commenting and sharing all this but we'll see! Happy to be here, even if primarily as an observer.
Hi there! And thanks so much for subscribing! I have no idea what I’m doing either so we’ll figure it out together. Your family cookbook sounds so interesting — I hope you’ll share more about it here. ❤️
Your statement regarding examining whether you are currently living the life you want to live is timely for my current life stage. My husband and I retired and left NJ post Covid to settle for a bit in OK before selling the farm where I grew up. We’ve been honing our “list” for a while. Though we are a different cohort, our list shares a few similarities to yours: College town for being around interesting people as well as recreational/CE courses;
easygoing culture, indoor/outdoor lifestyle
Climate, (less lawn equipment and winter outerwear)
Easy access and quality medical care
Possibly public transport
Agricultural food centric (farmer’s markets, etc.)
Senior friendly
First certified organic farmers market in the country, in Davis, first dedicated bike lanes (and flat!), easy Amtrak to the Bay Area and Sacramento, Mondavi Performing Arts Center better than anything in Sacramento, 2 hours to Tahoe or the ocean, no fire risk, lots of live music…and no place in town takes more than 15 minutes.
Sounds incredibly good! I’m very much looking forward to exploring your area! Thank you for all the pro considerations😊.
Oops…. Trying to edit and accidentally posted my reply. Actually for the best, because I tend to be verbose. Just wanted to add that we are spending the month of May exploring N California and central Oregon to determine our “best” fit and I’m so excited for this excursion! Farmer’s Markets are huge to me, because even though we grow wheat where we live, it lacks the bounty of produce and other goods.
Port Townsend farmers market.
Loved this. The cork on the end of the cooking fork tines made me smile—I bought 3 carbon steel knives there last time I was in Paris (and a copper stockpot, and two gratins, and many tiny-bladed paring knives) and I loved how they stuck corks on their tips.
So yeah, I think Tad is right about the university proximity thing, and also The NY Times. Austin is too hot. CA is also hot but not as. We want to be in midcoast Maine but we’re worried about the damp cold.
I sound like my grandmother….
I think we all end up sounding like our grandmothers! Sounds like you cleaned up at Dehillerin. Nice work. xxA
This will sound strange and I’m not a big-time worrier, but being near a good, well-reputed hospital is on my list. As is a university/college, so hopefully this one begets the other! Okay…now becoming a paid subscriber! See you next post!
Thanks for upgrading! I think a great hospital is so smart and wish we’d thought to add it to ours.
An addition to our list, as we thought about location, was proximity to an airport. As we usually need to be there almost two hours prior to our flight ( security, etc ), we didn’t want to dedicate 2-3 hours on the road ( or the unpredictably of traffic ) before even arriving at the airport.
Very important consideration, I agree. We ultimately wanted to be somewhere close to a major airport so we didn't have a lot of connecting flights. We didn't totally accomplish this however.
So many factors competing for top spots on the list !
And then life throws a curve….or, an election.