The Joys of Living in An Old-Fashioned Neighborhood in San Luis Obispo

Eight years ago this month, we moved into our new-to-us home in The Meadows, a small, easily-missed, but simply wonderful development on South Higuera, across from the Trader Joe's shopping center. Most people think we live in Creekside Mobile Home Park, or the Los Verdes townhome development. Nope . . . we're right in between those two areas, bounded by the creek to the west, and just a couple of miles from downtown SLO.

Most of these homes were built in the early 1980s, by several different developers. Some lots were left vacant, later to be used for custom homes. In recent yeawrs, there has been a lot of remodeling, expanding, and general home improvement activity, as these 30-year-old houses get facelifts.

Since there is only one entrance/exit, privacy is ideal and safety is enhanced for kids on bikes and skates and older residents using walkers or wheelchairs.

At least once a year, we get together for a community garage sale (always a great success), and during the summer we hold a neighborhood block party at the little pocket park bordering the creek, Several of the neighbors set up barbeque , others bring folding tables and chairs and an awning or two, and everyone contributes a dish (salad, dip, veggies, etc.) for the feast.

In the winter, one neighbor hosts a Ladies Holiday Coffee just before Christmas. I've been attending this event for at least five years, and always enjoy meeting old friends and making new ones. Other women host product parties, prayer circles, you name it. People chat with the neighbors when they're out walking their dogs or riding their bikes. We look out for each other's houses when our neighbors are away. Kids love my corner to set up their lemonade and cookie stand during the hot summer months.

In short, The Meadows is everything many of us think has disappeared from city living: Friendliness, warmth, safety, and FUN.