About San Luis Obispo's The Meadows

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.

What a difference a year makes! This very desirable area had four homes for sale last summer, with nothing moving. Although the backlog eventually cleared up, it made sellers hold back and buyers wonder if they should buy a home in The Meadows. Not only did this home sell fast, but it sold for the full asking price of $569,000.

San Luis Obispo has a number of desirable neighborhoods, but this one in particular appeals to familiies with children, and older people as well. The Meadows, on South Higuera, is directly across the street from the shopping center where Trader Joe's has opened, and which includes the Food for Less market and several new restaurants. It's a great area for families with small children, as there is only one way in or out and it's easy to control where the kids go. It's a small enough development that most of us know each other by sight and we have all the advantages of a real old-fashioned neighborhood feeling.

Older people like The Meadows because there are many one-level homes and the bus stop to downtown is right on the corner. Because we are at the opposite end of town from Cal Poly, we avoid most of the student rental problems that plague other areas. In addition, there are two small parks that run along the creek at the back of the development. It's a pleasant and easy walk to take the dog out, or just enjoy an evening stroll.

We've lived here in The Meadows for six years, and we love it. There are neighborhood-wide activities several times a year, including a massive garage sale and an end-of-summer barbeque. There is even a neighborhood website: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/slo/tm/ Even in a town as friendly as San Luis Obispo, it's hard to find such cohesiveness and long-term ownership as we have here. Many of the homes are lived in by the original families . . . another reason why it is hard to find one for sale.

Most of the homes in The Meadows were built in the early 1980s, with some custom homes in the cul de sacs built more recently. Sizes range from about 1100 square feet up to nearly 3000, with the average probably around 1600 and three bedroom with two or two and a half baths. Homes are nicely maintained, and most have been modernized with the times, are well-landscaped, and very appealing from the street.

Contact me for more information. This is a great place to live!