Neighbors on Parade

When you buy a new house, it's the property that sells you. You're suckered by the newly remodeled kitchen, the fact there are THREE bathrooms (still my favorite part of our house) or whatever meets the needs of your family.

Unfortunately, however, you can't pick your neighbors. Even the most lax of realtors will only give you a slight eye nudge when you ask about the area, and usually responds with some line about good schools and lots of nearby parks. Sure, you stalk the streets like a bad ex-boyfriend, but that only gives so much indication. As you sign on the dotted line at closing, all you can do is hope the neighbors aren't sexual predators or people who trash their yard with junk cars and dandelions. 

After last night, I can officially report Trentoga ROCKS. (That's the cute little nickname the neighbors call our block). Money Magazine hit the nail on the head when they rated our city as one of the best places to call home. They were so right.

When Andi came home from work yesterday, we grabbed Chloe's leash and headed out the door to the neighborhood parade I mentioned last week. As we walked onto the neighborhood walking trail, we saw boatloads of families marching along, bikes adorned with shiny decorations, family dogs prancing proudly and even a few kids in costume. Andi and I smiled at each other (in between reprimanding our unruly dog for having a spaz attack, of course). We couldn't believe the massive group of neighbors who'd gathered for this little neighborhood parade. Once at the end in the nearby elementary school parking lot, people young and old were chatting with each other and kids were jumping and playing around like it was the best day of the year.

A city police car and fire truck were there, along with someone dressed like McGruff (dog head, trench coat with no visible pants and tennis shoes, by the way. Looked a little sketch). A man, who identified himself as a teacher in one of the schools was selling raffle tickets to help fund next year's event. He joked he'd save us a spot at school for our future kiddo-to-be if we bought a ticket or two. And as luck would have it, Andi won a $10 car wash in the drawing! Afterwards, we made small-talk with a neighbor of ours for a few minutes in the street. We exchanged phone numbers and they told us they're "24 hour neighbors" meaning we can "call anytime, even if it's just for chocolate ice cream." (I die, how cute is that?)

Everyone waves to each other when they take out the recycling here, or as they pull into their driveways after work. Sounds of the high school band can be heard in the distance as they practice for the upcoming school year ... and it's just so "small town" feeling around here. I think we found the perfect place to start our little family of three.