How to get on board 100% with a house and neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

I'm writing to check in to echo what so many have said above -- get to know your neighbors. This is the best way for sure to start to like your location.

Most people have to make some compromises when buying a house. (We did!) We compromised on the house, and chose the location. So we have a great location, but a small and humble house within a great neighborhood. Often, I regret this choice because we would really love to have a little more space. But we've gotten involved in our neighborhood, and we know so many neighbors now. (Having a dog really helps!) And we're now settled and established in the neighborhood, as we know so many people and we enjoy being their neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A little too late when you bought the house already no?

I definitely made the decision to try to be happy and go all in on this house, as it was likely the best decision for the family. I just want advice on how to get to 100% because I’m not quite there yet. I also don’t want to feel resentful, since DH is basically getting everything he wanted and we had to compromise on my one ask (location).

I don’t know- location is far more important. You can make small house changes but location can’t be adjusted.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get to know your neighbors so you create community where you are rather than having to leave for things to do quite as much.
How old are your kids? Likely a lot of their stuff is in and around your cul de sac Mecca so becoming involved in their stuff will fill time and make you likely appreciate the location more. Spend time outside walking or biking - if it is high in cul de sacs it likely has paths or sidewalks too.

The best part of the pandemic was making friends with a bunch of neighbors. Now we can easily have a happy hour in someone's backyard, or driveway, and no one has to drive/park, jostle for room in a bar etc. It's awesome.

[Anonymous]

I find there’s always an adjustment period to a new neighborhood, but then you get used to it. Most people ultimately like where they live, and it’s not because they all lucked into the ideal situation. I think the best advice is the PP who said it’s just a house, don’t put so much weight on it. You have a rich and vibrant life that is not defined by your street address.

[Anonymous]

I think once your child starts K it will really help because you’ll be able to meet neighbors more organically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find there’s always an adjustment period to a new neighborhood, but then you get used to it. Most people ultimately like where they live, and it’s not because they all lucked into the ideal situation. I think the best advice is the PP who said it’s just a house, don’t put so much weight on it. You have a rich and vibrant life that is not defined by your street address.

Thank you, this is true.

[Anonymous]

I'm one year into a purchase where I compromised location. I wanted woods and trees, which I did not get. I'm still not happy and I think moving may be my only solution.

Not to say you won't be able to accept it eventually. Be prepared that it can potentially be quite a while of feeling like it's not right, but it's ok to feel that way.

[Anonymous]

im sorry op. compromising on location is both common and tough. find (even small) things you like and can appreciate - a walkable park/playground and/or short driving distance to coffee/restaurants/some other amenities. make the little bit of effort to get out and go those places. hows your work commute? do you telework now? great schools is a big one. know that life is long and things change. eventually way down the road you will be able to move again. you will have built up some equity and/or may not need quite the same space and can choose to prioritize other things then.