We bought a house in a very good neighborhood, whose schools rank in the top 3 in the region, and we can see the primary school from our living room. Like many of our decisions, we planned our future with children.

Also within view from our house is the bike trail, which leads to the river and miles of bike paths, which lead to two lakes in one direction and all the way downtown in the other. The river is a five-minute walk from our back door and provides a cool escape when the summer heats up.

Carin's parents are a 5-minute walk through the nature area behind our house, and 5 minutes further is the supermarket. The nature area is a community-maintained sanctuary for the local wildlife, such as squirrels, skunks, raccoons, owls, and deer. The deer come in from the river every night around dusk.

Just yesterday, Carin said how much living in this neighborhood has enhanced our lives. The area is remarkably well-groomed, but incorporates the natural, wild element as well.

We have dinner with Carin's parents every Sunday, while they're in the country. And the shortest distance between our houses is a nature path that winds through the fields, oak trees, and gullies.

The properties are governed by strict CC&Rs that help keep all the houses clean and maintained. Although some of the rules are annoying - I can only paint my house one color - I'm happy that we chose this community to live in.