ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'm a Rochester native who recently returned to my roots after three decades living in California, where I sold ridiculously expensive real estate with Coldwell Banker in Monterey. I have settled in the Park Ave. neighborhood here and am considering work options, including selling dirt.

When I tell people where I have moved from, they almost invariably ask: "Why?" It's a question I thought would haunt me after making this move, but surprisingly hasn't. I'm digging it here. A little toasty, yes. A bigger city, for sure, especially for a Macedon-born lad, but everything is relative. My last gig before moving to Ca was in Manhattan. I am a little concerned about the impending winter, but figure, "how bad could it be."

So, why leave the Monterey Peninsula on California’s central coast, where air is conditioned by cool Pacific breezes rather than Carrier and mosquitoes have been banished from the land, along with horseflies, gnats and other winged vermin? (They probably couldn't afford the rents).

Who would substitute Carmel-by-the-Sea, the storied, eclectic art community (not any more) with Hansel & Gretel houses, where a visitor can now eat ice cream legally on the street, thanks to the efforts of Mayor Dirty Harry, whose city council rescinded the law three decades ago? (High heels are a different matter and those higher than two inches are not allowed unless a free permit is obtained from city hall).

Why leave a village that is so charming residents name their homes rather than use street numbers (Dreamcatcher,Sans Souci, 7th House, and others), chain restaurants are verboten… street lights are nowhere to be seen except on one main street and you don’t need a service permit to bring your dog … or cat for that matter … to happy hour or dinner on the town?

The answer is a mixed bag. Over the following weeks -- and until I can land a job, I’ll present my thoughts about these two different areas.
Got stories? Get in touch. I'd like to hear them.

Steve Wilson
steve@stevewilsonrealestate.com