Adventures in Homeownership: LiverMORE House

Yes. The Plattner Family is on the move. Again. This time to Livermore, California. It is exciting. And new.

We weren't really looking to move. I mean, yes, we did talk about it. We planned on moving eventually, but we were in no hurry. It all started when I looked at a website about the development being built on Communications Hill. The builder had some information online, but what caught my eye was a side-bar ad with the text "Ideal commuter location; conveniently located near I-580 and Livermore ACE train station." As I mentioned in a previous post, the Silicon Valley is getting more crowded, and the commute is getting worse. Knowing how much Aaron hates traffic, and loves public transit, I decided to click through. As I searched, and google mapped, I realized that this development was being built right next to the ACE train station. Not just conveniently nearby, but, like, right next to the station. It's eight-minutes-walking-from-the-front-door-to-the-platform close. We decided to check it out. And, after a lot of soul-searching and conversing and deliberating, we decided that it was time to make a change and move our family to Livermore.

I have to admit, I am pretty excited to be moving to Livermore. Afterall, it is "California's oldest wine region." And I do enjoy a nice cold glass of white wine. Being able to walk to a local tasting room is not too shabby. After a few visits to the area, and some online sleuthing, we realized that Livermore is a cute city with a lot to offer. It has a growing downtown area that seems both family friendly and great for date nights. It also looks like Livermore has a flourishing arts community -- there is even a local orchestra and a recital hall. The schools seem to be quite good, and they seem to have some really good recreational offerings even for babies and toddlers.  Livermore has more of a small town feel, like Turlock does. Small town feel with larger city amenities.

Our new house is a part of a new KB Home Development called Vineyard Crossing. It is a large planned development community. When the community is done, there will be two large parks and a walking path around the whole thing. Our new house is going to be two doors down from one of the two parks. (Granted, it is basically a water drainage park, but it's grass I don't have to mow, so it's pretty sweet!) 

We've chosen a home in what is being called the Reserves, which features larger single family homes. Our new home, Plan 3, is approximately 2,200 square feet. It will have five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The main living space and our guest room will be downstairs, with spacious bedrooms and laundry upstairs. Having this space will give us a guest room and a wonderful office for Aaron. (And, while he likely doesn't realize it yet, that will be half mine. Hello to my craft space not in the living room!) The rooms are a really good size, and the master is beautiful. Not only is it huge, it features a spacious balcony overlooking the hills of Livermore. The main living space is a great room style space, with a living area, kitchen, and dining all within a single glance. This will be lovely for watching the boys while cooking dinner. (Don't laugh. I won't have an excuse not to cook anymore. Maybe.) Off of the main living space is our (teeny-tiny) backyard. It's small, but it is outdoor space. Our outdoor space. It's big enough for Ethan to run around and throw a ball in. Someday it may even house a hot tub. One of the coolest parts about our new home is that our lot is right next to a fire easement. So, while the other homes are only ten feet apart (yikes!) ours will have an extra ten feet of space between them. Did I mention it is still being built? It's really exciting to watch the progress. There really was quite a lot done when we found it, but they are still putting the finishing touches on it.

Move -in day will be before we know it. Once we get settled, you will have to come and check it out for yourself!

January 30, 2016

January 30, 2016

February 9, 2016 

February 9, 2016 

February 9, 2016 

February 9, 2016 

February 9, 2016 

February 9, 2016