Where MoxieTowns Started
The Why: There is life beyond the stripmall
As long as I can remember, my heart has always held a soft spot for small towns. When I was a teenager, although I was growing up in a beach town, I imagined days spent sitting on a front porch on a shady street, waving to the friendly faces of neighbors walking by. I imagined strolls to the store and breezy bike rides through quiet streets. When I grew up, I wanted to live in a place where this was my reality. However, as the saying goes, “Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.” So, my career path led me elsewhere, and my dreams had to take a back seat.
Through The Concrete Jungle
While I started my career in planning, I spent a significant chunk of my life immersed in the world of commercial real estate. As my career took me all over the country, I found myself navigating a maze of properties that were so similar that they seemed to be stamped out of the same mold. The sameness made it hard to tell one place from the next. But being a true dreamer at heart, I made it my mission to find the hidden gems amongst the cookie-cutter blocks on these business trips and even more while on vacation.
Photo: Adrian Hernandez @unsplash
What I sought were the cool, quirky little places that emanated charm and personality. The kind of places that told stories, where you could feel the heart of history. You could count on them to have great gathering places and amazing food as well. I watched these enclaves grow over the years. To my delight, I wasn’t alone in my enchantment. People flocked to these spots, attracted to the sense of belonging they offered - places where they were known, seen, and could gather.
A Turning Point
After 8 fulfilling years serving on the local downtown development authority, in what has all the hallmarks of a MoxieTown, I found that I had come full circle and I was ready to marry my love for small towns with my years of experience in real estate. So, I pivoted my consulting practice to focus on smaller towns, particularly those with historic downtowns.
As I dove headfirst into this new venture, I made a profound realization. While my expertise was valuable, what these towns needed the most were people. Not just any people, but vibrant, passionate, and visionary folks who respected and honored the legacy of these towns while being brave enough to invest in their future. You see, it’s the people that build communities. These towns need individuals who are willing to roll up their sleeves, dig into the rich soil, and plant seeds for a bountiful future.
A Precipice
Serendipitously, at about the same time, the world seemed to tilt a little on its axis. Everything changed and now living and working or living and recreating in small towns has taken on a new vibrancy and air of possibility. Everything is changing. We really can have that idyllic front porch AND work on Wall Street.
So, here’s my invitation to you. Whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, an empty-nester, or simply looking for a place to call home, consider the magic small towns offer. You could be the person that helps create a tapestry of memories for the next generation.
MoxieTowns is here to help you explore the best of small towns, what to look for, what to consider, and where to look. Best of all, even if you don’t move a piece of your furniture – exploring these treasured towns is one delightful adventure!
