Mel's Hobby Shop

June 27, 2010: Over the past few years the population in my town has exploded for two reasons; one is its close proximity to the city and the second is property values. A lot people move out here looking for larger lots and a small town vibe, both of which you can find here. The best part is that obviously you don't have to give up your Starbucks to get it. There are two large subdivisions that went in and the average price tag on homes here are 300,000 and up. Not all homes compete in this market obviously and Mel's Hobby shop is among them.

Personally, we made the decision to move here much like everyone else. We wanted a single detached home with a decent back yard next to a good school. When we were building here five years ago we used to joke about which side of the tracks we were about to be living on. The joke turned out to be rather short-sighted in my case and ironically - he doesn't find it funny anymore either.