“The grass is always greener on the other side” is a common saying that stands the test of time, remaining particularly relevant now that we have a wider window into people’s lives through social media—which I personally try to avoid as much as I can.

When we first moved to Downieville, besides facing the question of, “Are you living here full-time?” we were met with a lot of “Why?” as if our move was bizarre and the place was awful. Every time I’m amazed by the beauty of the Sierras, I ironically exclaim, “Look at this, this is horrible,” when in fact, I’m flabbergasted.

The first things I said when we arrived were, “I can’t believe people live like this,” and my husband’s favorite quote from yours truly, “I can’t believe nature is real.” These statements come from a place of genuine wonder, as I was barely exposed to places like this growing up. So, as you can tell, I’m still processing the fact that I get to live here. It makes you wonder why other folks don’t try to live in places like this. They might not be willing to live without their Starbucks—a temptation I also try to avoid as much as I can.

While the need to seek new adventures outside the Sierras is understandable, I invite you, dear reader, to appreciate what we have here. Personally, I wouldn’t trade this place for anywhere else (so far, don’t make me write an erratum), and here’s why—these are my personal observations, and you might agree to disagree:

Growing Produce: While not uncommon in the city, I can’t believe our locals grow their own produce and flowers. Creating this kind of space requires a lot of love, commitment, and a touch of magic. If shadow plants die on you, it might be time to reconnect with nature or get a cleanse since your vibes might be off.

Living Off the Grid: A life without paying bills can be possible. This lifestyle involves harmony with nature, and the peace of mind it offers can be worth the effort, but it might not be for everyone, especially for those who won’t even try camping. And to be clear, this isn’t an invitation to stop paying your bills—be responsible.

Lack of Traffic: While we do experience traffic when highways close, it doesn’t compare to the noise, lines, and smoke of a city commute, especially when it rains. It makes you wonder why would anyone live like that?

People: They’re everywhere, and there’s nothing we can do about it. Luckily, in this town, with only a few hundred residents, social interactions are manageable, even for the antisocial. If you want to avoid the crowds during tourist season, you can simply go home or walk into the forest.

While life can get monotonous, it’s good to step back and appreciate what we have. It could be worse—we could be living elsewhere. For now, locals, old-timers, newcomers, tourists, and visitors from other galaxies, let’s remember that while the grass might look greener on the other side, let’s pretend ours is the greenest.