The Mason Creek community was by far the best part of our first house. It offered excellent dog walking paths, plus the neighbors were friendly from the very start.
Our neighbor Brad was the first person we met, and he was nothing but an upstanding guy that represented everything Aggies are supposed to represent. He let me borrow a lawn mower, and was quick to offer help as I got into home improvement.
Our across the street neighbor Paul was something else. Famous for having a lot going on- boats, drag racing, hand painted cars, etc. - he moved to the neighborhood right after it was built and considered himself an ambassador for the community. I helped him with iPhone and Mac tech support, and in return he was quick to offer advice or let me borrow a sprinkler.
Ever year, at least once a year and sometimes twice, the neighborhood would have a barbecue in front of a house three doors down. The man there was a pitmaster and was always willing to show off, and the way the whole community came together was something out of a 50's movie.
I remember introducing myself the first year, trying to feel everyone out. Over time we grew to not appreciate the BBQ as much as it became yet another social obligation, but after it was gone looking back it was clear that we couldn't have moved to a friendlier community.
And Brad was the face of that friendliness, kind to the very end. When we moved away they were all shocked by us leaving but wished us well. Paul quickly pivoted to impressing the new neighbors and life moved on as if we were never there.
Our new neighborhood doesn't seem as friendly, which makes sense considering the type of person a cookie cutter neighborhood would appeal to. Mason Creek was never cookie cutter even a little bit, but simply was an example of the best parts of the American dream.
Today I miss the neighborhood much more than the actual house, as its hard to find such friendly people in the modern world.
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