Story 1

About this Nominee

While I was born in upstate New York, my career allowed me to live in several states and countries and the freedom to retire anywhere I wanted. My wife and I decided to take a year to explore different potential retirement communities before settling down. During one of those trips, we had started in Carson City, Nevada, and we're working our way towards the Bay Area when we happened upon Fair Oaks. Based on recommendations, we had explored Cameron Park, Grass Valley, Auburn, and other areas before stopping in Fair Oaks for lunch. Sitting on the patio of The Village Bistro across from the park, we watched as children chased the chickens, people gathered to talk and aspiring musicians practiced in the park. After lunch, we stopped by the local hardware store, which sold popcorn bags that seemed to be a favorite of the chickens. Strolling in the park, feeding the chickens, and talking with some locals, we soon realized what a special place we had found. With a clubhouse and amphitheater in the center, parks on either side, chickens running wild, the American river trail nearby, and unique restaurants and shops nearby, the world somehow seemed more relaxed and enjoyable. Digging deeper, we soon realized that things like the ocean, mountains, bike trails, wine country, and world-class arts and entertainment were all within an easy drive. Fair Oaks hadn't been on our radar when we began our search, but it only took one lunch watching life unfold before us in the park to make it our number one choice. A decade later, the park is about to go through a significant renovation that promises to make it an attraction for generations to come. We couldn't be happier about our choice to retire here, and we have the park and its chicken to thank for it!