cdmom

My home for the last 10 years has been on Pandora Circle. It was developed in the early '80s, much later than the rest of the neighborhood. The cul-de-sac street is surrounded by deep creek bed on three sides, giving nearly every home a desireable creekside lot. This makes for cool, shady backyards, and some wildlife (possum, raccoon, bobcat). The creek contributes much to the security of the street, and many neighbors are retired or work from home, so there are many folks keeping an eye out. There has never been a break-in to my knowledge--and I would have heard!.
Lots are on the small side (except for cul-de-sac corner lots). Smaller scale homes (1100 to 1900 sq ft) feature plenty of style for their size, and are very good value for the price.
There are currently only 2 families with children (1 baby and two children under 5) on the street. On the other hand, there are a number of single folks, and a considerable number of retired people.
A good number of the homes have been updated or remodeled, with new flooring, lighting, and decks/patios. There is one home with a pool. Nearly everyone enjoys keeping up their yards with landscaping, flowers, and neat lawns. A few neighborhood cats patrol to keep pests away, and only a few households keep small dogs.
Neighbors are friendly. There are usually several occasions celebrated with neighbors on the circle during the year. In the past, the "Pandora Girls" have met regularly for drinks and dinner out to exchange neighborhood and family news.
There is a very active Homeowners Association in the Highland Meadows area which monitors and reports news from the school, library, real estate sales, business activity, criminal incidents, and an award-winning pet watch. Newsletters are emailed bi-weekly or as needed. Homeowners association meetings are held two or three times a year, giving an opportunity to participate in keeping the neighborhood clean and safe, and to coordinate support for neighbors in need and for community facilities such as the fire station. A Volunteers In Patrol committee of neighbors trained by the police department also patrols the entire area. The association also networks with other neighborhood associations to keep up with issues in adjoining neighborhoods, and keeps in touch with our City Council representative.
There are new shopping center and residential townhome developments currently underway or being planned nearby. This will improve the shopping and dining choices closer to Pandora Circle.
At this time, NorthPark Mall is our closest upscale shopping venue for national chains and restaurants such as Blue Mesa, Pei Wei, Cheesecake Factory and McCormick and Schmick's. Closer to home are the local Thai place (recently expanded due to popular demand) a Mi Cocina for quality Tex-Mex, and a very good Italian grill with plenty of salads, chicken, veal, and pasta specialties, next to the LA Fitness. Try Tony's Pizza next to Subway in Northlake shopping center for great inexpensive pizza and pasta (try the chicken marsala) and huge salads, and you can bring your own wine!