Real estate nostalgia - remembering former homes

Many people have fond memories of former homes, particularly those that they lived in as children. Visiting them years later can create strong feelings and memories, as well as an awareness that the property and its former residents have changed over time.

At StreetAdvisor we have received many stories from former residents of streets containing their memories and recollections of the homes they used to know.

At N Central Park Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States (StreetScore 34.58), former resident vpage says:

"I lived there many years ago and have visited recently. Many homes are being taken care of beautifully, but some are in terrible disrepair. Additionally the neighborhood in general has a dreadful crime rate and is not really all that safe for anyone day or night. Great transportation with city buses, but even on the main streets, wouldn't shop there. Once a very nice middle class neighborhood, will hopefully turn itself around, but it will take a lot of time still."

At Utopia Parkway, Fresh Meadows, New York, United States (StreetScore 65.75), former resident startrekruth says:

"My parents bought a house on this street when I was five years old. This is a residential street with one and two family houses, meant for families with children. There are nice backyards and front yards. The front yards generally have a variety of flowers and grass. Most people have patios in part of the backyard, and nice trees that have now had 50 years to grow and mature. Schools are short distances away.

Since I grew up, the neighborhood has become more ethnically Asian and more diverse. There are an interesting variety of restaurants, an ice cream parlor, drugstores, and large grocery. The food is affordable and good for a casual meal, but I wouldn't classify it as gourmet. This is definitely a middle class neighborhood, and for many, the place to buy a first home, because the prices are relatively inexpensive.

There is a fair amount of traffic, because Utopia Parkway is one of the exits on the Long Island Expressway, but the street is not as noisy as most, because the stores are on streets nearby. The area is fairly safe, and people mingle because the block is conducive for kids to ride bikes and gather. I have lots of nice memories of the street, and with the name Utopia, you feel like your karma includes good fortune."

At Keeling Place, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (StreetScore 71.95), former resident amangielangomat says:

"I lived on this street for about 10 years. The community within this short block is home. With some of the neigbors living there for more than 30 years, you will always feel that southern hospitality."

At Ewart Street, Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory, Australia (StreetScore 67.21), former resident zoewolf says:

"This was a lovely quiet little street when i was growing up, there have not been too many changes in the years it would seem as well."

What memories do you have of your former homes? Have you visited them recently? Share your home memories at StreetAdvisor.com.