08-07-2009, 03:13 PM
I didn't read the whole thread closely, so sorry if I repeat others, but here's my 2 cents. I live in Seaview, and now that I've been here going on a couple years, I can't imagine living anywhere except lower Puna, say Waa Waa to Kaimu or off the Red Road a bit like Opihikao. There are many reasons. Being gay, I feel safer and have far more of a sense of community than I ever did in San Francisco, and there are all kinds of wonderful people that being gay is just not an issue. The sense of community is pretty broad. We have our own farmer's market which is as much a weekly social ritual as anything. You see the same people over and over around the area and it's lovely. We have our share of problems, but not like what I hear about in the more crowded neighborhoods up mauka. Weather-wise, I would not be happy elsewhere. I commute Hilo 5 days a week. I leave the Red Road and weather gets colder, cloudier, rainier, drearier, especially this year compared to last. We have about the least amount of vog on the island. For me, it is important to be near the water and see the ocean every day. Some people would rather be surrounded by jungle all the time, but that's not for me. The bugs where I'm at are minimal. The worst thing about the neighborhood is the lots are small and as it gets more developed, it will simply be too crowded. But if you can buy the lot next to you, that helps. Puna Palisades is much nicer, bigger lots, nicer homes. I'd live there if I could afford it, but they also have no DSL, so internet is very expensive and like being trapped in 1997. That actually applies to most of the area off the Red Road except Seaview. The distance from Hilo is part of the appeal, because it feels rural. Hilo has its charms, but I would be miserable there. Too developed and more concrete and asphalt than trees. As soon as I drive past Pahoa coming home, it's like Ahhh, not in the craziness anymore. Kapoho is also pretty nice, and I like it for many of the same reasons I like Seaview, including the great weather and proximity to ocean. But it feels different to me, and since it's not on a hill, you don't really get expansive ocean views. Hamakua is gorgeous, but has crappy weather, spotty internet, is expensive, and good luck if going to the beach is important to you. Without knowing more about what you're looking for, it's hard to give advise, but this is all why I live where I live, and why I love it!