I am writing in response to the letter written by Tyler E. Fox that was in last Wednesday’s paper.

One year ago, my family and I moved to the Vernon area from Edmonton. We moved to the area for several reasons, but one reason is ironically the same reason why you and your family left Vernon: congestion.

We moved from Edmonton to escape the overcrowding in the city. We find that there is hardly any congestion in Vernon, and find it a joy to drive from one end of the city to the other in 10 minutes, something hard pressed to find in a sprawling city such as Edmonton.

I agree that housing costs are high; however, they have been high in many cities in the entire country for the last few years.

Fortunately, we sold our house at a great time in Edmonton, and we managed to find a beautiful older home in the Coldstream area for only a fraction more.

For that fraction, our spacious yard offers us sweeping mountain views, lush green scenery, frequent visits from pheasants and quails, sounds of horses neighing and cows mooing, and we wake up to sounds of a rooster.

These are intangible things that you would never find in your backyard in Edmonton or any other major city. Vernon is a growing, progressive city, and with that comes new housing developments.

As with any other city, new neighborhoods are developed in a tighter space, however, that doesn’t mean that these are the only choices out there for those looking to buy a house.

Not everyone has a “cramped yard staring at the neighbours’ wall and listening to sirens and cars with excessive bass perforating the peace.”

Vernon is a community full of generous and sincere people that make this city what it is. There are also great programs and services available for those in need, such as: employment services, counselling, youth and family services, meal programs, low cost and free recreation, and social services.

Another great reason to live here is the medical services. It is incredible to be able to make an appointment to visit your family doctor and get in before the week is over. It is also amazing to be able to go to a walk-in clinic and only have to wait 45 minutes compared to the wretched three-hour wait at a clinic in Edmonton.

I have received nothing but wonderful health service since living in the Vernon area.

Not only is Vernon a beautiful city with its impressive lake, orchard and mountain views, but it is the friendly people that have made this city a place I wouldn’t want to leave. I have met such incredibly nice people everywhere I have been. Whether it is at a playgroup with my children, or if it’s in a store, people actually go out of their way to help you and to make you feel comfortable.

This is reason enough to want to stay and see my children grow up in Vernon. So, now that you call South Hazelton your new home, Vernon is our new home and will most likely be our place to retire in the future, and I am sure many other “Vernonites” would agree.

Jennifer Worobo