We moved from Austin to POC nearly a year ago – And couldn’t be happier.

Here’s why.

The school. Port O’Connor Elementary is fantastic! Seriously. In Austin, I was touring every private school west of Highway 35, seeking an institution with stellar teachers, small classroom sizes, and a family atmosphere. I needed to feel like my children were safe. I wanted the intimate experience that only smaller schools can offer. The problem is that all those feelings of rainbows, bunnies, puppies and unicorns come at a price – usually thousands of dollars per month. That’s where one parent’s entire salary goes toward the children’s tuition. It’s hard to swallow.

Now, pan to POC – where you receive all such amenities at what’s technically a public school, but it sure feels like private. The faculty and staff are top-tier. Student-teacher ratios are ideal. Everyone feels like family. I know my children are safe. And, as an added bonus – it’s a mere four-minute commute from home to school! Beat that, Austin!

Long days. I honestly didn’t think it was possible, but it’s true. Days seems longer here and every weekend feels like vacation. In Austin on a Saturday, we’d be rushing from Book People to Toy Depot, from Whole Foods to Alamo Drafthouse, from Lucky Robot to Zilker Park (And I name specifics because it’s true). Sure, these are all things we adore about Austin, but I must admit that all that activity makes time fly, and at the end of the day, is that what we really want? For time to pass more quickly?

The beach. Where else can you walk the bayfront after you kiss the children goodbye for school? Or search for seashells after work? Or spend leisurely Sunday afternoons? Enough said.

Salty kids. As much as I want my kids to be cultured and to be raised with a world of diversity at their fingertips (Austin!), I never necessarily wanted them to grow up as “city kids”. I didn’t want them to be gamers or be forced into playground discussions over who does or does not already have the latest iPhone (not to mention, inquiries as to whose dad does or does not own their own tech company, etc.).

Here in POC, I feel like kids can be kids. They play outside. They swing from ropes. They get dirty. They play catch, they fish, they collect rocks. We ride bikes as a family! I’m no expert, but I do think that all these things contribute to a happy childhood. I believe we’re gifting them pleasant memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Prior to our move, they were on a sure path to being indoor-kids. Today, I’m proud to say that’s no longer true. We still love seeing the latest Pixar movie in a luxury theater, don’t get me wrong, but there’s a lot more fishing in between. Which brings us to my next point…

The fishing. I grew up fishing Matagorda Bay with my daddy (prior to moving away and claiming I’d never come back – Ha!). My favorite was always when he’d take me floundering, and I’d lay on the front of the aluminum boat watching the fish, crabs, and stingrays drift past.

Now, it’s my husband that’s my guide. He enjoys the outdoors, and living on the water has brought him much happiness. Fishing as a family and teaching our kids how to fish has become a favorite activity. Plus, the convenience of being right here on the water is all the more reason to turn off that tv and catch some fish!

Sure, there are many things we miss about the city, but for life here at the end of the road, the pros far outweigh the cons. Happy mom. Happy dad. Salty kids. Just living the POC Life – We love it here.

JD Busby is a writer from Austin, Texas, where she earned her Master’s Degree from St. Edward’s University. She and her husband now live in POC with their two children.