These Bird-Watching Manhattanites Are Loving Their 5-Bedroom House and the Happy People Around Them
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
I live with my wife, Jill Robbins, and my two little Havanese dogs, Jack and Kelly. They are brother and sister, a Cuban breed that would run behind elephants at the circus; they are adorable.
Why did you move to the Market Common?
My wife’s been coming to Myrtle Beach since she was little. We liked the area for the restaurants and stores, and my wife suggested we move here. We moved to the Market Common because we were told this is an up-and-coming area; and it is. Three years ago, there were half the buildings here that there are now. It’s exploded.
Where are all the places you came from?
From the Westport/Fairfield Connecticut area; Manhattan for 30 years; Yonkers, the Bronx, Westchester, NY; and LA.
Do you have a favorite place in the Market Common?
The sitting areas in front of Barnes & Noble where you can observe the beauty of the area and the birds and children. I’m a bird watcher.
What’s your favorite thing about living in the Market Common?
The multicultural flavor of both the people and the stores. Restaurants that are Italian, Mexican, and French, and a variety of young people who have moved here. You have young and old; it’s a mixed area.
How has your lifestyle changed since moving here?
It’s become a lot quieter and a lot less expensive. I’ve become quieter and more at peace. I spent 30 years living on the 27th floor, now I live in a five bedroom house with a lot of space. And I don’t have to take the elevator.
What new activities have you taken up since moving here?
My wife started her own company called Jenny Paige Jewelry, www.jennypaige.com. She makes and sells meaning bracelets out of silver and natural gemstones. Now she sells to over forty hotels and stores along the Grand Strand.
Do you find people friendlier or more at ease?
After traveling much of the world, I’m incredibly enthralled with the fact that I have such kind, wonderful, loving neighbors and some of the best friends I’ve ever encountered here.
What are your favorite things to do here?
Annoying Latoya at the Insider.
Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in the Market Common?
A supermarket. And more stores displaying a greater diversity of cultures. A few more mom-and-pop shops with interesting things. A good delicatessen. A candy store.
