“The Seattle experience really solidified that thought for us, that this was something we all needed,” said Ms. Meredith, 43, an author and freelance writer.
The younger Mr. Meredith spent his formative years in Jackson, Miss., and later did graduate work at the University of San Diego.
“We loved the grittiness, the sunshine, and the diversity,” Ms. Meredith said.
“Initially I think we were dumbstruck — awe-struck,” Ms. Meredith said.
And they were willing to exhaust the Oakland market before they considered looking anywhere else.