When David and Ruthie McGhee moved from Columbia County to North Augusta, they traded a large yard for a much smaller one.

"Ironically, we spend more time together outside than we did before," said Mrs. McGhee. "We have become very active as a family. We do more things like ride bikes and take walks together."

Their new home in Hammond's Ferry has also given them the opportunity to form relationships with neighbors.

"We know every single one of our neighbors. It's really a traditional neighborhood atmosphere where everyone knows everyone," Mr. McGhee said.

That's why sitting on the front porch is one of Mrs. McGhee's favorite pastimes.

"I absolutely love our front porch. We get to sit out there and see our neighbors and talk with them. It's a very inviting neighborhood, so it's easy to strike up a conversation with them on the porch," she said.

Mr. McGhee said the atmosphere reminds him of growing up in a tight neighborhood in downtown Aiken.

"I grew up with my grandparents living close to me. Houses were close and so were neighbors," he said. "I guess that's one of the reasons I'm really glad we chose this spot to build a house."

Their sons, Zachary, 8, and Nathan, 5, will get to grow up close to Mrs. McGhee's parents when they move into the neighborhood later this year.

"This is a great location for our family to live," Mrs. McGhee said. "It's more than just the house. It's all the opportunities and the atmosphere. Our neighborhood is our home."

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.