Living on the Edge
ARNO HOLSCHUH
Why do so many people desire to build so close to land’s edge and willingly pay vast sums for property that may be claimed by the fierce Pacific? Beaches and bluffs along the California coast are eroding, and there’s no way to predict exactly when a bluff might fail or a huge storm wave hit. Although some sites are certainly more vulnerable than others, living on the edge can mean a literally diminishing return on a real estate investment.
Many coastal homeowners simply close their eyes to hazards, persuading themselves that their particular spot is not at risk. Some bought along the shore without realizing what the risks were, and stayed on because the reasons for doing so were more compelling than reasons for moving away. Still others shrug and say, “Carpe diem.”
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