When neighbors become lifelong friends: Meet Pallavi

Recently, we sat down with Reed’s Crossing resident Pallavi, who moved into the community in its early days and quickly discovered that the strangers living around her would become her dearest friends. Read on for her story and discover how life-changing the right neighborhood can be.  

First, tell us a little about yourself and your household.

Hi, I’m Pallavi! I live in Reed’s Crossing with my husband, Anurag, and our little bundle of joy, Advita—she’s five years old and full of wonder. We were among the early families to move into this neighborhood, and it’s been such a joy to watch it grow from a handful of homes to a thriving community with parks, an elementary school, a fitness center, and so many friendly faces.

When we started searching for our first home, I remember—as someone who loves gardening—my number one requirement was to find a place with a backyard. We also wanted to be close to Intel and have easy access to daily conveniences like grocery stores. But what we found in Reed’s Crossing was far beyond what we imagined. It’s not just about the beautifully designed homes or thoughtful planning—it’s the heart of the community. The warmth of neighbors, the spontaneous park playdates, the friendly waves during evening walks… It all makes this place feel truly special.

We saw your post on social media celebrating “four neighbors who grew into 10 families” and loved the story. Can you give us some background about how this group became close? 

We moved to Reed’s Crossing when my daughter was just three months old. During my daily walks with her, I started meeting neighbors at Dobbin Park and what began as simple hellos quickly grew into warm conversations. I’m lucky to have some of the best neighbors, who are always ready to help, share a quick chat, or plan spontaneous park meetups. We try to catch up whenever we can.

Speaking of the close circle of friends we now have—all of whom live in Reed’s Crossing—it all started back when there were just a handful of homes in the neighborhood. One day, a sweet Indian family knocked on our door after noticing our nameplate. “Hi, I’m Kunal,” he said. “I saw ‘Sharmas’ outside your home and thought to stop by.” That spontaneous visit led to a long, friendly chat, and we exchanged numbers. Soon after, we met again at Dobbin Park, where they introduced us to more neighbors. With our kids all around the same age, our small group grew naturally and before long, we were ten families strong.

As someone who had very few connections after moving to the US, I found the people here incredibly friendly and welcoming. From park playdates to potlucks, birthday celebrations, and BBQs at Reed’s Crossing Community Garden, we’ve made some truly special memories. What makes these bonds so unique is how everyone shows up for each other—with a meal, a smile, evening walks, or just good company when it’s needed the most. That’s the true magic of this neighborhood.

How did your friendships develop through the years?

What started with casual meetups at Dobbin Park turned into something truly special. We’ve watched each other’s kids grow up, shared parenting advice, leaned on one another during tough times, and celebrated every joyful milestone: birthdays, festivals, new babies, and new homes.

There’s something truly special about growing alongside people who genuinely care. We’ve made countless memories, like potlucks that turned into karaoke nights, playdates or evening walks that became heart-to-heart conversations, and moments like someone asking in the group chat, “Anyone heading to Costco?” that made life easy and feel more connected.

What makes these friendships so meaningful is the consistency—how everyone shows up, in both big and small ways. Now, as some of our closest friends prepare to move out of Oregon after five wonderful years together, it’s been really hard to say goodbye. But the bond we’ve built here will always stay with us, no matter where life takes us.

Is there a particular park or community amenity that you all enjoy together? 

Dobbin Park will always be my favorite park in Reeds Crossing. It’s where most of our friendships began, where we celebrate my daughter's birthday with our neighbors and friends, and where countless memories were made. 

Another favorite spot is Tamarack Park, which has something for everyone: kids, adults, and even the elders. My mother-in-law especially loved spending time there, where she could meet and chat with other seniors while watching the kids play. The open space and slides keep the little ones busy, while the rest of us catch up, share laughs, and just unwind after a long day. 

Recently, the BBQ area at Reed’s Crossing Community Garden has become a weekend favorite. We gather there for food, fun, and singing old Bollywood songs while the kids run free. 

It must feel great knowing you have a support system so close by.

It truly makes a world of difference. Knowing that we have a support system just steps away brings so much peace of mind, whether it’s borrowing a missing ingredient while cooking, having someone check on your home while you’re away, or simply needing a friend to talk to after a rough day.

What makes it even more special is how naturally we all show up for each other. When a friend has a baby, no one needs to ask—we just come together. Last year, a few of our friends welcomed newborns, and we all took turns preparing home-cooked meals so the new moms could rest and focus on bonding with their little ones.

Having kids of the same age and in the same grade makes everyday life easier, too. If I’m running late, I know I can count on a friend to pick up Advita without hesitation. And something as simple as a “Heading to Costco—anyone need anything?” message in the group chat has become second nature. These small gestures, shared consistently over time, have built a beautiful bond of trust, mutual respect, support, and true friendship.

When you first visited, what made you fall in love with the community?

What really drew us to Reed’s Crossing was the mix of affordable single-family homes that fit well for first-time buyers like us. The peaceful green spaces and parks nearby were a huge plus, and knowing there’s an elementary school just a block away sealed the deal for us. Those practical yet thoughtful features made it the perfect place to settle down.

Where did you live before this?

Oregon became my second home after moving from India, and before settling in Reed’s Crossing, we lived near Amberglen Park. When we started looking for our first home, we were drawn to the idea of a single-family house—still in Hillsboro, but where we could have space to grow, be part of a diverse community, and enjoy access to parks and open green spaces.

The very first timeI visited Reed’s Crossing, I instantly fell in love. The thoughtful planning, walking trails, and focus on green spaces made it feel like so much more than just a neighborhood—it felt like a place we could truly call home

Which builder did you choose?

We chose a Lennar plan because of its high ceilings and lots of windows that let in plenty of natural light. The open floor plan felt perfect, especially imagining our daughter crawling around when we moved in—she was just three months old then. This home checked all our boxes right away: budget-friendly, spacious, with a backyard and plenty of green spaces nearby. It just felt like the perfect fit for our family.

What is your favorite thing about living in Reed’s Crossing? 

Honestly, it’s the strong sense of community that makes Reed’s Crossing feel so special. Beyond the beautiful homes and parks, it’s the people—the friendships we’ve built, the support we give each other, and how neighbors come together for everything from weekend BBQs to fun events in the park. There’s a real feeling of belonging here. And on top of that, having the gym, urgent care, and Market of Choice all just a five-minute walk away makes everyday life so much easier for all of us.

I’m really grateful for the life we’ve built here. Reed’s Crossing isn’t just where we live—it’s where we’ve made friendships that feel like family, where our kids are growing up together, and where we always feel supported. It’s heartwarming to be part of a place where people truly look out for one another. I hope others who move here find the same kind of warmth, connection, and sense of belonging that we’ve been lucky enough to experience. Because in the end, it’s not just about where you live, it’s about who you live life with.

Are you ready to see what life in a true community feels like? Take a virtual tour, come by for a visit, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.