Urban Dweller
Disclaimer: this entry is not touting the city as superior to the suburbs or small towns. Being from a small town and having many friends in the 'burbs, I have an appreciation and love for both. I just think the city gets a bad rap, and while the city is not for everyone, it is the best option for us.
Not only do my husband and I have a child and live in the city, but we plan on staying.
For some reason, when the above statement is shared, I am often met with a look of disbelief or horror.
To many, the idea of having a child and living downtown is less than ideal. Most couples run to larger, greener pastures when the plus sign is achieved on their pregnancy test. Well-intentioned friends cite the joys of a backyard, less traffic congestion, and more space when asking whether I will move to the suburbs.
For me, however, raising a tiny Chicagoan goes beyond a life of concrete, pollution, and a higher cost of living. There is so much to love about urban life, I wanted to share some of the reasoning below:
Location:
Time is a precious commodity and the city maximizes this non-renewable resource:
A frequent question I hear is Don’t you want a yard?
While many find satisfactionfrom a weekend of mowing and weeding, I do not. This is a reason Condo life is ideal for me – offering the perks of home ownership without a few of the hassles:
Sidewalks are free of weeds, snow, and ice without (me) lifting a finger…or shovel.
Not only do my husband and I have a child and live in the city, but we plan on staying.
For some reason, when the above statement is shared, I am often met with a look of disbelief or horror.
To many, the idea of having a child and living downtown is less than ideal. Most couples run to larger, greener pastures when the plus sign is achieved on their pregnancy test. Well-intentioned friends cite the joys of a backyard, less traffic congestion, and more space when asking whether I will move to the suburbs.
For me, however, raising a tiny Chicagoan goes beyond a life of concrete, pollution, and a higher cost of living. There is so much to love about urban life, I wanted to share some of the reasoning below:
Location:
Time is a precious commodity and the city maximizes this non-renewable resource:
- Being close to work is key. Less time commuting equals more time with family. Also, the short taxi ride home has me back at my desk – forgotten laptop in hand – before the boss has time to notice.
- Proximity to my son’s school is crucial. After work, I only travel 10 minutes for a hug from my little man.
- Jogging a few blocks to the Lake Front path provides a dose of both physical activity and nature. And if stopping to rest, I can pretend it is only to take in the skyline view.
- A quick walk provides access to the Museum Park and numerous playgrounds. Museum Tip: take a stroller as ADA entry lines are much shorter. Though they may catch on if you don’t at least have a child in tow.
- A Bus, El, or Cab in any direction provides so many restaurant & bar options, we never have to visit the same place twice. Unless we want to. I’m talking to you, Smoque.
A frequent question I hear is Don’t you want a yard?
While many find satisfactionfrom a weekend of mowing and weeding, I do not. This is a reason Condo life is ideal for me – offering the perks of home ownership without a few of the hassles:
Sidewalks are free of weeds, snow, and ice without (me) lifting a finger…or shovel.
- The rich variety of cultures in our community enriches our lives immensely.
- A doorman signs for deliveries and as a bonus, keeps them from being stolen.
- Trash day is any day. And down the hall. Handy for the forgetful (me) and lazy (me).
- A smaller home is easier to clean. Couple swipes of the swiffer and call it a day.
- The indoor, heated parking garage doubles nicely as play area when rainy or cold.
- Trick-or-Treating is a breeze. No coat required and we are done in a fraction of the time.
+Frame.JPG)
Comments
Post a Comment