Dispelling Myths of Urban Living
Home is my sanctuary. Home is where public masks are removed, and the soul is at ease. Upon crossing the threshold, the expectations and judgments of the world are cast aside. Like a deep cleansing breath that washes away the troubles of the day. Every home I’ve ever had has felt this way to me. From my childhood homes to my first simple apartment, to a suburban neighborhood and finally to a downtown condominium. All have been a place of comfort and security.
Living in a condominium in the heart of the city is the homestead choice giving rise to the most questions. The manner of the questioning is often comparable to a news reporter interviewing a witness to a breaking news situation. The inquirer’s mind is generally filled with preconceived notions of a grungy, noisy environment lacking in modern conveniences. A life of dodging bullets and living in fear with danger lurking around every corner. We appreciate the opportunity to dispel the myths of urban living and widen someone’s view of the world.
This is how it usually goes.
Question #1: “Do you still live downtown in one of those loft things?”
As if our home is some sort of experimental living arrangement and we will one day come to our senses and return to the status quo of suburbia. Yes, we still live in “one of those loft things”. It is the perfect fit for us. No yard to mow, no bushes to trim, no weeds to pull. It is simplified living and we love the modern aesthetic.
Question #2: “Where do you buy groceries?”
Uhhh … at the grocery store. I drive to the same grocery stores that you drive to for groceries. How is this even a question? Please stop asking this.
Question #3: “Where do you go in case of a tornado?”
Midwesterners are programmed to think underground when it comes to storm shelters. Hence the tornado preparedness concern for those living several stories above ground. Understood. Allow me to debunk this myth and put your mind at ease.
The ceiling is thick concrete, the floor is thick concrete, the single exterior wall is brick. The other three sides are all interior, surrounded by other units and entire buildings. We basically live in a really nice bunker. The bigger threat to our home is an earthquake. That’s the better question to ask regarding acts of God.
Question #4: “Don’t you feel unsafe living downtown?”
Crime happens everywhere. Crime exists because people exist. No community is exempt from criminal behavior. If you think your neighborhood is shielded from crime, then you are delusional.
When we lived in the suburbs, we had a stranger come to our door late one night wanting us to let him in for a drink of water. After denying him entry and verbally directing him to the water hose, he began cursing at us through the door. It was frightening to think that only a door separated us from such a threatening person. And then we thought about all the windows that could be quickly used to enter our home. Talk about feeling vulnerable and unsafe. That chilling moment lived with me for years.
In contrast, intrusion through our condo windows would require a scissor lift or repelling equipment. Ill gained entry by way of doors means breaching the building security, taking the stairs or the elevator to our floor and breaching our unit’s door security. The culprit’s image being captured on film throughout the entire process. Not impenetrable, but likely too much time, effort and evidence for most criminals to bother. The negative image of downtown crime is a misconception perpetuated by the media. The commission of a crime in other communities is rarely sensationalized. A crime committed in downtown will make headlines for weeks, painting an inaccurate picture serving no purpose other than to benefit ratings.
The reality is that thousands of singles, couples and families safely enjoy living, working and playing in our neighborhood. Step outside the building and you can safely walk to restaurants, shopping, art galleries and museums. You can take in a movie, go to a concert or enjoy a craft brewery tour. This neighborhood exudes energy and life. No, we are not scared living downtown. We feel alive living downtown.
Question #5: “Isn’t it really noisy downtown?”
Noise exists in all residential settings. In suburbia the noise was barking dogs, wind chimes, lawn mowers, weed eaters and playful screaming children. Urban living sounds are cars, trains, music, and playful screaming young adults. Noise abatement countermeasures such as sound proofing windows, white noise machines and interior bedrooms are in place to minimize the intrusion of external sounds. We are often unaware of the bustling activity surrounding us until we look out the window or step outside the building.
And no, we do not hear constant sounds of gunfire and sirens. Please refer to the answer for Question #4.
Concluding Summary for the Interview
Home is the place that fits you best. For some, the most comfortable fit stays exactly the same for a lifetime. For others, the perfect fit evolves with the various stages of life. Downtown living is not for everyone much like rural living is not for everyone. Experiencing different ways of living can be fun and educational. Questions motivated by curiosity or the desire to learn and understand are welcome. All we ask is that you please be respectful.
For me, home is personal. Home is the most honest of places. The building is the container, the furnishings are my signature and the space in between is my oasis of peace. Home is my sanctuary.
Originally published at Medium.com on 12-15-2018.
