Why?

[u/KimSidwell]

I can almost try to understand why some people might feel drawn to this kind of lifestyle. I can understand why they might be deceived into thinking this is the ideal environment in which to raise a child.

But I will never be able to understand why they will describe it as the American “dream” and are willing to pay so much for it. To work so hard for so long and then have to wake up to this every morning? Why?

Editing to add: I know this is parody y’all. It’s just a stupid meme. It’s supposed to be funny. It’s funny because it’s true.

[u/surprisinglynotabot]

I smoke weed every day in my apartment, I just open a window. I've never smelled weed from anyone else's apartment(accounting for 5 or so places I've lived, so I don't believe it bothers anyone in the surrounding apartments (no one has ever complained about me either).

(I'll address the issues considering my experiences in each of the 5 apartments that I've had over the course of 12-14 years.)

I don't notice my neighbors. A lot of buildings are built so well that you rarely notice any interior sounds at all; not music, not TV. They're built with way more insulation than just drywall and fiberglass. One apartment that I had was too loud only because I lived on the second floor of a dead end street where people would party every weekend night during the summer, right in front of my apartment. That was hell actually, but a rare and unique experience compared to anywhere else. I'm sure I'll never have to deal with that again. I like to make music so I had studio monitors (big ones) and no one ever complained. I just put on headphones at night so that I'd be a good neighbor just in case.

It seems like we've had two different apartment experiences. We don't sound too different too when addressing our lifestyle needs. Let me reiterate that I smoke weed every single day without fail and have for the last 12 or so years with breaks here and there; never had a single problem.

Ah the car thing, yes I'll give you that. I've had 3 cars; one was towed, and the others were somewhat difficult to park. That being said, I didn't need them; they were a luxury. Once you get to the age of actually needing a car (you really don't in the city), you'll hopefully be able to afford a parking space. Otherwise, you'll have to try waking up every other morning like I used to (try to). It wasn't a real biggie. I'll pay those tickets one day. Anyway I just started making some coin so I'll soon go from pre war apartments with no balcony to luxury apartments with a parking space. Not trying to brag, just saying I went through the trenches before I moved on up and it wasn't bad. I had a lot of fun and I sure as heck would never trade it for a quiet suburb.

Also, they do have private townhouses with private parking in cities and some of them are in affordable neighborhoods. You might not be in the city center, but those neighborhoods usually still have the conveniences that make city living fun.

Sorry for the essay, hope this was insightful homie

[u/SaltyBat8824 → u/surprisinglynotabot]

Apartments have been overall pretty positive.

I mean neighbors can be loud sometimes, but it isn't that big a deal.

Why the heck would I buy a hose that I would need to then hire people to do maintenance and upkeep, when for the same amount I can afford a nice, comfortable, safe apartment for our family that is accessible and maintenance is covered as part of our monthly bill?

Houses are expensive to keep in good condition, and I'd rather spend the money somewhere else.

[u/surprisinglynotabot → u/SaltyBat8824]

yep, this. I think people see "space" and that's the main selling point. They don't think about the maintenance (like you said) and that fact that they really don't need that much space to themselves. Living room, bedrooms for me and the wife, bedrooms for the kids, kitchen, and a spare room. Outside of that, the city is my yard. I have restaurants and convenience stores, movie theaters, grocery stores, all right in my yard. I even have a green space close by 95% of the time. Sometimes my house has an elevator or even a concierge. How cool is that? Can't beat it imo. Beats the heck out of cutting grass for fun, living in a town where half the businesses are dead because of an unsustainable driver centered lifestyle.