A little while ago, I just got back from a walk around my current, but soon to be former neighborhood. It has its charming characteristics, yet some things are left to be desired. This is the basic layout of the neighborhood: to the east and south is the business and commercial district. You have a bunch of apartment buildings directly east of my building, then kiddy-corner to the building, you have a dairy. Then, due south is a commercial building that comprises a variety of offices. To the north and west, it's all residential (except closer to the highway). Due west, there are some very beautiful homes located along the street - and if any of those homes were for sale while I was looking, I would've considered relocating here. But that never ended up happening. North of my apartment building is more residential, but not far down the street is township jurisdiction.
When I first moved into this building nearly three years ago, I definitely found the atmosphere much better than the apartment prior. It was newer, for one thing, and the rent for being in this city was the lowest I could find. It also provided me a bit more space. However, the exterior and the lot around the apartment is basically comprised of concrete and asphalt. There's no physical lawn, if you will, to really sit out and enjoy the weather. The landlords here have not provided a public green space for its residents and that is kind of a detraction to the place. Don't get me wrong, the landlords here have been nothing but kind and considerate. But I just think they could do more to make it more tenant-friendly, if you will. Sure, there's a small parcel of land in the back of the apartment, but it's only a little more than ten feet in width. I would rather go to the park than spend some time out back there.
As for the neighborhood itself, it's a mixed bag, really. The row of houses due west of the apartment building are quaint and well-kept, except for one. Several old oak trees line the roadway and the leaves drape over the street and the lawns of the homeowners. Many of the lawns are well kept and the grass is a beautiful green; absolutely no weeds to be found. The people here really take great pride for their homes and it's truly a pleasure to walk along the street and to marvel at their properties. The apartment complex due east of my building is a well-maintained complex. They provide such a wonderful atmosphere for their tenants with park benches, plenty of green space, and even a fitness center within their complex. But then everything beyond that is pretty plain and city-like, complete with parking lots, busy streets, office buildings, and retail stores. It's definitely not a walkers or sight see-ers paradise to be sure. But having those businesses, particularly the retail store that close by has certainly been handy. I even lament the fact that I haven't taken advantage of going to the dairy just across the street from my building at all. I was there once when my sisters visited one time, but that has been it. They sell a variety of dairy products at their store and I can't tell you how many times I've kicked myself for not getting milk on the way home from work - only to realize later they sell it right across the street! Oh well, you can't always be perfect.
When I first moved into this building almost three years ago to the day, at first I didn't do hardly any walking. That first year I basically stayed inside my apartment or drove to other parts of the city to do my walking. But in the two years since, I've ventured out more and more and have grown accustomed to my surroundings. Where I'm moving, it'll be more of a country-setting. But the conveniences of the city are not that far away. I'll miss certain aspects about living in my current building, but all of the aspects about owning a home far outweight the prospects of renting. It's been an enjoyable three years here, overall. And despite some of the early drama about this apartment back in 2006, I'd say living here has been worth every month's rent I've been paying. But after this coming weekend, it's finally time to embrace a new setting, one that I can call all to my own.
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