Nicole Baker Writes:
Based on the results of my survey, I would most likely choose to live in an eclectic neighborhood in an urban environment. This does happen to be the truth, I am most comfortable residing in this setting because I like the randomness of architecture, people, entertainment, businesses and food choices. Nothing is what is expected, and beauty has a different meaning, it is unpretentious and out of the ordinary. In this type of area, there seems to be more raw, urban beauty both on display and hidden.. you must look closely to notice all the aspects that make up its entirety and beauty. It takes a certain kind of person to appreciate it.. these areas do not necessarily attract tourists but instead those who truly understand and love the city, both its' aged parts and new additions. Although I have grown up in a small town where everything looks mostly the same and seems to be almost uniformed, spending numerous months living in New York City has guided me to love the eclectic neighborhoods of such places as Greenwich Village and West Village. I truly found my comfort zone in these types of neighborhoods in NYC and would like more than anything to end up living in an eclectic neighborhood in the future..not that I am not fond of all types of neighborhoods cities have to offer.
Update! Nicole adds:
Neighborhoods like these, which can typically be found in East and West village in New York City are most fitting for my "eclectic" personality. Walking around you can find a variety of small, intimate, neighborhood type hang outs, from coffee shops and bakeries to little Mexican and Italian restaurants-- among my favorites are Tortilla Flats located on Washington St and Frank's on 2nd ave. Although I love New York City, I can say honestly, without reservation, that it tends to be obsessed with image and artificial aspects of life.. but this is not the case in these types of areas. Everyone is open to different, random and interesting ways of life, and not judgmental by any means- the way it should be in any environment. I think it keeps life exciting to see people from all different "walks of life" throughout each day.
Mike Swanson comments: I've actually had a cup of coffee in that coffee shop (and a pastry, to tell the truth). There was an artist sketching and a couple of people playing chess. Nobody bothered you if you sat over that coffee a long time. "Walk" around 7th and you'll see examples of the "eyes on the street" which make this a safe neighborhood. Move out of Street View and take the map in as close at it will go. You'll seea a list of businesses, services, and leisure time activities, all within a block or so of where you've chosen to hang your hat.
Ashley Brinkmann Writes:
I was a garden urbanite and I would like to live at 546 West 113 St. New York City, New York. I want to live here because it is close to Colombia University which is where i wish to attend law school. It would be near campus and it is pretty and has trees. It is a very nice place that I will never be able to afford while in law school, but a girl can dream!
Mike Swanson comments. You might not be able to afford one on your own, but with roomies? Maybe rich roomies? Who knows? Actually a fair number of students do live in this neighborhood for just the reason you's like to live in it, and these buildings include studios and one bedroom and two bedroom apartments. The basements, once servants quarters, and coal cellars, are apartments now, too. These are the long blocks Jacobs doesn't much like. When you have a bit of time, check out the neighborhood. What's available to you on Broadway or Amsterdam? Would it be worth trading a little more distance for a little more non-academic options? What about 111th? What do you think?
Anthony Brahimsha writes:
I consider myself a conservative eclectic urb (50% garden and 50% eclectic). Having confidence in my decision I decided I would live in the Georgetown area of Washington, DC. Even though it is extremely out of my price range, I do have aspirations. The street I would live on is N St. NW Washington D.C.
I was actually so intrigued with this area I found a house for sale: THAT IS EXTREMELY OUT OF MY PRICE RANGE!
I think this area will suit me well because it is not to far from the “happening” area. Being one block up from the main strip that runs through Georgetown (M Street) it isn’t a far walk from basically anything. On M street you can find a vast array of ethnic restaurants and bars, ranging from Ethiopian Cuisine at Zed's to 100% American food at Old Glory.
Apart from all the drinking and eating I’ll be doing, this area is not far from the movie theater and only a shuttle ride away to the Kennedy Performing Art Center.
Now when Monday rolls around and I’m done stuffing my face, drinking, and watching movie, I’ll need a way to get to work. The Metro! The GWU Foggy Bottom Metro Station is only a three block walk from the area I will be living in. Not only is the metro station convenient but it is located directly in front of the GWU Hospital (AS SEEN IN PICTURE). Therefore if I ever trip up the escalator and cut myself coming back from a long day at work I can easily limp into the emergency room.
Mike Swanson suggests: Offer them 4.25 m. It's a crummy real estate market. Then get yourself a job as a lobbist for the health insurance industry and you'll be all set.
I'll treat you to and Ethiopian dinner if you put me up for the night. But you really ought to try the funkier (and a wee bit cheaper) areas perpendicular to M Street, down towards the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. You can peek into Blues Alley, but I think it was too narrow for Streetfinder to drive into.
Margaret Hanvey found her ideal Garden Urb. She Writes:
By dating someone in the military, It's amazing how many different cities you get to see. Up until now, Charleston has to be my favorite. While I was there, I was able to do some exploring, and found this little street, appropriately named Water Street, near the beach front.
Charleston is however, the only southern City I've gotten to visit, and it may be a regional trend, but it so unlike any northern city like New York or Boston. Charleston is very quiet and serene. The streets are safe for foot traffic and bicycling and the buildings have an old, traditional feel to them.
Located in the city are numerous restaraunts that are walking distance from my dream home. Hyman's, for example, is not only a city favorite, but has been named the best seafood in the SouthEast. It's a 2 story restaraunts where the tables have been labeled with gold plaques of those of Hollywood Status who have eaten there. I've been seated at a table with Jimmy Buffet, Micheal Phelps, and Van Morrison. The Rolling Stones were frequent visitors, amoung many others that are listed on a pamphlet at the table. Make sure to taste the boiled, complimentary peanuts. They're named RedNeck Caviar for a reason.
Also walking distance from this area is the University of South Carolina bookstore, clothing shops, and many many more restaraunts. The night life is fantastic all year round. Come to my dream neighborhood and sit back, relax and enjoy the festive Jazz groups that grace the city quite frequently!
Mike Swanson says, all that and Spanish Moss (neither Spanish nor Moss) too. Great find! Charleston is on my Cities to Visit list. I saw a movie set there (and even read the book first)...the name is slipping me now, but when I remember I'll come back and add it.
