S40'sDM, You're Just Not Ready

I love real estate shows. Anything to do with houses, I'm in. Flip 'em, renovate 'em, sell 'em, its all good. Last night i was watching one of my new fave shows. Usually it deals with the development and selling of large condo projects and is headed by one of my favourite characters on television.

This season, they also mix in a person or couple looking for a piece of property to either invest or live in. This is where i encountered Mr. Single 40's divorced male and i have a bone to pick with him. He was looking for a condo or loft conversion to live in because after years of living in one of our tonier neighbourhoods, in a house, he wanted to experience the "young vibrant" downtown lifestyle. Kudos to him and may the universe bless him in his search! I'm sure we'd all love to have north of a million bucks to spend on a home of any kind.

First stop on the show, the Tip Top Tailor lofts. Amazing building. One of the few primo examples of Art Deco architecture we've managed to hang on to in this city. Beautiful location, right on the waterfront. The unit itself was ungodly large, 2700 square feet 2 beds, at least one gigantic bathroom ( the party bathroom as the agent referred to it) and not bad views. A winner in almost every sense of the word. Gazing thoughtfully out of one of the windows, S40'sdm asked with a trace of fear and loathing, " Is that subsidized housing next door?"

Herein lies the problem. Part of living downtown in this city, is that people of lower economic means are NOT restricted to a few areas. We're all over. I pictured S40'sdm lying awake in bed shivering at the thought of having to see and ewwww possibly interact with someone who makes less than 100k per year.

What i love about downtown is the absolute variety of folks, all residing and thriving with each other. All sizes, shapes, colours, persuasions mostly and usually living not only peacefully, but with great sense of community. Yes, there are a few bad apples, but there always are, even in the "best" neighbourhoods.

So, Mr. S40'sDM, i respect the fact that if you are going to pay the big bucks for your home, you'll want to feel comfortable and safe. I just don't think you're ready for the "vibrant" downtown lifestyle just yet.

xo

Neil