Saturday, May 27, 2006

Snob

As I search craigslist for housing options in Seattle, I realize more and more that I am a housing snob.

I don't want to live with anyone. No housemate. Not even someone right up on me in an apartment next to me- much worse if there are paper thin walls or a heavy walker up above me. I have been spoiled in my housing situations in Santa Cruz save that one year where I found myself living in a sorority house (another story for another time). I have had some great roomies (except for the bipolar thief) and lived in some awesome houses. Living with Mike these past two years has been an ideal situation, especially after having lived alone for 5 years in a cottage (re: converted garage).

I don't like those mass block apartment complexes. If I am going to have to share my living space up close and personal with people I damn well need it to look cute. A converted Victorian or Craftsman with 6-8 apartments throughout would be ok with me. A high rise with a gym and lounge area? Absolutely not. I'd feel like I was living in a hotel or on a permanent vacation except there isn't any room service.

I like old homes with old charms- built ins, hardwood floors, arched doorways, fireplaces or faulty radiators and clawfoot tubs. I like quiet and privacy. I like light (no "daylight basements" for me). I like having a washer and dryer nearby. I don't like driving around for 15 minutes to find parking and hauling my groceries 5 blocks or up 3 flights of stairs. I told you, I am particular. Oh yeah, and it has to be pet friendly.

Maybe I am shooting for the moon. Maybe I want the impossible. But it is worth a shot. Besides, with all of the visitors I am expecting, I better have a cute place.

8 comments:

anne said...

Those are beautiful pictures!

I'm with you on the older places with the cooler features. We chose our house because of that and our apartment before (in a house) for the hardwood and built-ins. Good luck on finding the perfect place! I'm sure it's out there!

Anonymous said...

My house is for sale and it has all of that stuff. Too bad it's in crappy Oklahoma - we'd give ya a deal. :)

Nihilistic said...

Did you know that everything you said you don't want is what I live in? Ok...not EVERYTHING. It is pet friendly and its a single home. But we just have the basement apartment...DARK!! Ughhhhh...And we have crazy lesbians living above us!

Melissa said...

You should be a home snob. It's a total reflection of who you are and how you live, and it's the place where you go t be safe and calm. You can't be safe and calm in a cardboard walled apartment. It's not possible.

Scarlet Hip said...

We have the same exact taste in homes. Don't forget a yard for the puppies!

Claire said...

My tastes run much the same: I like my quiet with a side of privacy. Good luck with the hunt!

maseume said...

1) you are not a home snob if you have the green to back it up
2) test the plumbing. no, really. I've was locked into a lease of a would-be charming-ish studio, except upon arrival I found out the pipes were from the 20's and could not withold the passing of toilet paper. No joke. You've been warned.

jeopardygirl said...

Sizz,

I have a friend who lives in an upper apartment of an older house in Seattle, and he really likes it. Try up near the university.