I live so far from home and wouldn’t trade where I live for a moment (well except perhaps for SF or SD but that’s different). But then there’s a few things about here that really suck in comparrison to suburbia.
Hobos– They’re everywhere. But in the metro they’re crazier, scarier, and ruder. However, they seem to be a bit more honest to some degree. Panhandlers in suburbia have to hide their booze/drug/ sexual operation desires, whereas here they’re at least upfront they’re not buying food with the money you give them.
Public Transit– it may suck most everywhere else (and this doesn’t include you SF) but in most major metro areas, the busses especially are rarely on time nor are they comfortable. You get what you pay for is an understatement.
Parking– Oh god. This could have subcatagories. In fact, I think it should.
- Meters– fill it more than you think you’re going to be there. If you’re late even one minute the maid will not give a crap. Either hack the meter or always carry quarters. Trust me.
- Parallel parking– You don’t seem to get enough practice with this in suburbia. But people in the metro really don’t give a crap about making it easy for you either. Be there early.
- Size issues (parking)- I love when cars just don’t pull up that maybe 2 ft ahead so someone can park in front or behind them. Thank you resident asshat.
- Street sweeping– Multiple vehicles and streetside parking is a nightmare here. It’s like an orchestra of when I have to move what. Those tickets aren’t fun either.
- Valet ripoffs– They want $15-25 just to move your car 500 ft and park it. What an awesome waste of money. And sadly not everywhere with a bike lets you get out of Valet even if they can’t park it. Which is a waste times 2.
Roads– the upkeep on the freeway and major roads is substandard. In some ways this is really not a good city for scooters or bicycles. Thanks for the encouragement for polluting less to the environment mr Govenator.
Less homestyle cooked food– Let’s face it. There’s nothing that really compares to some of the homestyle cooked places back home. Go back to the simplicity and enjoy your meal.. calorie by hundred calorie you have.
Less personable diners– There’s something about a diner back home in the middle of the country and the warmth of the people that makes even a mediocre diner that much better than most anything here in the metro.
No backyards– Growing up in IL I had a house with a backyard. In the metro area it seems that area is something that only exists in dreams and for rich people.
Overly Expensive without reason entertainment– Sometimes merited. Oftentimes not. If it’s on Sunset, it’s likely not. If its downtown San Diego and nearly $20 for a drink I can get for 5-7, it’s.. not.
Cleaner playgrounds– This is an urban jungle. Despite the street cleaning the public playgrounds here just aren’t kept well.
Not enough quality doughnut shops– How hard is it to screw up a doughnut? Seriously. This is ridiculous with the amount of sugar encrusted consumerism there is here that finding a good one is a treat. (Please someone in LA prove me wrong. The shop also should also include wifi and talkative regulars with fantastic stories)
High cost rent– This one you don’t always get what you pay for. You could be paying through the roof for a location thats downtown next to Skid Row. That said I’m extremely fortunate to have found the place I am at for the price I’m at (thank you roommie).
I think that’s enough for now. I have another list coming up that kind of branches off of this one. I guess now wouldn’t be a horrible time to go home after all. But maybe for an actual vacation and not a potential “fun”eral.
I am an Enigma 