What makes a city likeable?

Over the past six years I have lived in five different cities ranging from a population of approximately 10,700 to 2,099,450. Each time I have moved, someone has asked me “how do you like insert city?” Most of the time I just say it is okay. What do they want me to say?

When I think about the cities I have enjoyed the most, the city itself has little to do with it. Malls, clubs, cultural events, et cetera have very little to do with how I have felt about a city. It has always been about the relationships I was able to build that made my time in a particular place enjoyable. I look forward to visiting certain cities because that’s where my friends live and we had fun doing some of everything.

There are some places I dread going to, such as my hometown, because I don’t have close friendships with anyone there. Some people who get excited about going home but that is not me. As long as I can talk to my mom when I want to I am satisfied.

Recently I moved to the capital city of my home state and I have not been impressed to stay. Mostly because I haven’t built the type of friendships (or any at all) I had in other cities. Starting from scratch with relationships is probably the toughest part about moving around but that doesn’t deter me. I have my sights on a new city in the near future. Hopefully I will meet some Cajuns and Creoles that will welcome me and I will fall in love with a city!

Can you be single and share a home with your family?

This morning on CBS This Morning I saw a new story about extended families living under one roof. There is a builder in Florida who specializes in homes that house multi-generations. The grandparents have their own private suites.

I think it is an awesome idea. It cuts down on bills, travel, and support plus everyone still has their privacy. (The grandparents had their own entrance from outside to their suites.) I have always thought that my mother would live with me once I settle in a place, well if that ever happens. However, does the idea work for single adults? Wouldn’t they just be considered living at home with their parents?

I read a post the other day that stated that there was an issue with guys who still lived with their parents. Now I see where this could be an unattractive especially if they guy had never lived outside the home and had never supported his self. But what if the tables were turned and the parents had moved in with the son? Does that make a difference?