As wonderful and exciting as the city is, most of us figure living in the suburbs is probably best once you're settled down with kids, because it's convenient, safe, and there are a bunch of other little families who are exactly like you to have backyard cookouts with on the weekends.
And while that's true and was one of the main reasons my family chose to move to the middle of nowhere a town about 30 minutes outside of the bustling metropolis of Hartford, Connecticut — there are quite a few things I really wish I'd known about being so far from the action before we bought our house.
Like how bad living in the suburbs really sucks.
Again, it does have a few perks, but for the most part, I find myself spending at least a couple minutes every single day devising a plan for getting the hell out of here.
Wanna know why? Take a look at the photos below to see 8 reasons why life in the suburbs isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Image via tachyondecay/Flickr
People 'Popping In'
Ugh. Don't get me wrong, I welcome visitors (sometimes) and all, but there's nothing worse than someone ringing your doorbell and stopping over unannounced — especially when you are still in your pajamas and haven't brushed your teeth yet.
You're Never Alone
You know how sometimes all you want to do is relax on the deck while the kids run in the yard without having to talk to anyone? In the burbs, the minute people see you're outside — they think it's an open invitation to join the party.
Can't Walk Around Naked
You just got out of the shower and realize the clean laundry basket is downstairs. Out here in the suburbs, you can't even run down in the buff for 30 seconds — because you never know who might be passing by your window.
You Have to Drive -- EVERYWHERE
Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to walk out my front door and go around the corner to get a coffee. I'd probably be 10 pounds thinner if we lived somewhere more urban.
No Room for White Lies
Let's face it, sometimes you just aren't in the mood to attend the 48th neighborhood party of the year. But since everyone knows exactly when you are home and when you're not, you can't simply go with the "we'll be out of town" excuse to get out of having to cater to the clipboard of fun.
It's Never Quiet
Good grief. How many times a day/week/month do people have to mow their lawns, fire up the weedwacker, etc.? And why do they insist on doing it at 7 a.m. on a Saturday? (Get me out of here.)
Your Business Is Everyone's Business
"OMG. Did you hear about the So-and-Sos? They're getting a divorce. And their house is going into foreclosure."
Yep. In the burbs — everyone knows your business, which is not usually a good thing.
You're Always Broke
You know what the suburbs have a ton of? Kids. And they all have a gazillion fundraisers going on during the year — which means they're constantly on your doorstep selling something. And if you don't buy whatever it is they're selling? Yeah, that makes you the neighborhood a**hole.
