I would like to share some inspiration with you that helped guide my partner and I. As you may know, if you read through our services page, we have developed a workshop to help home buyers assess where they should live, what house will suit their lifestyle, and what decor will reflect their personalities. Where to live and why that matters is what this post is about.
Image via Hypebeast, March 2nd, 2009
Richard Florida, a prominent American sociologist, has an established reputation in writing and lecturing for the mainstream. One of his latest books: “Who’s Your City: How the Creative Economy is Making Where to Live the Most Important Decision of Your Life” argues that choosing a city is more important than any other major decision that one makes in life. Why? Because it is the source of the opportunities that lead to these other major decisions.
Richard Florida discusses his ideas here:
He proposes that within the creative economy, the city is the ultimate attraction. Creative industries can set up shop almost anywhere in the world. They are attracted to a city’s persona; its values, politics, people, and culture. People will move to and remain in a city for the same reasons. What is the result for you? The people you meet – friends, neighbours, colleagues, lovers, and spouses – were likely attracted to the city for the same reason you were. The lifestyle you want to lead – the values, culture, and facilities that allow for it – are there because there are enough like-minded people in the city to support it.
In short, he is saying you should be more proactive; choose your city instead of it choosing you. For example, don’t jump at a high paying job without thinking about where it is taking you, because that city will continue to determine who you meet, what culture you are exposed to, and how you continue to lead the rest of your life.
Image via Lostatsea
Whether you agree with all of Richard Florida’s theories or not, we agree with the premise that place matters. We think the neighbourhood you choose, like the choice you have made to live in a city, can have a significant impact on the people you meet and what you are able to pursue in your day to day life. The people in a community have chosen, consciously or sub-consciously, to live there for reasons that probably reflect who they are and what they value – the aesthetics, the accessibility, the character, the housing, the schools, proximity to a retail district, and cultural/recreational facilities.
Check out our location lab to learn more about which Ottawa neighbourhood is right for you.