My 'So-Called' Urban Life

Who knew that the perfect blend of urban and suburban could be found on the north end of Mercer Island of all places?

My husband, 8 year old daughter, 6 year old son and I are brand spanking new residents of Mercer Island’s downtown community. When I told my best friend of our plans to move here, she referred to it as living urban-lite. Moving to a downtown Mercer Island condo is quite a big change for our family as we transition from a very typical, Eastside suburban neighborhood, complete with cul-de-sac, large backyard, and happy neighbors.

Last summer my husband and I visited Italy for our ten year anniversary. We were immediately attracted to the very European and pedestrian lifestyle of every city we visited, being able to walk to stores, parks and entertainment. But back in the US, the need to provide good schools and a backyard for our children always seemed to keep us from considering a situation like this. Mercer Island’s downtown community is now providing all of these, an award winning school district, fantastic open spaces for play and an urban-lite lifestyle. In a climate where downsizing has become somewhat of a buzz word, the timing finally seemed to be right for us to make a change.

Since our move only a short month ago we have been getting quite the variety of reactions from friends. Some say, “Wow, good for you that sounds exciting, I wish I could do that”, to the shock and surprise that we would even think of moving out of our house for the condo lifestyle. Some have even wondered if everything is okay with our family.

Thankfully, we are all doing great! So far, living the urban-lite lifestyle seems
simpler, without as much driving, less house work and no yard to maintain. But
will it all be worth it a year from now? As we are unpacking our final boxes and
setting up our new home the new adventure has officially begun, and I get to
write about it right here on Patch.