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Every time they mass-build housing, the results are horrible. The quality of the homes is always "transitional". In Europe or even New York, you can rent flats
by russellbeattie 9y ago
Every time they mass-build housing, the results are horrible. The quality of the homes is always "transitional". In Europe or even New York, you can rent flats which are large enough for a family and constructed to give you a sense of privacy, even with density. Floors and ceilings and walls are solid enough you barely notice you're sharing the building. Shops are always close by, as well as public transport and schools. California high-occupancy buildings are always in the middle of nowhere, made on the cheap, meant to last years - not decades - and aimed at single 20 somethings without any thought to the long term or general community. If you can't buy a bottle of milk and some bread without getting into a car, you're doing it wrong.
I grew up in and around Boston, where three family homes and corner groceries were the norm, schools were in the neighborhood and the T could get you just about anywhere. I remember seeing Karate Kid when I was young and boggled at the apartment he lived in (with the empty pool and all the doors facing in like a motel) and couldn't imagine that was a real apartment building, but even 30 years later, they're still everywhere in California, and newer versions aren't much better. Apartments are for collecting poor people and built as such, and suburbia everywhere else.
- albertgoeswoof 9y agoNot sure that's true about Europe, most mass-built housing globally suffers from the same issues.
- russellbeattie 9y agoI have to admit that when I say "Europe", I'm talking about Spain where I lived for 4 years, and a few other countries I've visited over the years. My son's family in Spain bought into the real estate boom and the flat they eventually got in a new highrise is actually great and just like I described. It's smallish by American standards, of course, but not insanely so. And you can't hear anyone else. It's a real home.
- shady-lady 9y ago> In Europe or even New York, you can rent flats which are large enough for a family and constructed to give you a sense of privacy, even with density Not in Ireland. The last housing boom (late 90s/early 00s) gave us poor quality apartment blocks along with deficient building control regulations which in essence allowed developers to self-certify. Which leads me to agree with your statements: "Every time they mass-build housing, the results are horrible" & "aimed at single 20 somethings without any thought to the long term or general community" Made horrible as: 1) plenty of work so sub standard builders get away with it. 2) plenty of work so jobs are rushed 3) far left shouting for loads of (mainly free) housing to b e built right now. 4) plenty of work that any and all officials rush through decision making/inspection so that they don't have get chewed out of it. Even with good facilities around and location being very walkable, nothing can compensate for not having a nice peaceful place to lay your head.