A woman who bought her first house after college angered her wealthier neighbors after she used her front yard practically, and they complained that her home’s appearance was ruining the area. Here’s what she had to say.
It Was a Bargain
In an upscale neighborhood primarily characterized by luxurious 4- to 6-bedroom residences, the young woman’s decision to buy a uniquely affordable one-bedroom property became a subject of unexpected contention.
The house, which she purchased at a steal for $60,000—significantly less than the average home in the vicinity—was an older property with its fair share of quirks.
She Was Financially Shrewd
The woman revealed, “I am 24, and I bought my first house. I know it’s super young for that, but I really wanted the financial stability of working to own something rather than rent.”
Historically, the house was retained by an elderly couple who had resisted the temptation to sell to eager developers, hence the surrounding development. Its low price had been the result of their daughter wanting to sell it quickly after they died.
She Loved The House
When the woman had chanced upon the small home, she thought it stood out like a charming relic of the past amidst its more modern neighbors.
Unlike other properties in the area, it was surrounded by a wooded lot, lending it an aura of seclusion and natural beauty. The new homeowner was enchanted by the old brickwork and the feel of a fairy-tale cottage, and she felt she’d found her dream home amongst nature.
It Suited Her Perfectly
The homeowner added, “I don’t plan on having kids for a long, long time (if ever), and I don’t have a relationship either, so one bedroom is perfect for me. I love the trees. I love being close enough to work that I can bike there.”
Once she moved into her cozy, adorable new home, she began personalizing her surroundings to reflect her style and preferences.
She Enjoyed Rustic Living
Instead of the luxury cars that typically lined the driveways of the neighboring homes, her “beater” car took pride of place in her own driveway, given that she had no garage.
Her front porch was soon adorned with a wooden outdoor sofa, characterized by its bold, if old-fashioned, floral print and comfy upholstery.
She Hosted Hang-Outs
Between two of the many trees, the homeowner hung a hammock, and she added a rustic fire pit using stones she found on her property, a spot that soon became the centerpiece for gatherings with friends.
“I have friends over and hang out on the porch; I’ll have three to six people over; things usually wrap up by 11 p.m.,” she elaborated.
They Complained
However, it wasn’t long before the young woman’s “unorthodox” activities raised eyebrows amongst her more affluent neighbors.
She received complaints about her social gatherings and her habit of using her front yard as a temporary workspace; she and her friends worked on trucks, bikes, and even woodworking projects, like building a bedframe. She always ensured everything was tidied away after use.
She “Cheapened” The Neighborhood
The surrounding neighbors did not appreciate these practical hobbies or the appearance of their young neighbor’s yard and frequently voiced their discontent about her “deviating” lifestyle.
Though the woman’s property was not part of the neighborhood’s homeowners association (HOA), as the more prestigious homes were, her neighbors believed she should still match the area’s high standard of living.
They Didn’t Want Her There
In the woman’s interactions with her disapproving neighbors, she often found herself emphasizing her limited budget and her inability to mirror their extravagant lifestyles.
In response to this, one neighbor reacted in a condescending tone, saying, “Young lady, I do not think you are ready to be a homeowner; you should have stayed in a college area until you gained some maturity and were financially ready.”
Was She at Fault?
The young homeowner found this jarring and unforgivably rude. She asserted that she was trying to be financially responsible and prudent by removing the burden of “wasted” rent, yet she was receiving criticism.
Feeling judged and cornered, she sought external opinions, hoping to find some understanding online and asking: was she to blame for maintaining a cheap lifestyle in a rich neighborhood?
The Internet Responded
One person suggested, “I’m sorry, but the outdoor sofa is tacky and is a legitimate eyesore. It screams frat house or hillbilly. The other stuff is fine, but a show of goodwill would be to keep sofas indoors. You can get an outdoor seating arrangement that looks nice for cheap.”
Another remarked, “Coming from someone who lived on a street with more than one Camaro on cinderblocks or jack stands, the outdoor couch is pushing it.”
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