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Living options abound for graduates

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Also by Suzanne Zoheri:

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Racism distracts Israel questions (November 29, 2006)

by Suzanne Zoheri

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

There are a handful of attractive things about Madison that make me want to stay here after graduation. Always being able to find an ultimate team to play on, choosing from 20 different co-ops or alternative food stores for granola, soy beans and dried fruit, feeling the warmth and fulfillment of our small, big city that inspires hundreds of freshmen every year.

But New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston? These classic hotspots for young professionals are becoming almost too cool for their own good. The trend for singles and alternative-minded professionals has been to move into low-key cities and even, gasp, suburbs. The alternative "urbanscapes" have blossomed all across America, making the move after college that much more appealing. So, Mom, shall we discuss the loosening of the umbilical cord just a little further?

If your parents are also guilt-tripping you about settling down far from home, look to the wonderful world of marketing. A quick persuasion here, a talk about independence there, and a sprinkle of "commitment to advancement"; and you've got yourself a U-Haul and 24 hours of driving.

The New York Times relates the efforts of relatively under-the-radar cities that boast big time attractions to young professionals still attached to the nightlife of urban cityscapes. In Lansing, Mich., Portland, Ore., and Memphis, Tenn., there are huge efforts to improve the proximity of work and play, and to create functionally enticing designs. Instead of the typical 10-floor apartment building with a single-family apartment on each floor, we're going to see more 30-story apartment buildings with a gym, laundry facilities and a large portion of single-bedroom or studio apartments. These are perfect breeding grounds for anyone with the money and time to enjoy themselves but still need the flexibility of singles housing.

The New York Times article elaborates on options cities are taking to attract burgeoning young professionals ready to live wherever life and creativity collide. To make drinking easier and safer, the city of Lansing decided to run Entertainment Express trolleys from bar to bar in the downtown area. Granted, I may never wear stiletto heels to the neighborhood bar, but not walking always has its perks.

Memphis employed the hip Big Brother program to partner young professionals with experienced (and highly entertaining) workers in their field so recruits feel a bond with the company and the cities' atmosphere. Hook, line and sinker. If I can easily explore a city and establish communal ties within my working environment, that city's appeal skyrockets.

In an effort to uncover this growing phenomenon, The New York Times has published even more on the lifestyle patterns of the young and single, including a piece published Dec. 4, 2006, "You're Single and Tired of the City; Is There a Suburb for You?" Beyond the stories of blossoming New York City suburbs, there is a lesson for all graduating seniors to learn: Cities are competing for our rent checks, bar tabs and entertainment spending, and there is more out there than Chicago, Los Angeles or even New York.

The famed "Coasties" myth on our campus — the characterization of white, rich, fashionably dressed females as embodying the spirit of the East Coast — is absurd. Equally absurd is the assumption that a single city is unequivocally best for all independent, creative thinkers bursting with potential. If Lansing, Mich., and Hoboken, N.J., are catering to my needs of proximity and choice, reputation or not, there are opportunities to be taken. If it really is all location, location, location, then I'm prepared to scour for a city with good music, cultural expression and a job market all about me.

Suzanne Zoheri (smzoheri@wisc.edu) is a senior majoring in history and global cultures.

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Anonymous (January 24, 2007 @ 7:55am):

So you are admitting that you are a coastie?

Anonymous (January 24, 2007 @ 11:51am):

Giant sunglasses, life preserver Northface jackets, tight black pants, and Uggs are ridiculous and only "fashionable" to the most tasteless of humanity.

Anonymous (January 24, 2007 @ 7:51pm):

As are grey heather 'wisconsin' sweatshirts...you all look like mama's family rejects

Anonymous (January 24, 2007 @ 8:27pm):

Coasties are more than just the look. It is the snobby attitude you find on N. Frances/Langdon Streets. It DOES exist.

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