re: Living downtown as a new grad

Also, one of the girls in the building told me that the developers got some kind of historical building exemption when renovating it and the rent is controlled for 10 years. Hearsay but sweet if true. Take that fwiw.

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Take this time to keep living like a poor college kid and save up that money

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I think there's a fine balance between smartly spending your income in your early working years and enjoying your time before life altering commitments start to take hold and the unique benefits that time period can have.

I wouldn't worry about spending a little extra on something you value (even if it's a social value that's hard to quantify), and I'd prefer that before trying to live like a 40 year old in your 20's. As a 38 yr old homeowner, I value my equity and place to raise a family (and the lawn and spare bedrooms that requires), but I wouldn't wish that responsibility on a 22 year old and am certainly glad I didn't rush into that phase of my life.

Save money by being cheap on things you don't really value (eat in except for special occasions, don't trade in that college POS car just yet, don't bother with cable/satellite if you're just going to walk to Draft House to watch the game, etc...). Of course, I don't know what the OP's values are.

You pretty much hit the head on the nail for me. Sure I'll be able to afford a house but right now I don't want a house. we would be newly married and have everything we need like the ymca, the mathernes, st Joseph cathedral. I think it's a win even though it's small and a little more expensive.

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I think there's a fine balance between smartly spending your income in your early working years and enjoying your time before life altering commitments start to take hold and the unique benefits that time period can have.

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I'm not saying live like a hermit. I'm saying that now is the time that it's not going to be difficult to stay in a mediocre apartment. Or buy the cheap off brand groceries. Maybe not get HBO and Showtime. I by no means didn't spend money. I bought a brand new truck and a pricey engagement ring in that first year. But, I didn't put a lot of stock in other things like a fancy apartment or eating out every night. Yes I could afford it. As a single guy making half of what I do now, I probably had more money to blow back then than I do now. But, I didn't and because of that, I have put 20% down on two houses, have ample savings, etc..

I looked at the "nice apartment over a cool bar" when I first graduated, and sometimes I think it would have been nice (especially if single), but knowing what I know now, I'm glad I saved ~$700 a month for a year and a half. This also takes the will power to save money.

I'm still not 30 yet, so it's not like I had to do this for 10 years. I lived like that until I was married ~2 years. Now I have a good safety net and have no problem spending money on stupid shite . Actually one of my new years resolutions is to at least somewhat learn to budget again.

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Downtown doesn't have any amenities to be livable in my opinion. Once they start putting in some more stores, rather than just bars and restaurants, then it'll be more viable.

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Now this is a spoiled, first world comment if I ever heard one. What are these lacking amenities that render the area unlivable, pray tell.

It's be nice if downtown had a coffee shop that stayed open past 6pm.

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It's be nice if downtown had a coffee shop that stayed open past 6pm.

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That's a fair criticism. I'll give you that one.

Getting from there out to Bass Pro will be murder.

BR's downtown isn't necessarily lacking anything, but when compared to other cities, the downtown is still a bit depressing. Are there bars and restaurants? Yes. Are most of them shitty. Unfortunately, yes. Still think the kid should live there, though.

With that said, downtown BR is improving every year. It's better than many comparable downtowns in the south. Look at Jackson or Mobile. Yikes.