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Side by Side: Suburban vs. Urban Lifestyle
Adopting such a way of life, where walking is the primary mode of transportation, appealed to the couple as they sought to determine how they would spend the next stage of their lives, following a suburban lifestyle that suited them well during the years they raised a family and then grandchildren. For 22 years, the couple enjoyed all that suburban living has to offer, including large living spaces and a back yard with a deck overlooking a meandering creek. Though they enjoyed the lifestyle, their house seemed a bit big once the children had moved out and they became empty nesters.Gradually, the couple came to the realization that their next stage in life would require much less house, yard and deck. “We were ready to plan a whole new way of living!” Carol says enthusiastically. “Family, friends and charitable organizations received lots of stuff as we whittled down to fit into our new home.” The couple now calls their condominium at The Meydenbauer in Old Bellevue home. The Bellevue Downtown Park is now their backyard, and Meydenbauer Bay has replaced their creek. With just enough living space for “the two of us and a few pots of flowers,” nearby hotels serve as guestrooms for visiting friends and family. “We are feeling a new energy in our urban setting!” Carol exclaims. “And, we have more time for the people and activities we love.”
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At
last count, Gary and Carol Betz could walk from their condo just
off Main Street to 20 restaurants in Downtown Bellevue. World-class
shopping, the post office, the library and the movie theatre are
all within walking distance, too. And most importantly, Overlake
Hospital Medical Center, where the Betzs volunteer much of their
time, is a long, relaxing stroll or short drive away.