What does “Urban” mean to you?

In light of the recent rash of activity regarding the communities new “noteriety,” I’d like to start a discussion of what the term “Urban” means.

Seriously, we all know what the dictionary says.  But in reading the article, and listening to some comments from around the community, it obvious some people have not a clue.

Just for the record, dictionary.com defines urban as:

urban – adj.  

1. Of, relating to, or located in a city.
2. Characteristic of the city or city life.

I personally take it as more of a synonym for metropolitan, which I derive from my experiences in cities like New York and Los Angeles.  I hear urban and I imagine, a city rich with activity, of all walks of life.  Public transpotration, bars and restaurants abound, crime, and traffic.  I definitely do not expect lawns and gardens, parks and playgrounds.  That I expect more out of suburbia, wouldn’t you agree?

But again, obviously some of our residents had no clue what they were getting into.  I think maybe some saw this as modern and hip, and bought into this community without regard to what was actually being sold to them.  This community has always been billed as “urban-like.”

I don’t understand why living here, people complain about there being no gates or no park or no pool.  Didn’t you know when you bought the place?  If you want those things so bad – move to a suburb.  I hear Irvine is nice.

I don’t understand why living here, people complain about noise from the bars or noise from their neighbors.  Didn’t you know this was attached living?  Didn’t you see how close you were to Downtown?  If you wanted piece and quiet and everyone asleep by 9:00 pm – move to a suburb.  I hear Victorville has some opennings.

And yes I realize that some of you may turn around and say, “why are you complaining about crime then?”  But my answer to that is, personal safety, in urban or suburban or sub-suburban, it doesn’t matter – we all should have the right to live in a safe environment.

My point is, if you don’t like living in an urban environment – move.  Don’t try to change this community to become something it was never meant to be to appease what your short sightedness got you into.  I didn’t want Irvine and I didn’t want L.A.  I wanted Fullerton – an old historic city, that as a transit gateway to Orange County – is on the verge of growing to the next level.