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ITP/OTP

A co-worker recently asked me what differences I have noticed between “ITP" and "OTP” now that I have been living ITP for a while now. For those of you who are unfamiliar with these terms (I was until a few months ago), she was asking me what differences I have noticed about living “inside the perimeter” of Atlanta verses living outside of it.

I have noticed a few things, such as:
- Parking. I park in parking decks everywhere ITP – Walmart, our apartment, you name it. OTP, I hardly ever used parking decks.
- Restaurants. OTP I went to chain restaurants 95% of the time. I didn’t trust most non-chain restaurants there! ITP, I never eat at chains. There aren’t many here – plus, there are so many fun non-chain restaurants that we want to try!
- Friendliness. People ITP are not as friendly as people OTP (okay, there are exceptions to this rule both ways, but it’s a general observation.)
- Diversity. People are much more diverse ITP – in socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, and many other ways - with one exception: age. I saw more elderly people OTP.

There are pros and cons to most of these things – I could argue both sides on many of these issues. Just observations I found interesting. I will say this: I had some definite misconceptions about what life ITP would be like, and I have been pleasantly surprised that they were just that - misconceptions. For example, I thought that ITP, there were hardly any trees or yards. However, John and I have stumbled upon some great yards and quiet, serene roads that seem just like neighborhoods I could have found OTP.

I also won’t say that living one place is “better” than living another. I think both have their advantages and disadvantages.

That’s all for now – just quick observations as I sit on my balcony overlooking Peachtree Road and see a MARTA train pass by! I never thought I would say this, but John and I have both really enjoyed our balcony and found it to be a very peaceful place for reading, thinking and conversations. I never thought I would live anywhere NEAR Peachtree Road or a MARTA track, much less think that a place like that could be peaceful, but never say never! God works in mysterious ways and knows us better than we know ourselves. Enjoy your evening, wherever you are!

Comments

  1. Steve JacksonMay 5, 2010 at 11:43 PM

    Leigh, I hope the old people you are referring to that live OTP don't include me!

    ReplyDelete

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