How has "one-story America" changed in modern society?

The history of the term "one-story America"

The term "one-story America" first appeared in the works of Ilya Ilf and Evgeny Petrov when they created a book with the same title in the genre of travel notes. This phrase embodied a certain segment of the population — working-class people who did not possess significant material wealth.

The modern meaning of the term

In the modern context, the term refers to the private housing sector. According to various data, about 70% of Americans live in individual houses. Interestingly, despite stereotypes, not all of them have only one floor. At the time of the latest research, only about 35% of buildings were one-story, while more than 60% were two-story.

Features of American homes

America is known for its numerous cozy terraces and well-kept lawns surrounding homes. The remaining 30% consists of multi-story buildings, most often located in large metropolitan areas where land prices are significantly higher. In such apartment buildings, there are sometimes restrictions regarding pet ownership and other aspects of life.

Homeowners' associations

The equivalent of our homeowners' association in the USA is the association of property owners. This group can include individual apartment buildings as well as entire complexes made up of several neighboring buildings or townhouses.

Housing selection

Residents have the freedom to choose whether they want to live in a house managed by an association or prefer individual housing without its oversight. However, the highest quality and most convenient apartments are often managed by associations, making them attractive to most buyers.

Responsibilities of associations

Associations are responsible for maintaining order in the area, managing the cleaning of common areas, and carrying out repairs to communal property. Their responsibilities also include:

• Control over parking spaces
• Establishing interaction with social services
• Organization of various events for local residents

The disadvantages of living in associations

However, despite the many advantages, life in such associations also has its downsides. The first thing to pay attention to is...mandatory contributionsthat residents are required to pay annually, even if they do not use common facilities such as sports grounds or parking areas.

Restrictions and penalties

In addition, associations sometimes introducerestrictionschanges in the architecture and exterior appearance of the housing. For example, any desire to alter the facade or external landscape must be approved; otherwise, one may face unpleasant consequences, up topenalty sanctions. Fines can also be imposed on those who do not keep order in their yards or do not take care of green spaces.

Rules for tenants

Additionally, associations are established.internal rulesMandatory for all residents, including tenants. This may include:

• Minimum tenancy period
• Restrictions on keeping pets

Conclusion

Thus, living in complexes managed by homeowners' associations entails both various advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider when choosing a place to live.

Rules for living with pets

In a number of residential complexes, especially in Houston, Texas, there are strict rules regarding pet ownership. These rules can specify not only the maximum number of pets allowed but also weight restrictions. It is important to remember that before becoming an apartment owner in such complexes, potential buyers must undergo a preliminary screening process organized by the management company.

All those wishing to purchase a home must submit a special application and pay a fee for its consideration, the amount of which varies from one hundred to two hundred dollars. The residents' association administration conducts a thorough screening of applicants, assessing their financial stability and criminal records.

Mobile homes in America

When we talk about life in mobile homes, it is important to note that this lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular, and its perception is changing. According to various estimates, around twenty to twenty-five million Americans live in RVs. These spaces can range from old and very uncomfortable to modern ones, with amenities that include:

• electricity
• water
• gas
• sewerage
• separate bedrooms
• well-equipped kitchens

The share of mobile homes among all residential properties in the United States is approx.7%The available options can cost just a few thousand dollars, while more modern and expensive models can range from tens to even hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some reaching up to a million. Modern trailers typically have 2-3 bedrooms, as well as washing machines, dryers, bathrooms (or showers), and kitchens with gas stoves and refrigerators.

The nomadic life of youth

The younger generation in America eagerly chooses a life on the move, and many not only decide to move into trailers but also dream of exciting nomadic adventures after leaving the standard office routine. Some RV owners remove the wheels and convert their trailers into stationary homes, creating small communities, settlements, and even entire neighborhoods based on this.

Mobile home statistics

In the United States, there are currently about nine million mobile homes, which accounts for approximately 7% of the housing market. Additionally, neighborhood is considered an important part of life in this country. New residents usually get to know their neighbors very quickly, even if they try to avoid it, as neighbors tend to come over quickly with treats like homemade baked goods, such as pies or cookies.

This tradition of friendliness and the desire to connect with a new neighbor continues to be an important part of American culture.

Social aspects of neighborhood.

Americans value stability and order in their lives, which is why they are wary of potential changes that new neighbors might bring. In the first few days, they try to find out what the new resident does, who their friends are, and what their hobbies are. In general, residents of the USA often turn out to be not only kind and hospitable neighbors but also quite attentive observers of what is happening around them.

History of the origins of the neighborhood watch

An important event took place in the USA — a community movement known as the neighborhood watch emerged in response to a tragedy. The main impetus for its creation was the horrific situation that unfolded in New York in 1964, when a young woman was murdered right outside her home.

During the investigation, it was revealed that dozens of witnesses observed what happened, but none of them intervened. This shocking incident became a catalyst for uniting the residents of the area, who formed volunteer groups to patrol the streets at night. Thus, the first civil patrol in the country was established.

Support and legitimacy of the movement

The neighborhood watch movement has received strong support from the National Sheriffs' Association, which has allowed participants to take part in various raids and investigations, giving the project a certain official status.

In today's world, these initiatives have spread not only across America but also in other countries. Members of such groups do not just record crimes, but also keep a close eye on suspicious activities in their neighborhoods, passing information to law enforcement officials about any incidents.

Functions of neighborhood watch participants

It should be noted that the members of the neighborhood watch do not have the authority to detain offenders or use any force. Their main function is to notify the police and assist in maintaining public order. This rule protects both the volunteers themselves and the people around them, as it eliminates the risks of violent behavior from the participants.

Real estate in the USA

Now let's consider the topic of real estate in the USA. For example, in Chicago, there are apartments for sale priced at 91,956 euros, with a total area of 112 square meters. This spacious 5-room apartment is located in the city center and just a few steps away from the subway station.

It includes three bedrooms, an office, and a bathroom. The entire property is priced at around 100 thousand dollars. The property tax is 2300 dollars per year, and there are no mandatory monthly payments, making it an attractive option for renters. Long-term rental of such an apartment costs between 1500 and 2000 dollars per month.

Examples of real estate in Miami

Other housing options can be found in Miami. For example, one of the apartments, measuring 60 square meters, is offered for 354,029 euros. It includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, and there are options for online viewings and remote transactions.

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Connection with the broker

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Design of American kitchens

Particular attention should be paid to kitchens in American homes. They often become the center of the entire house, as the area where the kitchen and living room are combined is located on the first floor, creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcome for guests right from the entrance. Typically, there is no separate hallway, and the stairs to the upper floor lead directly from the kitchen. In apartments, the kitchen often smoothly transitions into the living room.

Each of these kitchens is undoubtedly equipped with a powerful hood to ensure that the smells generated during cooking do not affect the cozy space for relaxation. Americans love to make their kitchens modern and functional:

• dishwashers
• coffee machines
• toasters
• two refrigerators
• blenders
• freezers
• microwave ovens

Ultimately, all these elements play their unique role and provide a high level of comfort in their use.

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Key features of American kitchens

American kitchens often include a central island that serves as a versatile workspace. This element is not only convenient for cooking but can also be used as a dining area.

In some cases, to save space, peninsulas are installed that can be adjacent to a wall, making them practical in small rooms. These islands can accommodate:

• the stove;
• bar counter;
• wine cooler;
• organize a storage space using shelves and boxes.

In American kitchens, special attention is paid to the storage of things, as it is generally believed that excessive items are better out of sight. Therefore, there are many cabinets and shelves that reach the ceiling. If the size of the room allows, often create a separate pantry for storing food.

Sink and its features

When installing a sink, designers prefer to place it by the window. This tradition has its roots in history, when the housewife could simultaneously manage kitchen tasks and keep an eye on the children playing in the yard. However, in modern apartments, such an installation is not always possible due to technical limitations and the need to redo the plumbing, which is not always desirable.

Additionally, in American homes, you can find sinks that are impressively large.

• usually twice as wide;
• three times deeper than the models we're used to.

Some of them resemble tubs that are convenient for bathing small children or pets. Such sinks can hold a large amount of dishes after big family dinners.

Waste processing devices

Most American kitchens also have disposers installed, which help process food waste. This device allows you to grind up food scraps, such as cereals or bones, and dispose of them in the sewer, preventing unpleasant odors and making garbage maintenance easier.

Wall finish

When it comes to wall finishing, unlike the usual pieces of wallpaper, in the USA, people prefer to paint the walls. Wallpaper is quite rare here, asPaint is considered a more cost-effective option.This is explained by the fact that the areas of the rooms are often significant, and the costs for wallpaper can reach several thousand dollars for just one room.

The process of wallpapering can also lead to significant expenses, as many wallpapers are custom-made and can be quite expensive. Additionally, paint is more practical and resistant to damage, and it gives the interior a more modern look compared to traditional paper wallpapers.

Interestingly, similar preferences in matters of finishing can be noticed not only in America, but also in countries like Italy and Spain, where wallpaper is also quite rare.

Immersion in the culture and everyday life of different peoples

More and more people are interested in the lives and daily routines of different cultures. For example, how do the people of Spain live? What are the characteristics of Italian homes?

Surprisingly, duvet covers are quite rarely used in the United States. Instead, locals prefer to cover themselves with a blanket placed directly on the sheet. For many, this may seem strange, but for Americans, this practical habit is completely natural.

It is worth noting that in American homes there are usually no duvet covers, as their presence is perceived as a tradition brought by migrants. The locals choose to use thick blankets, which are quite often sent to the laundry.

Additional aspects of bed linen

It is also worth mentioning that Americans often use an additional sheet as well. In stores, you can find popular bedding sets that include:

• pillowcases
• three sheets

In order to fix the blankets better, manufacturers sometimes use Velcro or buttons. If you are looking for duvet covers, it is worth paying attention to European retailers, such as IKEA, which offer just such sets.

Washing machines and laundry

Speaking of laundry, it's worth noting that washing machines are quite rare in residential apartments in the USA, as their installation is often prohibited in multi-family buildings. This is due to a lack of necessary ventilation for drying after washing. Without such a system, locals cannot imagine a comfortable laundry process.

Moreover, property owners prefer not to take on the financial risks associated with repairing household appliances in rental apartments.

In multi-apartment buildings, there are usually shared laundry rooms on the lower floors. Residents only have to use the elevator to do their laundry. Otherwise, they can visit "landromats" - special facilities for laundry. For those who live in private homes, it is much easier, as there are no restrictions on the installation of washing machines and dryers.

Heating system

As for the heating system, newspapers from 1876 mention that central heating was first implemented in the United States, thanks to the invention of Bertsyll Holly. In modern homes, however, centralized heating systems are generally absent.

In multi-story buildings, individual boilers are installed, while private homes use electric equipment, stoves, electric ceiling panels, and gas boilers. Due to the mild climate in most states, locals manage without expensive and complex central heating systems.

Features of everyday life

An interesting aspect of everyday life is that Americans often do not remove their street shoes when they return home. This is very often mentioned in Hollywood movies and TV series. After returning from the street, locals prefer to stay in the same shoes they wore on the street. This habit is a common practice and reflects the typical lifestyle of Americans.

Thus, the everyday life and lifestyle in the USA are striking in their diversity and contrast compared to other cultures.

Conclusion

In conclusion of my research, I want to emphasize that the notion of "one-story America," which has formed in people's minds based on early works and stereotypes, no longer corresponds to reality. Over time, this term has undergone significant changes, and we see how it has transformed into a reflection of a broader and more multifaceted reality that encompasses the private housing sector. Considering that most Americans live in two- and three-story homes, it can be confidently stated that the structure of American housing has changed significantly.

The role of homeowners' associations

Homeowners' associations are becoming increasingly common and play a significant role in community life. While they bring elements of order and improvement, they require a certain level of discipline from residents, limiting their freedoms regarding the appearance of homes and allowing only specific changes. Many rules and agreements concerning rentals and pet ownership may seem overly regulated, but they are what help maintain stability, cleanliness, and a well-organized neighborhood.

The popularity of mobile homes

We should not forget about mobile homes, which are gaining popularity in America, bringing new opportunities and approaches to housing into people's lives. This trend showcases the diversity of its forms – from budget old trailers to modern, well-equipped houses. Many people see this lifestyle as a chance for freedom and mobility, which are becoming increasingly relevant in our rapidly changing world.

Key points

• Change in housing structure:Most Americans live in two- and three-story houses.
• Homeowners' associations:Play an important role in maintaining order and beautification.
• Mobile homes:The growing popularity of mobile housing, offering a variety of options.

Community and neighborhood

Ultimately, life in America, as practice shows, is a blend of traditions, modern achievements, and a deep respect for community. Neighborhoods, caring for loved ones, and shared celebrations remain integral parts of daily life, shaping the unique and complex fabric of American society. Traveling across the country, we increasingly encounter these aspects that create a rich palette of life and interaction among people.

Result

Thus, it is safe to say that "one-story America" will become a thing of the past, giving way to the diversity and multi-layeredness that defines modern American society.