HIGH GROUND AND LOW GROUND
I lived in the low ground until I was well into my thirties. The low ground is that part of the cityscape just outside of the hip urban core where rents are affordable , commutes are short, and you are bound to meet all types of people whether you intend to or not. High ground is where you move to put a little space between yourself and the downsides of urban dwelling once you can afford to do so. The town of Berkeley California is a perfect exa mple o f this. With every foot away f rom the bay mud flats you increase in both elevation and standard of living . E vent u ally you reach the Berkely Hills , where fluctuations in the housing market are irrelevant. I used to open my apartment door in the mor ning an d peer out a bit before heading to the car. There was a note on my windshield one day : “ L earn to park, invasale”. I think they meant imbecile but spelling in the low ground can be creative . I played basketball at the court ad