# Even if I could afford to do it, I would not... **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 17, 2008, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272 "2008-06-17T22:59:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/41 "2008-06-18T16:59:49Z")
[QUOTE=HeyHomie] I’m in Springfield, IL, where, yes, housing prices are less than they are elsewhere in the country (and even in our own state). And wouldn’t that McMansion in the Atlanta burbs cost about the same as that mansion in the city? (I’m not asking rhetorically; I genuinely don’t know.) [/QUOTE] No, the house would be significantly less in the burbs which is why McMansions are so very popular. Construction on a new home runs about $150-$250 per square foot, depending on the amenities. Inside the perimeter here (which is a great deal less expensive than almost any other large US city) a lot in a sought-after school district would average about $550K. In the best neighborhoods (like the one in your picture), they run about $1 million for the lot alone. That’s primarily why older in-town homes are much more expensive than a McMansion. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/42 "2008-06-18T17:04:22Z")
Related to the McMansion, I wouldn’t live in a “gated community”. The very idea of keeping out the hoi polloi in what should be a society of equals offends me. Extra points if it’s a gated community in a community of wealthy white people, where there’s no hoi polloi to keep out anyway, except your own Mexican gardener, Juan, and your Guatemalan housekeeper, Lupe. Examples include Henderson, Nevada, Rancho Santa Fe, California, and Amelia Island, Florida. No thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/43 "2008-06-18T17:09:34Z")
I would NOT spend it on Hookers and Blow. I would stay in my current MiniMcMansion (I like the neighbors and the house is only slightly too small, but only because it was too big, then we filled it with crap) ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/44 "2008-06-18T17:13:10Z")
[QUOTE=Labrador Deceiver] No, the house would be significantly less in the burbs which is why McMansions are so very popular. Construction on a new home runs about $150-$250 per square foot, depending on the amenities. Inside the perimeter here (which is a great deal less expensive than almost any other large US city) a lot in a sought-after school district would average about $550K. In the best neighborhoods (like the one in your picture), they run about $1 million for the lot alone. That’s primarily why older in-town homes are much more expensive than a McMansion. [/QUOTE] Also, when we were looking (we didn’t do the McMansion either), the upkeep on older homes really increased the cost (this is Minneapolis). Either the home had gone through a remodel to get in new wiring, plumbing and a modern kitchen (because we loved the athestics of an older home, but I didn’t want a range from 1960 or cupboards and countertops that were designed for 1900s needs - and we wanted to be able to have circuits that would handle four computers, an energy efficient gas furnance and air conditioning) which inflated the price - or we were spending the same amount as we would have on a house in the 'burbs - but STILL need to spend money remodeling. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/45 "2008-06-18T17:26:39Z")
[QUOTE=Dangerosa] Also, when we were looking (we didn’t do the McMansion either), the upkeep on older homes really increased the cost (this is Minneapolis). Either the home had gone through a remodel to get in new wiring, plumbing and a modern kitchen (because we loved the athestics of an older home, but I didn’t want a range from 1960 or cupboards and countertops that were designed for 1900s needs - and we wanted to be able to have circuits that would handle four computers, an energy efficient gas furnance and air conditioning) which inflated the price - or we were spending the same amount as we would have on a house in the 'burbs - but STILL need to spend money remodeling. [/QUOTE] There is a saying in the construction business: “They don’t build them like they used to. Thank God.” ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/46 "2008-06-18T18:03:31Z")
[QUOTE=norinew] Expensive hotels? Well, it depends on how you define “expensive”. I don’t see how any amount of luxury can justify a $5,000.00 a night price-tag. [/QUOTE] Totally agree here. But nothing beats arriving at a full service hotel after a long day’s journey–especially when traveling by car. It doesn’t have to be a Waldorf Astoria, but there should be adequate food and wine on the premises, with the dining room open from early to late, and perhaps a convivial bar on the site as well. When you are visiting a strange city you don’t want to have to go driving all over to find someplace to eat. This tends to be more of a problem in smaller cities. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Tyger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/47 "2008-06-18T19:08:39Z")
[QUOTE=norinew] And not just a bowling alley, but a bowling alley with something _besides_ those god-awful “bowling shoes” the public bowling alleys make you wear, right? And that serves some kind of _decent_ beer, not the Coors Light or Budweiser you get in the alleys around here. And good music, right? Right? Jeez I’m picky for a freeloader! 😃 [/QUOTE] Geez guys, I don’t bowl. But I could rent an entire bowling alley and we could bring our own booze, shoes, and music. ---
**Author:** ![dwc1970](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a183cd/32.png) [@dwc1970](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwc1970)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/48 "2008-06-18T20:13:10Z")
If I won the lottery tomorrow (or any day, really) I would buy a new car, but it would not be the type of car that would blatantly flaunt my wealth and be a flashy, showy sportscar that just reeks of being a snobby and pretentious status symbol. I’d upgrade from the townhouse I live in now to a larger home, but it wouldn’t be a large home, being that I am single and will likely remain single (granted, winning the lottery would probably win me a girlfriend or two). I wouldn’t own a yacht or join a country club as the people who are part of these groups tend to be snobs (at least if what movies and TV portray is any indication). I might fly first class once just to see if it’s really worth it, but I’d probably stick to coach travel for relatively short flights. I wouldn’t start collecting expensive artifacts and turn my house (remember, it would still be a modest house) into my own personal museum. I’d spend my newfound wealth on more practical things like a kickass home theater system and all the computer accessories I could dream of having. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/49 "2008-06-18T20:19:11Z")
[QUOTE=Silver Tyger Girl] Geez guys, I don’t bowl. But I could rent an entire bowling alley and we could bring our own booze, shoes, and music. [/QUOTE] But see, when you’re rich, you’ll bowl all the time, so it’ll all make sense then. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Lance\_Murdoch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/47e85d/32.png) [@Captain\_Lance\_Murdoch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Lance_Murdoch)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/50 "2008-06-18T20:31:55Z")
No bling No Bugatti No mini-castle No caviar No memberships in exclusive clubs ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/51 "2008-06-18T21:10:59Z")
[QUOTE=Silver Tyger Girl] Geez guys, I don’t bowl. But I could rent an entire bowling alley and we could bring our own booze, shoes, and music. [/QUOTE] Wait a minute, you’re wealthy and we have to bring our _own_ booze and shoes?? I ain’t comin’! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/52 "2008-06-18T21:17:41Z")
Yes, delete the gated community from my capitalist package. Also, delete gambling. I didn’t realize I might need to explicitly delete hookers, but just to be clear. If I were rich enough that I didn’t have to compromise on anything, I wouldn’t buy a McMansion. But for smaller values of rich, I can see picking space and modernity over character. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Tyger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/53 "2008-06-18T22:42:06Z")
[QUOTE=norinew] Wait a minute, you’re wealthy and we have to bring our _own_ booze and shoes?? I ain’t comin’! 😉 [/QUOTE] Hey, I don’t drink or bowl. You don’t want me to buy the wrong stuff, do you? ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2008, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/54 "2008-06-18T23:29:32Z")
[QUOTE=Silver Tyger Girl] Hey, I don’t drink or bowl. You don’t want me to buy the wrong stuff, do you? [/QUOTE] Ummm, no. But if you’re going to pay to fly me out (First Class, I hope), the _least_ you can do is email or PM me ahead of time to see what my booze and shoes preferences are! ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2008, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/55 "2008-06-19T02:34:56Z")
[QUOTE=Cicero] … When I did travel, I would travel first class. Just cause I could- even though it is really a waste of money. [/QUOTE] No, you would be subsidizing the less fortunate travellers in coach. The more they can soak the rich, the less they need charge the … not rich. I would travel first class, eat out _a lot_\*, and hire as many ‘servants’ as I could think of, just to spread the wealth. And I’d always have a house with a ‘front parlor’ and a dining room, seldom used and so always ready for guests, just to make things easy for the servants. (But I wouldn’t heat them all the time.] - Actually, I’d probably cook a lot more, and just pay some one to clean the kitchen. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2008, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/56 "2008-06-19T05:32:46Z")
[QUOTE=norinew] Now, see, I would totally buy gold and jewelry. Maybe it’s just my “girly” streak, but I _love_ pretty, sparkly things. I’m a fool for tanzanite, and it’s becoming more expensive with every year! If I hit the lottery for 60 mil, about $50K would go into tanzanite jewelry! [/quote] Oh, I’d probably get some jewellery too; I just don’t like gold or diamonds, but rather silver (and similarly coloured metals) and coloured stones. (Also, most of the settings I’ve seen turn me off. I don’t care for women’s settings, and men’s settings tend to be huge, clunky attempts at going LOOK IT’S MANLY DESPITE BEING JEWELLERY! SEE?!) > [@](#): > > Expensive hotels? Well, it depends on how you define “expensive”. I don’t see how any amount of luxury can justify a $5,000.00 a night price-tag. But once, when I was traveling as someone else’s guest, we stayed at a Westin, in Chicago. I found out later that the room I had typically goes for $400.00 a night. And there was a _huge_ difference between it and $100.00/night Day’s Inn. I can’t see myself going in for the multi-thousands per night stuff, but the several hundred per night? Yeah, if we could afford it without crimping the budget, I’d do it. I guess it’s the Scot in me, but I can’t see spending that much on a hotel when a cheap hotel is worth just as much for what I’m going to do in it, i.e. sleep. I’d rather spend the money on the actual vacation, i.e. my waking hours. Given the choice between spending 100 euro a night for a week in Spain and 20 euro a night for five weeks, I’ll take the latter. ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2008, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/57 "2008-06-19T10:33:35Z")
[QUOTE=matt\_mcl] Oh, I’d probably get some jewellery too; I just don’t like gold or diamonds, but rather silver (and similarly coloured metals) and coloured stones. (Also, most of the settings I’ve seen turn me off. I don’t care for women’s settings, and men’s settings tend to be huge, clunky attempts at going LOOK IT’S MANLY DESPITE BEING JEWELLERY! SEE?!) [/quote] Cool. If you had enough money, you could learn to design your own! > [@](#): > > I guess it’s the Scot in me, but I can’t see spending that much on a hotel when a cheap hotel is worth just as much for what I’m going to do in it, i.e. sleep. I’d rather spend the money on the actual vacation, i.e. my waking hours. Given the choice between spending 100 euro a night for a week in Spain and 20 euro a night for five weeks, I’ll take the latter. Well, the OP proposes things you can _afford_, which to me, signifies ‘without pinching the budget’. If spending several hundred a night on the hotel means I have to curb our daytime activities, then I agree with you completely! But if I can stay in an upscale (but not ridiculously pricey) hotel and _still_ do all the other activities I wanted to do, I totally would. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2008, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/58 "2008-06-19T13:04:31Z")
[QUOTE=norinew] Well, the OP proposes things you can _afford_, which to me, signifies ‘without pinching the budget’. If spending several hundred a night on the hotel means I have to curb our daytime activities, then I agree with you completely! But if I can stay in an upscale (but not ridiculously pricey) hotel and _still_ do all the other activities I wanted to do, I totally would. [/QUOTE] No matter how much money you have, every dollar you spend on the hotel is a dollar you could be spending on something fun, the way I look at it. I mean, I’d probably give up youth hostels for nice little bed and breakfasts, but I wouldn’t stay in the Hilton just because I could. Whenever I have (on someone else’s dime), it’s always felt somewhat weird. ---
**Author:** ![Neptunian\_Slug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce7236/32.png) [@Neptunian\_Slug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neptunian_Slug)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2008, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/59 "2008-06-19T23:58:41Z")
I would not: Try to join a country club. I play golf once a year when I have to play in the company golf outing and even then its a struggle to get through the day. Buy an expensive watch. I use it to tell time, not impress my friends. Eat in really, really expensive restaurants, more specifically in pretentious French restaurants. It just isn’t for me. The most I’ll ever splurge is a really nice steak at someplace like Flemings or Mastros. I would: Travel a lot. Build a cool custom designed house. Buy a bunch of arcade games for the basement. ---
**Author:** ![Madd\_Maxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Madd\_Maxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Madd_Maxx)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2008, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272/60 "2008-06-20T15:29:24Z")
God, I’m petty. Cause I’d totally do all those things. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-i-could-afford-to-do-it-i-would-not/453272.md?page=4)