If you were lower middle class, which of these metros would be easier/preferable to live in: NYC, SF, DC, or Boston? (compared, place)

[masssachoicetts]

Originally Posted by ForeignCrunch

I thought East Orange was much worse than the nicer parts of Newark (like Ironbound). And is Paterson still a dump?

Patterson is still bad. Newark is improving very fast.

[ForeignCrunch]

Originally Posted by waronxmas

I would say NYC, specifically the boroughs of Queens and the Bronx are doable on that budget more so than DC proper (you could make it work in the burbs better than anywhere in NYC though), Boston, or SF.

There will be trade-offs though...

The question is whether the Bronx and Queens are really preferable to suburban DC.

[urbanmyth]

When you are lower middle class you need good public rail transportation to get to jobs in places that are walkable. That basically leaves NYC and Boston as choices. DC and SF have rail but those systems don't connect to as many affordable neighborhoods as the NY and Boston systems do.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by urbanmyth

When you are lower middle class you need good public rail transportation to get to jobs in places that are walkable. That basically leaves NYC and Boston as choices. DC and SF have rail but those systems don't connect to as many affordable neighborhoods as the NY and Boston systems do.

DC metrorail connects to far more affordable neighborhoods and areas than Boston- the lack of connectivity is one of the only thing that keeps cheap areas in Boston 'cheap'

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by ForeignCrunch

The question is whether the Bronx and Queens are really preferable to suburban DC.

gimme Queens over suburban DC anyday.

[MDfinest]

NYC metro. More options in it's suburbs and surprisingly in the city too.

[MDfinest]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

gimme Queens over suburban DC anyday.

I second this too as a DC area native.

[sav858]

NYC area would seem to have the most options imo. I would think the Bay Area has the farthest and/or worst areas for lower middle class people, not sure why anyone would vote for it.

[NOVA_guy]

This is an interesting question - overall I'd probably go with NYC.

[the resident09]

Originally Posted by ForeignCrunch

The question is whether the Bronx and Queens are really preferable to suburban DC.

Gimmie Upper Marlboro, MD any day over the Bronx:

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...er-Marlboro_MD


https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...earch/Bronx_NY