What's Wrong with "Cool" Cities Compared to Cleveland (Congress: foreclosure, high crime)

[goofy328]

Maybe they're not looking for people to move to NYC and DC for the job. Maybe they're offering something for under-skilled workers trying to get a break. Plenty of local talent in NYC that might prefer this to whatever else their options might be otherwise.

[HueysBack]

Originally Posted by goofy328

Well all I know is that people are going to Midwestern cities trying to relive their seventies LA and NYC fantasies on a budget. Better than nothing I guess.

Not sure if that's us or not... Certainly wouldn't say we're trying to relive the "seventies"... wasn't even born then.

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by HueysBack

Not sure if that's us or not... Certainly wouldn't say we're trying to relive the "seventies"... wasn't even born then.

The seventies reference is a euphemism for what NYC, and to a lesser degree other "real cities" were like back in those days.

Someone tells someone by way of the grapevine that it is still like that in Pittsburgh, Youngstown, or Detroit and people start figuring out how they can move there.

[WRnative]

Originally Posted by sheena12

I'm a transplant to the Midwest from the NYC area.

I have no idea how anyone could afford to live in that area while working at an Amazon wear house. The "exceptionally qualified workforce" that some one spoke of, are not seeking that type of job.



With rents in 3 ROOM apartments in NYC and the boroughs hovering at $3000-$5000 per month. I don't know how anyone could afford to work in a wear house and live in that part of the country.



I'm not well versed in the salaries of Amazon workers, but it would be difficult to imagine that they are anywhere near six figures. Unless their workers will be gleaned from ethnic groups that do not leave home, live in small cramped, multi-generational homes who tend to take public transportation and pool their resources, and are not exceptionally skilled, beyond a HS diploma, there will be few prospects.


WAIT - perhaps I answered my own question. The NYC area is historically filled with such groups. The composition of the ethnic groups changes every 2 or 3 generations, but in NYC there is always a new ethnic group waiting for work.


Otherwise, I would think Cleveland would be a far superior location for this sort of operation.



No one would move TO NYC for a job that pays under $100,000, unless they already had a place to live. A small apartment in NY costs more than an entire mortgage in most areas of the US.

Amazon says the average salaries at the two HQs will be $150,000, but as whole divisions will be moved, some very highly paid execs likely will be pulling up average salaries.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazo...032200180.html

[HueysBack]

Back to the OP though... what I've noticed is that humans tend to move in herds. If a herd of people are moving westward, then the west becomes "the en vogue thing". If it's Brooklyn... then it's Brooklyn. If it's the suburbs... back to the city... etc. There is a sort of momentum effect. And then - and only then - comes all the justifications for why it's "en vogue". Rarely is it the other way around. People want to be fashionable and included... regardless if the justifications are sound.

"So what I bought a 1.3 million dollar home in Denver (Seattle, Austin, etc.) that's only 1,700sqft and has horrible public schools... it's in Denver! We have mountains nearby!"

[j_ws]

Originally Posted by sheena12

I'm not well versed in the salaries of Amazon workers, but it would be difficult to imagine that they are anywhere near six figures.

These new jobs are essentially all high-paying tech jobs. Nothing mid to low range aside from what is required to support the facilities such as custodial staff, and even then Amazon will probably use a contractor that doesn't guarantee local access to those jobs.

[reioh]

Originally Posted by j_ws

These new jobs are essentially all high-paying tech jobs. Nothing mid to low range aside from what is required to support the facilities such as custodial staff, and even then Amazon will probably use a contractor that doesn't guarantee local access to those jobs.

NYC metro has 20 million population. The workers there will be local, unless they commute 2+ hours each way.

[j_ws]

Originally Posted by reioh

NYC metro has 20 million population. The workers there will be local, unless they commute 2+ hours each way.

It's more common than you think as cost of living increases at a rate disproportional to the wages of the working class. I actually know someone who does a commute to Manhattan from Pennsylvania.

Regardless, I get your point. But I think it's important to also define "local" in the context of a metropolitan area this large. So, in this case, those workers aren't nearly as likely be from Queens, which is the community that will be feeling the brunt of the impact from having this disruptive project.

[gouldnm]

Here's an interesting article from one who's been there, done that. While I would like to see Cleveland be recognized and experience some modest to healthy amount of growth, I really hope it doesn't become like this:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opini...=.08a27676cb8c

[QCongress83216]

Originally Posted by goofy328

Cleveland already has a huge DC for Amazon.

Then some of us "expatriates" have to ask that uncomfortable question. Why won't we move back to Cleveland? I don't ever see myself moving back to Akron. Don't get me wrong my days in Akron and Dayton shaped who I am but I doubt I'll ever move back to Ohio. Life is so much better for me than when I was there. The opportunities were so much better to come across, relative to my education, or lack of it. I can see why a lot of Ohioans are down here. Its just easier in a lot of ways; expensive yes but money is not everything.

No hate on Cleveland but why would you expect some company to do something you're not willing to do yourself?

Cleveland did not have the resources to play that game that other cities competing for the headquarters had. Simple as that. We wanted to see the headquarters located in Hampton Roads but I can almost guarantee that our pitch was about as embarrassing, if not more, than what Cleveland offered. And Cleveland is an established name, an established brand, whereas cities down here not so much because it is primarily people in or fans of the military that know about this place.

You said no hate on Cleveland but you follow up by hating on Cleveland. That's being pretty passive-aggressive, isn't it? I apologize that Cleveland isn't cool, hip Norfolk, DMV or DC area. Plus, I'm sure you and the other expats tell everyone you're glad you're out of there lol. I guess I got stuck with a city job serving my community instead of being a mover and shaker.

DISCLAIMER: I am being sarcastic.