[Eastern Roamer]

52% of renters spend more than the advised 30 percent of their income on their housing, according to the Census Bureau, reported in TBT (St. Petersburg Times).
It's not that rent is so much higher than places like NYC or California, wages in Florida are lower than average.
"Which makes Florida the least affordable state in the country for renters."

[ak_47_00]

Allrighty then. How does this contribute to a decline again?

[Eastern Roamer]

Originally Posted by ak_47_00

Allrighty then. How does this contribute to a decline again?

It contributes to decline by making it a less desirable place for young professionals to come start their careers or stay here, meaning less companies want to come here to hire staff because Florida lacks a young, educated workforce. Perpetuating the cylce - no where to work = no one here to staff big companies.
Without large employers putting money in the state coffers, and without young people with disposable income paying sales tax, the residents foot the bills through property taxes, for example.
I could also go into the correlation between poverty and crime.

The arts, entertainment, and service industries are often provided by low income people who can't afford to spend more than half of their income on rent. What happens then? Where's the local music scene in Tampa?

Housing costs are not proportionate to income - you don't see how this contributes to the decline of a local economy and society?

And how many landlords spend their profit locally? Many are absentee owners and spend their money in other states.

[Eastern Roamer]

I might also add the "trickle-down affect." With so many people spending more than half their income on rent, it doesn't leave much for other things - which means less new car sales, less eating out, less shopping, less dry cleaning things that can be washed at home, less travel, less frivolous things like tanning beds, gyms, hair syling, massages, etc.
This leads to a recession. You don't see how this contributes to decline? Really?

[tallrick]

It's obvious to me. High percentage of income spent on housing = a weak economy. If it wasn't for outsiders this place would have collapsed years ago.

[mquintana]

Hmmm.....well, this is partially true. You have to remember the major metro areas, more so Miami. I actually have a lot of young friends, ages ranging from 23-28. A lot of them have good jobs, attorneys, news reporter and the list goes on.....I guess it just depends on your location.....

[Kat_Woman36]

I read in the newspaper a few months ago how florida has the highest rate of college grads, living below the poverty level , in the nation. The report stated the state of florida is geared toward retirees and tourist, that's the reason for the low wages.I remember thinking that doesnt make sense b/c there are families here that needs to make a living wage to survive...So what the state and local govt just ignore the needs of the native floridians?

[returningtonepa???]

Originally Posted by Kat_Woman36

I read in the newspaper a few months ago how florida has the highest rate of college grads, living below the poverty level , in the nation. The report stated the state of florida is geared toward retirees and tourist, that's the reason for the low wages.I remember thinking that doesnt make sense b/c there are families here that needs to make a living wage to survive...So what the state and local govt just ignore the needs of the native floridians?

the needs of young professionals and the NOT wealthy retirees are also being ignored---if one cannot afford safe and decent housing the only solution is to leave--couple that with high fpl bills from running your air 10 months out of the year--the cost of living starts to far out weigh the appeal of other things in the state

[**NoodLes**]

Like that's news to me, Florida has been the same for a few years now, it doesn't take a genius for these reports. It takes real world living, not some cubicle-bound geeks crunching numbers that live with their mommies.