Richest Cities in America (section 8, home, law)

[Steph22679VA]

I figured this thread would get some interesting feedback. Erma may be right that "rich" here means that we still continue on despite the condition of the economy. That is due in large part to the military concentration here. However, for those locals and civilians living in the area, there is a serious issue. The cost of housing here is outrageous compared to what average salaries are (outside of the military). It's all relative just like everything else in life... it depends on what your line of work is, your education/experience, your desired areas for housing, etc. I do know for a fact that in my field of work (medical), there are a lot more opportunities other places in the U.S. where housing is similar in cost (or less!). I was recently offered a job closer to the west coast in large metro area where median rent is a few hundred less than here and the starting salary I was being offered was $20,000 more a year. Only things that hold me here are my husband's job and my parents!

[Randomdude]

Originally Posted by Steph22679VA

I figured this thread would get some interesting feedback. Erma may be right that "rich" here means that we still continue on despite the condition of the economy. That is due in large part to the military concentration here. However, for those locals and civilians living in the area, there is a serious issue. The cost of housing here is outrageous compared to what average salaries are (outside of the military). It's all relative just like everything else in life... it depends on what your line of work is, your education/experience, your desired areas for housing, etc. I do know for a fact that in my field of work (medical), there are a lot more opportunities other places in the U.S. where housing is similar in cost (or less!). I was recently offered a job closer to the west coast in large metro area where median rent is a few hundred less than here and the starting salary I was being offered was $20,000 more a year. Only things that hold me here are my husband's job and my parents!

Youll find this is the scenario in most fields. Im in accounting and finance, and throughout the midwest, I can get a 15-20% raise for what Im doing now, and have housing that is 1/2 the cost.

[Steph22679VA]

Randomdude- What holds you here, if anything? I'd be on a plane out to Denver where I was recently offered a job if i had my way about it :-)

[Randomdude]

Originally Posted by Steph22679VA

Randomdude- What holds you here, if anything? I'd be on a plane out to Denver where I was recently offered a job if i had my way about it :-)

What is holding me here is lack of funds, pure and simple. I figure, to move to a new city, especially without a job, Im going to need at least 6 months of living expenses, and moving expenses in the bank. I dont yet have that, and thats why Im still here. I know some people just pack up some clothes in a car and go but I want to guarantee myself a good chance to succeed wherever Im going, and not create an uphill fight just because I dislike my current set up so much. I want to give myself a little time to find a good position without having to take the first thing, or anything, because Im dead broke.

Sure, if I had a job offer, Id go immediatley, but I doubt the chances of that are too high considering Im 10-14 hours away from the two closest places Im considering moving to, and not too many places will hire you sight unseen.

[SiestaBay]

Originally Posted by Randomdude

What is holding me here is lack of funds, pure and simple. I figure, to move to a new city, especially without a job, Im going to need at least 6 months of living expenses, and moving expenses in the bank. I dont yet have that, and thats why Im still here. I know some people just pack up some clothes in a car and go but I want to guarantee myself a good chance to succeed wherever Im going, and not create an uphill fight just because I dislike my current set up so much. I want to give myself a little time to find a good position without having to take the first thing, or anything, because Im dead broke.

Sure, if I had a job offer, Id go immediatley, but I doubt the chances of that are too high considering Im 10-14 hours away from the two closest places Im considering moving to, and not too many places will hire you sight unseen.

I thought it was your girlfriends family? Hmm...

[Randomdude]

Originally Posted by SiestaBay

I thought it was your girlfriends family? Hmm...

I dont remember ever saying that. I did say that she would like to be closer then Indianapolis to her family, but at the end of the day, thats probably one of the last factors we will consider. We certainly arent staying here in Hampton Roads because of any family. Money is 100% of the reason why.

[hcaleman]

You need to strike a balance or else someone will end up resenting the other. The closest I've ever lived to my family after moving out was a 10 hour drive, the farthest 14 hours time difference (Tokyo), and now 9hr time difference in Dubai. My wife's family lives in central China, so much of the same for her now and when we move to the US. Ultimately though it is irrelevant, because no matter how far you are there are always planes that can get you there with a day's travel at most. And when you're not there that's what technology is for (skype, etc.)

When I was driving distance to my family I never visited them more than two or three times a year. My wife being Chinese has stronger ties to her family, but it is the same we visit once or twice a year and they visit us when possible. We are both so wrapped up in our jobs and lives that is doesn't really cross our minds that much, and I think that is the key to it, being satisfied with your current situation.

Everyone is different though, it is fine that some prefer to be closer at the cost of higher income or job status elsewhere but that needs to be clear to all involved. Before I got married we both laid out our positions on relocating and living at a distance from our families to ensure we were aligned. If you haven't done so it's worth a shot because I've seen friends who take a relo opportunity for the money while their spouses silently accept and go along, only to be angry for six months and finally let it out in a not so pleasant way.

[bravfu]

no chg...new president and today the dow at 1996 levels

[Randomdude]

Originally Posted by bravfu

no chg...new president and today the dow at 1996 levels

Because the president obviously controls the stock market, both houses of congress, and the complete economy. There is little Obama could have possibly done in his whole month in office that could have remotely stopped the bleeding. This is likely going to take his whole presidency to clean up. This will probably end up limiting his term to four years, and the next president will take credit for any economic prosperity and will blame Obama if there is none.

I really feel bad for him. This is one of the darker times to have to be president.

[Freefreq]

Originally Posted by Randomdude

Because the president obviously controls the stock market, both houses of congress, and the complete economy. There is little Obama could have possibly done in his whole month in office that could have remotely stopped the bleeding. This is likely going to take his whole presidency to clean up. This will probably end up limiting his term to four years, and the next president will take credit for any economic prosperity and will blame Obama if there is none.

I really feel bad for him. This is one of the darker times to have to be president.

LOL....He has been in office for a about 6 weeks and grew the National Debt Larger then any President before him in just 6 weeks time.

He said no earmarks if he became President.....But yet Both stimulus packages have billions for the same Special Interest Groups that helped get him elected. Yes Acorn is getting Billions too....

He scared his Democratic Congress to vote for a MASSIVE spending bill that will grow the Government Larger then ever seen before and they NEVER even had time to read the freaking thing before they voted YES for it.....How in the hell can you vote for the LARGEST spending Bill ever and not even read the Bill before you vote YES on it.

They took Barry for his word and they let him scare them into voting YES..Obama has the American public running scared and his words arent encouraging at all. Its all DOOM and GLOOM and his words alone are killing the market.

He will NEVER be my President cause he is throwing the Constitution out the window and then spitting on it.