Would I make ENOUGH in Honolulu?? (Pearl City, Aiea: renting, buying a home, buying)

[mdand3boys]

$5 dollars for breakfast, $7 dollars for lunch and $8 dollars for dinner? That's $20 per DAY for food!

If one wants to live cheaply, this would be quite high. Buy food from larger grocery stores and farmer's markets.

[zoa]

Originally Posted by thesycophant

......

People keep saying it's insane to try to live there on less than $60k a year.

Is there some cost, specifically, that I'm overlooking?

What might I be missing from the picture that's gonna end up keeping the island from working out for me?

Is $500/month really a common electric cost? I see apartments in the classifieds renting for $850 a month with utilities included all the time, so that seems a bit much.

I'm looking to this board for the expertise of those living around Honolulu now. Surely, with all the full-time, adult jobs that pay $14 an hour, there must be some way to get by on it.

I made the move back and forth between the mainland and my home of Oahu several times. Each time I came home... broke... homeless... and no job prospects.

I am here to tell you it is doable.




Housing

Upon arrival, you can stay at the YMCA or sublet a room (average $150/wk) or even shack up at some of the "bachelor apartments" that still dot the island here and there (small studios averaging $450 to $550 in monthly rent - shared bathroom tho per floor in some). Get your job in order, and move on from there or stay if you wish.

If you have friends, shack with them is even better! If you have family... pitc a tent in the yard! DO NOT expect to come here and live on the beach until you can get on your feet. Too many people think they can do that... no... it only makes it more of a hassle for you, the police, and the people who actually do live in the area. It especially makes it bad for the homeless people already living there. They will hate you.... literally.

Once you get a job, there ARE affordable places for single people without kids and pets. You can stay with the sublet, or even find condos/houses/apartments to share via whatever classified you look into or even word of mouth. There are places to share running the entire gamut. From $300/mo all the way up to whatever. They are not easy to find and are sometimes closely guarded family secrets - but they are there.

And if you are frugal and money smart - yes, you too could eventually buy your own home. I make $15.35/hour and am single with no one (not even my lazy 19 year old son) helping with the finances. My monthly payments are $800.00 (yes, I said BUY).





Food

Having a club card is NOT a dumb thing, nor is it wasteful. You can buy your bulk goods such as laundry soap, trash bags, munchies, bottle water and what not and save lots in the long run. Do your "standard" grocery shopping at the local grocery store. Learn to compare prices between them. Foodland is good, as is Tamura's. Tamura's might not be pretty, but it is good food at good prices.

Learn to use lists when you go shopping. Stick to the list and you will be able to keep to whatever bdget you set. I amazed myself the first few times I did it, and now it is a standard practice.

My average monthly food expense - $80 @ Sam's for bulk, $80 split between Tamura's and Foodland for the rest. If I spend less at Sam's, I save that money for the renewal - or go to JambaJuice for a treat.

oh... DO NOT EAT OUT ALL THE TIME! That is a killer... on your money and on your waistline! Not worth it!




Utilities

Most studio rentals include water, some also include electricity and maybe cable TV... but for the most part they are pro-rated in shared domiciles or split evenly. What drives electrical usage is WHERE on the island you live. If you live in town (lots of roads, cars, concrete) where the trade winds have a hard time getting to the average low-rise, then yeah, you're going to run that AC ragged and your electricity will go upwards 200, 300, 500 or more! Avoid AC units! They are the root of all evil! Fans, okay - but will still run up your electric bill. Sticking head in the freezer? Nah... will kill the compressor on the fridge soon enuf.

I make good use of my home's floor plan and the windows - but then I also live in Wahiawa where the elevation helps keep temperatures down and I get good breezeway coming down the mountain. Living in Waipahu is terrible as the air tends to not move as much or just blows right over the entire vicinity. Living westside also means less cool down from the trades, but if you live close enough to the shoreline, you get the off shore breezes and that helps.

I suggest to anyone even considering moving here to come here first for a vacation. Get a tourist bus pass, and ride the bus around the island a few times. Get to learn the lay of the land... look at the neighborhoods. You'll be able to tell where the less expensive places are and if you are willing to live in that area. (see more below)

On average, my electricity runs me about $70/mo. But then I also take advantage of some HECO programs to help lower my usage and costs. it pays to look into them.

Water rates are going up so I will have to wait and see. I average right now $87 a month in water & sewage. And I have a garden I water every night when I get home... as well as fish tanks I change once a month.


Cable/Phone/Internet can be had all on one bill... average $150/mo. Or, you can get a wireless carrier and package your phone/internet for much less. Personally, I don't watch TV so I don't use Road Runner. All I do is my cell phone (pay as I go) and wireless (also pay as I go) and I'm a happy camper. I spend $100/mo on my "communications bill".


Transportation

On Oahu, use the public transportation system... "da bus". $40/mo will get you an unlimited adult bus pass. The bus goes all over the island at all hours - and if you miss the bus, well... another one will be on the way! Learn the schedules and you'll wonder why you ever need a car!

A car here is a luxury. Most people living in town now have mopeds - but they get stolen rather quickly. If you have amotorcycle, do consider bringing it with you. Motorcycles here are expensive, but well worth it if you live anywhere in Leeward, Central or Northern Oahu... you can use the carpool and Zipper lane for commuting without penalty! Saves on gas too... which IS climbing again here.

Hybrid cars are getting popular, as are itty-bitty mini coopers and other economically driven vehicles. But I wouldn't worry about that... the rail will be put in soon... and (hopefully) that will lower the necessity for a car even more so.

I own a car. Monthly expenses on the car :
gas - $140/mo gas (without galavanting all over - commuting only)
wear & tear - $60 (for oil, fluids, car was, etc.)
insurance, safety & registration (prorated for monthly cost) - $37.00



Entertainment

When we did the paperwork to qualify for a mortgage, we HAD to account for entertainment expenses. This includes movies, eating out, trips and stuff similar to that. Honestly... I think is bs, but hey.. is how they figure out if you qualify. It includes stuff like hobbies (knitting, crochet, models, D&D, video games, etc.), purchasing DVDs, CDs, etc.; household entertainment items like computers, TVs, game consoles. I worked my own out to an average of $300/mo in "entertainment spending" which in my book is a whole lot!



Clothing Expense

Another item I consifer frivolous, but is counted when qualifying for a mortgage.

And if you are coming here from the mainland, yeah, you are going to buy clothes.

Beach gear may not seem important - but that is the #1 entertainment thing going here. Also hiking, biking, surfing, diving and whatever. All this can add up.

I have a monthly clothing kitty which I put in $200 every month. that way, if I want that "something special", well, there it is.



Medical

A big issue now. make sure whomever you get employment with that the medical is there. Most companies will cover their employees without any deduction from their payroll. If you want to cover your family (kids, spouse) that will cost you though.
Copays average now $15

I'm not going to figure in medical costs as I am assuming most 20-somethings are pretty healthy.



Other Debt & Credit Cards
Personally, I have none. Really. How do you think I got the mortgage?!?! If you have credit cards I suggest to you GET RID OF THEM. Next to AC, Credit Cards are the worst evil mankind ever created. I cut every single one of them up 15 years ago and I haven't looked back. It took me 10 years to clear up my credit debt. I am so happy to say at 41 I am credit-debt free! All I have is my mortgage, tyvm!

If anyone comes to Hawaii with credit card debt, they will suffer and have a hard time making ends meet - particularly if they still USE their credit cards! There is a smart way to use them - but that is another topic.




My figures:
800 - mortgage
80 - bulk food
80 - groceries
70 - electric
87 - water/sewage
100 - communications
97 - car expenses
140 - gas
300 - entertainment
200 - clothing
1954.00 monthly expenses

Income:
$15.35/hour (no overtime)
614.00 weekly
2660.67 monthly gross
31928.00 annual

Figure taxes (both federal & state) run about $400 (rough estimate based on my filing status, single claiming 1). I actually add in an extra $5 state and $10 federal. I hate owing... I don't care if it is an interest free loan to the feds. Our freedoms are not "free".

2660.00 (rounded monthly gross income)
400.00 (rounded monthly average)
1954.00 (averaged monthly expenses)
306.00 still available! for all those other things I need as a home owner!


yes, it is doable... if you are smart and follow a budget... ANYONE can make it here.



a hui hou!

Zoa

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by zoa

I made the move back and forth between the mainland and my home of Oahu several times. Each time I came home... broke... homeless... and no job prospects.

I am here to tell you it is doable.




Housing

Upon arrival, you can stay at the YMCA or sublet a room (average $150/wk) or even shack up at some of the "bachelor apartments" that still dot the island here and there (small studios averaging $450 to $550 in monthly rent - shared bathroom tho per floor in some). Get your job in order, and move on from there or stay if you wish.

If you have friends, shack with them is even better! If you have family... pitc a tent in the yard! DO NOT expect to come here and live on the beach until you can get on your feet. Too many people think they can do that... no... it only makes it more of a hassle for you, the police, and the people who actually do live in the area. It especially makes it bad for the homeless people already living there. They will hate you.... literally.

Once you get a job, there ARE affordable places for single people without kids and pets. You can stay with the sublet, or even find condos/houses/apartments to share via whatever classified you look into or even word of mouth. There are places to share running the entire gamut. From $300/mo all the way up to whatever. They are not easy to find and are sometimes closely guarded family secrets - but they are there.

And if you are frugal and money smart - yes, you too could eventually buy your own home. I make $15.35/hour and am single with no one (not even my lazy 19 year old son) helping with the finances. My monthly payments are $800.00 (yes, I said BUY).





Food

Having a club card is NOT a dumb thing, nor is it wasteful. You can buy your bulk goods such as laundry soap, trash bags, munchies, bottle water and what not and save lots in the long run. Do your "standard" grocery shopping at the local grocery store. Learn to compare prices between them. Foodland is good, as is Tamura's. Tamura's might not be pretty, but it is good food at good prices.

Learn to use lists when you go shopping. Stick to the list and you will be able to keep to whatever bdget you set. I amazed myself the first few times I did it, and now it is a standard practice.

My average monthly food expense - $80 @ Sam's for bulk, $80 split between Tamura's and Foodland for the rest. If I spend less at Sam's, I save that money for the renewal - or go to JambaJuice for a treat.

oh... DO NOT EAT OUT ALL THE TIME! That is a killer... on your money and on your waistline! Not worth it!




Utilities

Most studio rentals include water, some also include electricity and maybe cable TV... but for the most part they are pro-rated in shared domiciles or split evenly. What drives electrical usage is WHERE on the island you live. If you live in town (lots of roads, cars, concrete) where the trade winds have a hard time getting to the average low-rise, then yeah, you're going to run that AC ragged and your electricity will go upwards 200, 300, 500 or more! Avoid AC units! They are the root of all evil! Fans, okay - but will still run up your electric bill. Sticking head in the freezer? Nah... will kill the compressor on the fridge soon enuf.

I make good use of my home's floor plan and the windows - but then I also live in Wahiawa where the elevation helps keep temperatures down and I get good breezeway coming down the mountain. Living in Waipahu is terrible as the air tends to not move as much or just blows right over the entire vicinity. Living westside also means less cool down from the trades, but if you live close enough to the shoreline, you get the off shore breezes and that helps.

I suggest to anyone even considering moving here to come here first for a vacation. Get a tourist bus pass, and ride the bus around the island a few times. Get to learn the lay of the land... look at the neighborhoods. You'll be able to tell where the less expensive places are and if you are willing to live in that area. (see more below)

On average, my electricity runs me about $70/mo. But then I also take advantage of some HECO programs to help lower my usage and costs. it pays to look into them.

Water rates are going up so I will have to wait and see. I average right now $87 a month in water & sewage. And I have a garden I water every night when I get home... as well as fish tanks I change once a month.


Cable/Phone/Internet can be had all on one bill... average $150/mo. Or, you can get a wireless carrier and package your phone/internet for much less. Personally, I don't watch TV so I don't use Road Runner. All I do is my cell phone (pay as I go) and wireless (also pay as I go) and I'm a happy camper. I spend $100/mo on my "communications bill".


Transportation

On Oahu, use the public transportation system... "da bus". $40/mo will get you an unlimited adult bus pass. The bus goes all over the island at all hours - and if you miss the bus, well... another one will be on the way! Learn the schedules and you'll wonder why you ever need a car!

A car here is a luxury. Most people living in town now have mopeds - but they get stolen rather quickly. If you have amotorcycle, do consider bringing it with you. Motorcycles here are expensive, but well worth it if you live anywhere in Leeward, Central or Northern Oahu... you can use the carpool and Zipper lane for commuting without penalty! Saves on gas too... which IS climbing again here.

Hybrid cars are getting popular, as are itty-bitty mini coopers and other economically driven vehicles. But I wouldn't worry about that... the rail will be put in soon... and (hopefully) that will lower the necessity for a car even more so.

I own a car. Monthly expenses on the car :
gas - $140/mo gas (without galavanting all over - commuting only)
wear & tear - $60 (for oil, fluids, car was, etc.)
insurance, safety & registration (prorated for monthly cost) - $37.00



Entertainment

When we did the paperwork to qualify for a mortgage, we HAD to account for entertainment expenses. This includes movies, eating out, trips and stuff similar to that. Honestly... I think is bs, but hey.. is how they figure out if you qualify. It includes stuff like hobbies (knitting, crochet, models, D&D, video games, etc.), purchasing DVDs, CDs, etc.; household entertainment items like computers, TVs, game consoles. I worked my own out to an average of $300/mo in "entertainment spending" which in my book is a whole lot!



Clothing Expense

Another item I consifer frivolous, but is counted when qualifying for a mortgage.

And if you are coming here from the mainland, yeah, you are going to buy clothes.

Beach gear may not seem important - but that is the #1 entertainment thing going here. Also hiking, biking, surfing, diving and whatever. All this can add up.

I have a monthly clothing kitty which I put in $200 every month. that way, if I want that "something special", well, there it is.



Medical

A big issue now. make sure whomever you get employment with that the medical is there. Most companies will cover their employees without any deduction from their payroll. If you want to cover your family (kids, spouse) that will cost you though.
Copays average now $15

I'm not going to figure in medical costs as I am assuming most 20-somethings are pretty healthy.



Other Debt & Credit Cards
Personally, I have none. Really. How do you think I got the mortgage?!?! If you have credit cards I suggest to you GET RID OF THEM. Next to AC, Credit Cards are the worst evil mankind ever created. I cut every single one of them up 15 years ago and I haven't looked back. It took me 10 years to clear up my credit debt. I am so happy to say at 41 I am credit-debt free! All I have is my mortgage, tyvm!

If anyone comes to Hawaii with credit card debt, they will suffer and have a hard time making ends meet - particularly if they still USE their credit cards! There is a smart way to use them - but that is another topic.




My figures:
800 - mortgage
80 - bulk food
80 - groceries
70 - electric
87 - water/sewage
100 - communications
97 - car expenses
140 - gas
300 - entertainment
200 - clothing
1954.00 monthly expenses

Income:
$15.35/hour (no overtime)
614.00 weekly
2660.67 monthly gross
31928.00 annual

Figure taxes (both federal & state) run about $400 (rough estimate based on my filing status, single claiming 1). I actually add in an extra $5 state and $10 federal. I hate owing... I don't care if it is an interest free loan to the feds. Our freedoms are not "free".

2660.00 (rounded monthly gross income)
400.00 (rounded monthly average)
1954.00 (averaged monthly expenses)
306.00 still available! for all those other things I need as a home owner!


yes, it is doable... if you are smart and follow a budget... ANYONE can make it here.



a hui hou!

Zoa

Beautiful post.

[hotzcatz]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

$5 dollars for breakfast, $7 dollars for lunch and $8 dollars for dinner? That's $20 per DAY for food!

If one wants to live cheaply, this would be quite high. Buy food from larger grocery stores and farmer's markets.

On Oahu, I know a lot of folks who eat out for all meals. They aren't eating well, I don't consider a McD's breakfast sandwich as a valid meal, but it is in the $5 range. At these prices, all folks will be able to afford is fast food. Even plate lunch runs about $7 to $9 these days. There is usually a mini-plate or a bowl selection on the menu which will run about $5, generally, though.

Some of the apartments that you share with room mates are not secure places to leave tasty food around so instead of feeding their room mates, many folks eat out for all meals. Others of them just don't like to cook or haven't made a budget and the $5 per meal doesn't seem like much to them.

[zoa]

ty MD. I try. ^.^


The biggest problem a lot of mainland people have when moving here is they come here with some attitude that somehow (and I don't know how) they are better than us (the locals). They do not talk to their neighbors. They tend to make friends only with other transplants, and for the most part almost NEVER venture outside of the town area except for excursions to a beach. They do not LEARN to live here or to adapt to island living. We do not have resources like the mainland does and when something happens (natural disaster or something) EVERYONE has to work together, or there are serious problems. Just like anywhere else, we have issues - mainlanders need to realize this.


Living here is not just what I posted above about money. Living here, REALLY living here, is about knowing where you are.

I suggest to anyone even considering moving here to come here first for a vacation. Get a tourist bus pass, and ride the bus around the island a few times. Get to learn the lay of the land... look at the neighborhoods. You'll be able to tell where the less expensive places are and if you are willing to live in that area. (see more below)

That was in my original post. Now lemme cover WHERE people are living and some clues about the areas on Oahu....



When someone from the mainland comes here to live, they head toward Waikiki. BIG MISTAKE! Even the grocery stores are more expensive! Foodland for example: 5lb bag of rice in Foodland Ala Moana = $5 to $7 (last time I got one was $6.35) depending on your brand. Same size bag at Foodland in Wahiawa is just $5 to $6. Can get cheaper with Tamura's, $4.75.

When living in town, you will be paying more for everything as you will also be using more electricity (fans, AC), cable/internet (entertainment); clubs and restaurants (too damned hot to cook!); shopping for clothes (merchants pay higher rents in town, thus mark up their products more) and all that stuff.


Town areas include the following:

Premium Expenses:
Honolulu, Waikiki, Kakaako, Makiki, Ala Moana, Kaimuki, McCully, University, Kapahulu, Pawaa, Chinatown, Nuuanu (altho some parts of the valley are less expensive, but should have a car), Diamonhead, and most parts of Hawaii Kai, dowsett Highlands, Tantalus, Round top, Upper Manoa, Woodlawn (university territory and prime rates during late summer into the school year - some do drop their rentals if they are not booked after september), Hawaii Loa Ridge, Niu Valley, Aina Haina, Palolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Waialae Nui ridge, Waialai Iki view, Kuliouou, Portlock, Kaalakei Valley (lots of condos in here, but they are expensive living - perhaps split with 3 or 4 roomies), Hahaione Valley, Mariner's Ridge, Hahaione Valley

Middle Class & mid-rate housing & apartments & condos:
Pacific Heights, Kam Heights, Pauoa, Makiki Heights, Manoa (there are a lot of houses up there with cottages on premises, and some even sublet rooms for university students), St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki, Moiliili, Kahala, Ainokoa, Waialae Iki, Alewa Heights, Kalihi Valley, Nuuanu Valley, Woodlawn, Salt Lake (apartments & condo units doable with a roomy or two), Aliamanu, Moanalua (mostly houses, but there are several with shares and sublets)

Middle Class to Lower Class - mostly low-rise apartments, some smaller houses (but no yard):
Kalihi (some parts are really bad conditions, but are doable with the right kind of attitude - I lived in the valley for about 2 years), Mapunapuna (industrial area with sporadic low-rises, definitely lower expenses if you can tolerate it), Kapalama, Kalihi Kai, Palama, Liliha (I lived up here for about 3 years - $900 shoebox apartment with own bathroom), Pauoa, Iwilei


Living in the "Town" areas would mean excellent bus service. I can stand on Nimitz in front of the airport and count 6 buses all within 15 minutes of each other going to Ala Moana and stopping at points in between. Although shopping is more expensive, anyone able to get a roomy or two on a two bedroom apartment would be alright. Most apartments in these areas are two bedroom w/single parking and a full bath - and they would allow two couples living there. My sister, myself, and our boyfriends all lived in a low-rise (4 story walk-up) for several years in a two bedroom apartment in the Makiki area. It is doable with perks! 6.^ We paid $1200 + electricity. One stall and water was included in the rent. We also had phone from the phone company and internet/cable from Oceanic Cable. We were 2 blocks from Ala Moana shopping center. Sometimes I miss that place....



Out of Town Living

These areas are basically where the "working class" people live. A whole lot of laborers, carpenters, tradesmen and military live in the areas listed below. A huge majority working at Pearl Harbor or in State/Federal offices in town...

Expensive, top tier:
Aiea Heights, Pacific Palisades, Halawa Heights, Moanalua, Foster Village, Halawa, Royal Summit, Newtown, Aiea (some parts are not so expensive, if you know where to look though), Mililani, Mililani Mauka, Waikele, Waipio, Royal Kunia, Crest View, Ewa Villages, Ko'Olina, Kapolei (these last three are the new "Second City" being built & developed), Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley, Queen's Gate, Portlock

Mid range & majority
Makakilo, Palehua, Palehua East & Puu Palehua (the Palehuas are mostly houses, but there are condo units available and affordable with roomies), Waipahu, Mililani Town (losts of apartment units in Mililani Town that are affordable if you are stingy, or if you have roomy), Pearl City (lots of apartments that can be doable if you are frugal), Waiau (lots of condos, but you will need a roomy or 4), Manana, Crest View, Aiea (lots and lots of apartments & condo units, but prices are driven by military who can afford $1200 to $1500 for a studio shoebox with bathroom attachment), Ewa Beach, Kalaeloa, Ewa Villages, Honouliuli, Lower Village, Ewa Beach, Ewa (what some call Old Ewa), Wahiawa (apartments are affordable), Whitmore Village (where I live - some call this "country" but we are not rural by mainland standards - more like, outer fringes of the suburb - Whitmore is part of Wahiawa and the last vestige of suburbia before hitting country living - we do not really qualify as country cus we DO have 3-story apartment buildings - but then we also have neighbors with goats and chickens. ^.^)

Mid to lower:
Parts of Waipahu, Wahiawa, Mililani town, Waipio, Ewa Beach, and Kalaeloa. I say parts of them because in every area we have low-income HUD housing. There are also apartments that can be rented, ranging from mid $600 to $1400 - depending on the immediate neigborhood conditions. And there are "bachelor" apartments in some where only men live - they chare a common bathroom. This is especially available in Waipahu and Wahiawa. Historically, pineapple or cane workers lived in these.

Generally speaking, most of the apartments in these areas are well kept and maintained.. its the neighbors that bring down the value.




Country Living

Living "country" on Oahu is still possible - just getting harder and harder to do. Mainlanders see movies like "North Shore" and "Blue Crush" and think is all like that... well... no. Some consider where I live in Whitmore to be country, we don't even have a fully fledged grocery store! But living country is a mark of pride here - it means you commute to everything and can live without the air conditioner! if you catch the bus, you are even more country and people tend to respect that even more - they let YOU sit down!

Home areas (you will need a roomy for these areas)
Wahiawa Heights, Haleiwa town, Kunia (although there is an issue with housing here as Dole is no longer managing and the people living here cannot afford to buy. poor Kunia!), Mokuleia (there are some apartments, but are a bit expensive and beachfront is why they are listed here), Waialua, Waimea, Pupukea, Lihilani, Sunset, Pupukea Heights, Kahuku, Laie (some lower rents, this is one of the most remote areas of the island), Hauula, Punaluu (might get lucky and find low rent around here, but still get roomys as this is again, kinda remote and long commute so you WILL want a car), Kahana Valley, Kaaawa, Nanakuli, Waianae, Makaha (the most remote, and worst for commute to town for work - there are condos and apartments out here, but you WILL need a car, or be limited by bus schedules, and you WILL have quite a hike to get groceries - my sister and I were going to buy a condo back in Makaha Valley, until we saw what one fender bender did on Farrington Highway)

Areas with apartments that are doable butyou MUST adapt:
Laie, Mokolaiea, Makaha, Waianae, Maili, Nanakuli
Of note, these areas are very tight communities. Even myself (local haole) would have to change my demeanor and attitude to live in these areas. However, once accepted.. you are no longer just "the token haole on the block" that everyone tolerates, you become part of the `ohana and people will look out for you.



Windward Side

Yes, I give the windward side its own section. This is a hodge-podge of living space with a huge mix of local and mainland. Many manland people who move here and stay actually try to buy on this side of the island for many reasons - most doing with weather, heat and atmosphere. The Windward side is "kinda country, kinda townie" with easy enough commutes over the Koolaus to working areas (Pali to town, Likelike to Kalihi & H3 to Pearl City/Pearl harbor). I will note almost ALL windward areas are bit more expensive than their contemporaries on other parts of the island. Where a 3 bedroom condo will rent in Waiau for $1400, it will rent for $1800 in Kailua. An apartment in Wahiawa for $800 will rent for $1400 in Kaneohe. just letting you know!


Houses & expensive condos:
Kaneohe, Kailua, Kahaluu, Ahuimanu Hills, Lani Kai, Enchanted lake, Kailuan Heights, Kalaheo, Aikahi Gardens, Aikahi, Mahinui, Puu Pahu, Puohala, Waikalua, Kokokahi, Wamanalo Beach

Mid-level on the Windard side
Kailua town (apartments are available), Kaneohe town (apartments and some condos are doeable with a roomy), Waimanalo (apartments available with doable prices), Waimanalo Valley (houses are less expensive te urther from the beach, and if you have roomies)

Mid to lower class:
Stick to either Kailua or Kaneohe towns. There are lower-income walk-up apartments, but they are very rare to get into - basically you have to wait for someone to die, no one wants to move out!








Living on Oahu, we all realize we ARE the gathering place. In recent years, many have complained that locals have become rude, crass, authoritative and downright blunt when dealing with transplants. We see our beaches being taken away for resorts, our mountains being bored for more tunnels, our valleys swelling with housing projects... and our agriculture disappear to weeds. I drive by the fields I used to ride horses in as a kid, having pineapple plants scratch my legs (and I have the scars to prove it) and cry now when I see the "for sale" signs posted. I wonder what developers will buy, and what they will build. And we know, deep down, that is the price of progress. When we hurt, humans look for a cause. If we feel helpless, we take it out on those who are new... for it is the new that drives this progress.


I sit here typing... knowing both sides of the equation. I flip flop in my emotions all the time.... remembering the beautifully ripe pineapples, and glare at someone who drives really slow taking down the number on the for sale signs. I KNOW it is necessary... the land needs to be used.... it needs to generate revenue for the state, the community. Siting there its doing nothing.

Do I want more houses, more roads, more people? Not really... but I do know if we are to survive and prosper, we on Oahu need to look forward to the changes coming, and learn to accept the people that come with those changes so long as those new people learn to live with us on this rock.


so come, future malahini... I may not welcome you at the airport with a lei, but I will teach you how to cook rice when the power goes out...


a hui hou!
Zoa

[thesycophant]

Oh, my! Thank you so much, zoa! That post is perhaps the most useful post I've come across on this board. You lay it all out and give me a very real picture of what the numbers of living on Oahu are like. Your budget breakdown looks very similar to what I had sketched out, if a little higher!

I once called the Big Island home, and I look forward to the opportunity to return to the islands.

Mahalo and a hui hou!

[waiverrn]

tell me more about this? I read several places utilities were NOT high and no a/c but fans lots of times? Please elaborate what you mean who posted that.

[waiverrn]

What wonderful information and breakdown of housing by areas, etc. Thanks a bunch.

[MovingAloha]

WOW Zoa, what great posts (both of them). You and people like you are what I remember and the reason I'm returning next month.

a hui hou!

[kixette]

wow zoa best posts ever! i hope if i ever get the chance to move instead of just vacation you are still around! thanks! kix