Has anyone noticed the price drop in LI area? (Nassau: real estate market, 2009)

[ClarkStreetKid]

A little food for thought...

We are disturbed not by events, but by the views which we take of them.

I must die. Must I then die lamenting? I must be put in chains. Must I then also lament? I must go into exile. Does any man then hinder me from going with smiles and cheerfulness and contentment?

Epictetus

[TristansMommy]

Originally Posted by GCGuy

1) I don't think I'm better than anyone, especially given the fact that I don't know who the hell any of you people are.
2) When I talk about how much I like LI, if you notice, it's almost always in response to the constant LI bashing on this board. Like I've said in the past, I can say I'm happy just as much as you can say you're not. I did not neccesarily object to your saying you are happy.. I objected to the tone you use when speaking about people who are complaining. People coming here need to know what they are getting into. Bottom line, unless your household pulls in a 6 figure salary (and even at 100K you'll be living in a modest home) you will struggle and all the amenties in the world will not make up for the stress, constant swimming against the stream of high taxes and high costs of everything here.
3) If you have this place, please leave. You're doing nothing but harm to you and the Island if you stay. Go, find a better place and enjoy it. I am working my best to leave. I am not doing harm by staying and talking about the high cost of living.. rather the high cost of living is what is doing harm to long island. Again.. if all of us who are complaining truly did leave, as we all wish we could but for some reason or another can't or don't, you'll all soon be asking where did all the secretaries,librarians, public workers go? Because they are truly the ones having the most difficult time and are complaining. Again you need a 6 figure income to be surviving comfortably here.. and the wife better be at a job that pulls in enough to make daycare of $400/week worth her leaving home and going to work (otherwise the wife needing to stay home brings your combined salary below 100K they will be struggling.
4) Quality of life differs for everyone. Many people pay extra to be close to NYC, beaches, etc. b/c that's what they feel makes for a better quality of life. Some people want to move to NC just to get a 4000 sq. ft. house. That's their choice. You can't tell people what makes then like a place or not.
You're absolutely right.. but in order for them to make that decision they need to know exactly what LI offers. So, if you don't mind paying over inflated taxes for all these amenities becasue you make enough that's great. BUT ..if you can afford it only if it means that both parents have to work, some parents even have towork 2 jobs..thereby taking time away from family..but you decide that you'd rather have nice beaches and be close to NYC than that time..then so be it, that is what is most improtant to you. They need to know what kind of trade off they will be making and what the cost, beyond dollars, that living on LI is.
5) Talk about being materialistic...how about people moving across the country just so they can have a huge "mansion" with acres of land and new cars? Doesn't that sound materialsitic, or is that only the case when people on LI want those things..and pay real money to get them?
Most of the time when we talk about , or atleast when I talk about, how much more home I can afford outside of NY it's not because I crave such a huge McMansion.. it's just amazement at how much further my money goes outside of this place. I now understand why having a decent size home. . one with a family room, is so important now that I tripover my 2 year olds toys at every turn in my small Levitt house with only a LR, EIK 9which flow together) People need to understand that to enjoy our beaches, parks etc (that we grossly overpay for) they may have to trade in their nice comfortable size home for one that's half the size, on half the property for double the price for 3x's the property taxes. It's just a fact. Most people leavign LI are just SICK to death of swimming against the current of the high cost of living and the toll it is taking on them physically with the stress AND their quality time with family. I think it's materialistic if someone feels that LI's extra perks are worth more to their "quality" of life than being able to be home with your kids or spend time with them.
6) I feel badly for people that would like to stat but cannot, that's a shame, but sometimes life throws you a curveball. If my business took a dip, I might have to move myself, that's life. But, going back to #5, I have to think a lot of people just don't want a normal house that is more affordable, it has to be a brand new, grand house...and if that's the case, please stop complaining b/c at that point it's a choice, nothing else. Now you're making generalizations that all people who are complainging abuot the high cost of living all want to live in brand new Mcmansions.. NO.. we wnat to live in NORMAL houses that COMFORTABLY fit our families with a decent size yard for our kids to play in. AGain.. our property size gets smaller while our taxes get higher. Having a DR, Fam Rm is NOT the norm in a "normal" house on LI and usually is "normal" in an upper middle class or high end neighborhood. a Normal house at an affordable price on LI is small, usually requires work etc. I would like a NORMAL house.. and Normal to me means having a LR, DR, Kitchen and Family room alogn with family bedrooms.. NOT the small cramp home Ilive in where I constantly have to trip over toys and have no place for guest to really come and visit. That's not saying I need a Mcmansion or 4000 square feet..but bigger than 1100 sq ft would be nice.
7) People on this board, seem to begrudge poeple that are happy on LI...why is that? Probably b/c they are bitter about something, typically financial. You can't be annoyed when people on this board don't hate LI. Makes you sound like a flaming liberal that's only tolerant of people with the same views as you. I don't begrudge you that.. but most of the people no the board that like LI like it because they usually live in upper middle or high end neighborhoods and make well over 6 figures a year and can not speak for the majority of the population that are middle class. Are some middle class families happy here.. I'm sure they are becasue they have family that live here and that makes them happy.. but ask those middle class families about their finances and you'll soon see that they struggle too.. but for them to stay close to their families is worth it for them. I bet you though , that if their families were to leave LI and their work would allow them to go to a place that would give them more time with kids, less stress on their wallet etc.. they'd jump at it. It just depends on how tired, fed up or frustrated you are. For a long time I went back and forth..but now I'm just at my breaking point and have truly decided that LI is NOT worth the cost and the struggle. Not when I can have a much more relaxed and financially stress free existance somplace else. .. AND i can still get a lot of the benefits that LI has to offer at the fractino of the cost. My problem with people that boast how wonderful LI is is NOT becasue they think it's wonderful but becasue they think the rest of the country has horrible schools, no amenities, no beautiful parks to visit, etc. That is just a stupid and ignorant view. You may or may not be guilty of that.. but there are a lot of wonderful places that have a lot of wonderful things to offer that LI offers.. again at a fraction of the cost.
8) I don't think anyone really thinks that the gov't doesn't have to change and that taxes or too high, but it needs time and effort...many people don't seem to have that. I even said it needs time or effort..but go back and read my post.. nothing's changing for all the reasons I mentioned in that post and will continue to remain the status quo. It's been steadily getting worse and worse, not better and better.. hence my frustration (and i know becasue I've been born and raised here).
I can't talk about this anymore...try your best to enjoy your lives be it on LI or not...

So.. I vent my frustrations for two reasons. First, I need an outlet for my frustration, my anger. It's either that or throw things..becasue the stress is too much. I also post it here so that others will know exactly what they are getting into. Yes, you can enjoy life here if you make 6 or more figures (although you'll still be living in a modest house at that salary.. and by modest I mean forget a dining room and family room.. or have one but not the other.. etc.).. and if your job allows you time to enjoy all the amenities we overpay for. BUT.. if anyone moving here makes less than 100K combined income (and if you have little kids.. the wifey needs to pull in something better than an admin salary because daycare is upwards $400/week..oh and make sure that when you are trying to concieve your little one..you get him on the daycare waiting list!!!! You may be lucky to get him in when he's 3 months old) then it's giong to be a tough tough haul and it's best to know what you're getting into.

[rocafeller05]

Originally Posted by GCGuy

1) I don't think I'm better than anyone, especially given the fact that I don't know who the hell any of you people are.
2) When I talk about how much I like LI, if you notice, it's almost always in response to the constant LI bashing on this board. Like I've said in the past, I can say I'm happy just as much as you can say you're not.
3) If you have this place, please leave. You're doing nothing but harm to you and the Island if you stay. Go, find a better place and enjoy it.
4) Quality of life differs for everyone. Many people pay extra to be close to NYC, beaches, etc. b/c that's what they feel makes for a better quality of life. Some people want to move to NC just to get a 4000 sq. ft. house. That's their choice. You can't tell people what makes then like a place or not.
5) Talk about being materialistic...how about people moving across the country just so they can have a huge "mansion" with acres of land and new cars? Doesn't that sound materialsitic, or is that only the case when people on LI want those things..and pay real money to get them?
6) I feel badly for people that would like to stat but cannot, that's a shame, but sometimes life throws you a curveball. If my business took a dip, I might have to move myself, that's life. But, going back to #5, I have to think a lot of people just don't want a normal house that is more affordable, it has to be a brand new, grand house...and if that's the case, please stop complaining b/c at that point it's a choice, nothing else.
7) People on this board, seem to begrudge poeple that are happy on LI...why is that? Probably b/c they are bitter about something, typically financial. You can't be annoyed when people on this board don't hate LI. Makes you sound like a flaming liberal that's only tolerant of people with the same views as you.
8) I don't think anyone really thinks that the gov't doesn't have to change and that taxes or too high, but it needs time and effort...many people don't seem to have that.

I can't talk about this anymore...try your best to enjoy your lives be it on LI or not...

I think this is the best comment GCGuy has ever made, seriously. Lets face it some hate it & some love it here for many different reasons. It will never change. But everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and comments on here wether you like it or not. So lets all get along shall we?

[TristansMommy]

Originally Posted by rocafeller05

I think this is the best comment GCGuy has ever made, seriously. Lets face it some hate it & some love it here for many different reasons. It will never change. But everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and comments on here wether you like it or not. So lets all get along shall we?

Ive never objected to him posting his rosy reviews.. I have, however, objected to his tones toward those who do not have that same rosey view.

[kosmo101]

My wife and I are thinking of leaving LI... Why? Well I work 2 jobs... make well over 100k and find it a struggle to make it. I have a house in Levittown...1200 sq feet and think for the 100+ hours I work a week I should have more than this 60 year old small house. We have a 6 month old (waited many years before deciding to have a baby) and I am too busy working or worrying about money to enjoy my 1200 sq foot house. I do not need or want a mini-mansion but as mentioned I do want something that equates to how much I work. How about 2000 sq feet is that too much to ask? I dont need granite this or 2 car garage. I was not fortunate to get in before houses went up...buying in 2004. But after living in apartments for years and going insane with problems... i took the plunge. I wish I was back in the apartment right now.

I have no life. I work and thats about it. Taxes are 8500 Mortgage dont ask.. I do not think the prices here are in relation to what you get. $400k for a 1200 square foot house in a town that is considered 'starter'? Sure i have good paying jobs but is it worth it? I can go to NC.. have 1 job..buy a 2500 sq foot house for 200k...take 50k-100k profit from this Levittown house and put on that down on one and have a mortgage payment very low besides taxes about 25% of what I pay now. I coudl maybe even then have weekends off!

Sure I am making it here.. but at what expense? My kid never sees me...we are cramped...and I am miserable working so much. Beaches? Parks? I would love to have time for that but I do not see anything changing to get me away from working the rest of my life away like this... I have everything here and do not want to move but whats the alternative? Die of stress and exhaustion?

There has to be a better way. I followed all the rules..graduated college...and this is what I face every day. And I probably have it better than most since not one person in my workplace has been able to buy their first home here other than me.

[TristansMommy]

Originally Posted by kosmo101

My wife and I are thinking of leaving LI... Why? Well I work 2 jobs... make well over 100k and find it a struggle to make it. I have a house in Levittown...1200 sq feet and think for the 100+ hours I work a week I should have more than this 60 year old small house. We have a 6 month old (waited many years before deciding to have a baby) and I am too busy working or worrying about money to enjoy my 1200 sq foot house. I do not need or want a mini-mansion but as mentioned I do want something that equates to how much I work. How about 2000 sq feet is that too much to ask? I dont need granite this or 2 car garage. I was not fortunate to get in before houses went up...buying in 2004. But after living in apartments for years and going insane with problems... i took the plunge. I wish I was back in the apartment right now.

I have no life. I work and thats about it. Taxes are 8500 Mortgage dont ask.. I do not think the prices here are in relation to what you get. $400k for a 1200 square foot house in a town that is considered 'starter'? Sure i have good paying jobs but is it worth it? I can go to NC.. have 1 job..buy a 2500 sq foot house for 200k...take 50k-100k profit from this Levittown house and put on that down on one and have a mortgage payment very low besides taxes about 25% of what I pay now. I coudl maybe even then have weekends off!

Sure I am making it here.. but at what expense? My kid never sees me...we are cramped...and I am miserable working so much. Beaches? Parks? I would love to have time for that but I do not see anything changing to get me away from working the rest of my life away like this... I have everything here and do not want to move but whats the alternative? Die of stress and exhaustion?

There has to be a better way. I followed all the rules..graduated college...and this is what I face every day. And I probably have it better than most since not one person in my workplace has been able to buy their first home here other than me.

I'm so sure that from my posts you can see I feel your pain and I am near tears daily. I have been researching and there are wonderful places to live that are more affordable with great amenities. Thank you for posting on this board as well... You are just like me and there are so many of us out there!!

Hang in there and dream of weekends off in a beautiful uncramped house with 1/3 the taxes.. it will happen!!

[GCGuy]

Originally Posted by TristansMommy

Ive never objected to him posting his rosy reviews.. I have, however, objected to his tones toward those who do not have that same rosey view.

Listen, I vent my frustrations, too...properly or not. I just wish more people would see the good and not focus on the bad. That's all. I know it can be tough. There was a year stretch that I was out of work and my wife was a sub teacher in NYC. That was a stretch, but we got through it. Maybe that's why I try to be positive. It could be worse, it could almost always be worse.

[xbure9x]

can we get this thread back on topic! I am currently selling my home, and I want to know what other people's experiences have been in this new market.

[TristansMommy]

Originally Posted by GCGuy

Listen, I vent my frustrations, too...properly or not. I just wish more people would see the good and not focus on the bad. That's all. I know it can be tough. There was a year stretch that I was out of work and my wife was a sub teacher in NYC. That was a stretch, but we got through it. Maybe that's why I try to be positive. It could be worse, it could almost always be worse.

Believe it or not, you may not be able to tell from my posts.. but I am generally a positive happy person. . and a very spiritual one at that. There is a difference between a "rough patch" like that of being temporarily unemployed from being stuck in the position that I and some others find ourselves stuck in. That difference is that for the person going through a "rough patch" it's temporary. They, like you , will eventually get a new job etc. But we're not talking about a "temporary" situation here.. we're talking about a problem that has started and has been growing for many years.. proabably all the years I have been here. I have been as positive as anyone can be and all the positivity in the world is not going to change the fact that LI is just too expensive for those NOT making over a 6 figure income. Even for those that are, like another poster on this board, six figures is STILL a struggle. The ONLY way out is to work harder.. but there isn't enough hours in the day for that.
So see..as positive as I am.. and I really really really am a positive person, I've just become so exhausted with banging my head against the wall here as have many other families. I've run out of positive as far as living here is concerned. The fact that I tried to stay and have been trying is testament to my positivity.. but there reaches a point where you get to the end of your rope. I am there.. I'm sooo there at the end of it. All I can do is save another middle income family the mistake of coming here thinking it's going to be all roses and beaches without realizing what those roses and those beaches will cost them beyond monetary.
Now.. you may be fine and always be happy here.. and your children will also be while growing up. But I think another poster said it well when the intent of every parent is to offer their children a better life then what they had. My parents gave me a great one. And alot of us born and raised here, despite doing all the right things, have found ourselves sinking BACKWARD rather than forward..not even able to keep the status quo our parents were able to provide.. and it isn't from a lack of education, good jobs, etc. Your child may find themselves in my position someday when it's there turn to try and make a go at it with the ridiculous cost of living that exists. Your child may end up being just like me on this board..like so many of us born and raised here have become.
So I do respect the fact that you enjoy it here (and that you are trying to be positive..I truly do).. but when you talk about that you enjoy it here, you need to let them understand how and why you are able to enjoy it here..give them an economic picture that is honest and clear. It's not about being positive or negative..it's about looking at the facts with a clear head and going in with all the facts.. otherwise a family coming here thinking that they make a great income of between 80K and 100K a year (which is a great income.. but not enough here) and who think they are getting all this and will have no problems becasue they make such a great income, will be in for a very rude awakening and would be much better off living someplace else that can allow for them to be financially secure with their income and working to live.. not just working to survive.

[cricketfan]

Originally Posted by ClarkStreetKid

A little food for thought...


Epictetus

And here's another morsel ...

“Our failure to lament also cuts us off from each other. If you and I are to know one another in a deep way, we must not only share our hurts, anger, and disappointments, we must also lament them together before the God who hears and is moved by our tears. Only then does our sharing become truly redemptive in character. The degree to which I am willing to enter into the suffering of another person reveals the level of my commitment and love for them. If I am not interested in your hurts, I am not really interested in you.

A Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card