Starter Houses on Long Island? (Hempstead, Elmont: for sale by owner, coops, school districts)

[NYer]

Originally Posted by Check123

From 2004 to 2005, there was a net growth of 3,425 people in Nassau County, and a net growth of 15,971 people in Suffolk County.

Long Island is affordable, but not for everyone. Those who succeed get to stay, the rest fall through the cracks.

There are also lots of low level service industry jobs and those workers are coming in there in droves. They are often not living the "American Dream" of home ownership or a stable job.
So often when we say "everyone" is going somewhere we mean "everyone like us"
There are a lot of well to do people on the island, they are business owners or commute to NYC. Then there is the next rung of well paid government/ unionized workers, including teachers & nurses that are making it just fine if they live wisely. And, there are the are the the uneducated service workers. They do not live well but where can they go that they will live well? Beats me.
The middle class people with average educations, mid-level jobs, they are the ones who are struggling on the island. But when one of them leaves for PA, upstate, NC or FL, people do come in, its just that mroe likely than not they are from another socioeconomic bracket.

[Check123]

If people can't afford it then they will have to move, or better themselves. What ever happened to hard work?

Everyone wants above average circumstances, but they don't want to put in the time and effort.

[LINYSoxFan]

Originally Posted by Check123

If people can't afford it then they will have to move, or better themselves. What ever happened to hard work?

Everyone wants above average circumstances, but they don't want to put in the time and effort.

It's that easy is it? What about the single parents, senior citizens or the disabled or even the young couples just starting out? You're assuming that those that are leaving the island are those that are not willing to work hard. What about our teachers, tradesmen, clergy? If everyone was to "better themselves", we'd lose the crossing guards, bank tellers and the grocery store clerks. Surely, they deserve affordable housing as well, no? Without them where would we be?

Many politicians have gotten on the band-wagon of affordable housing because their own kids are also leaving, if they haven't already. Next time the issue comes up on News12, listen to what Levy & Suozzi have to say- I've heard it many times. And just in case you think this is a party issue- Gaffney was one of the leading politicians at the time to get people talking about it.

Here's part of an interesting article I came across:

SOURCE: NY TIME 1/29/06
"Property taxes on Long Island are among the highest in the nation, and lowering them has become a political campaign pledge in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. At the same time, the median price for a single-family house hovers around $400,000.

As a result of high taxes and soaring home prices, according to a 2005 Rauch Foundation poll of 1,215 Long Islanders, 70 percent of the residents 18 to 34 years old are somewhat or very likely to leave the Island in the next five years.

Among older Long Islanders, 64 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds said they are also likely to leave the Island, a 17 percentage point increase over 2004 poll results. "

[Check123]

Where in the U.S. can a grocery clerk afford their own house?

Those positions, along with crossing guard and bank teller are usually held by high school and college students. When they move on to better things they will be replaced by the next low level applicant. Everyone gets their turn in the bucket.

Do you think there's going to be a shortage of 18 - 34 year olds? Give me a break.

[NYer]

Originally Posted by Check123

Where in the U.S. can a grocery clerk afford their own house?

Those positions, along with crossing guard and bank teller are usually held by high school and college students. When they move on to better things they will be replaced by the next low level applicant. Everyone gets their turn in the bucket.

Do you think there's going to be a shortage of 18 - 34 year olds? Give me a break.

You are correct to a point.
We were "making it" in NY... professional careers, house, private schools, all that. But we are flourishing in NC.
We would not have thought of leaving if my husband had not met so many people doing so much better in NC.
We gave up the brutal commute, among other things, and we are glad about it. We still work hard of course- we did not retire.
Certainly not every young person will leave. But many will. I don't know what the answer is, but to just resign ourselves to what was for us, a mediocre life, was nto worth it.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by LINYSoxFan

It's that easy is it? What about the single parents, senior citizens or the disabled or even the young couples just starting out? You're assuming that those that are leaving the island are those that are not willing to work hard. What about our teachers, tradesmen, clergy? If everyone was to "better themselves", we'd lose the crossing guards, bank tellers and the grocery store clerks. Surely, they deserve affordable housing as well, no? Without them where would we be?

Many politicians have gotten on the band-wagon of affordable housing because their own kids are also leaving, if they haven't already. Next time the issue comes up on News12, listen to what Levy & Suozzi have to say- I've heard it many times. And just in case you think this is a party issue- Gaffney was one of the leading politicians at the time to get people talking about it.

Here's part of an interesting article I came across:

SOURCE: NY TIME 1/29/06
"Property taxes on Long Island are among the highest in the nation, and lowering them has become a political campaign pledge in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. At the same time, the median price for a single-family house hovers around $400,000.

As a result of high taxes and soaring home prices, according to a 2005 Rauch Foundation poll of 1,215 Long Islanders, 70 percent of the residents 18 to 34 years old are somewhat or very likely to leave the Island in the next five years.

Among older Long Islanders, 64 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds said they are also likely to leave the Island, a 17 percentage point increase over 2004 poll results. "

Yes- this is reality. The "pick yourself up by the bootstraps" bs doesn't apply- Sr citizens who are house rich and cash poor are expected to pay exorbitant school tax. Even if their house is paid off, why should they stay just to worry about paying bills?. iMeanwhile the young students 18-24 are competing in a market that is saturated. There are simply too many people competing for the same jobs.

Then many people end up moving to Florida- That is simply a retirement state.

[Check123]

I really don't care. Not my problem.

For those who are moving, be sure to have your mail forwarded to your new address.

Good luck.

[NickL28]

Originally Posted by LINYSoxFan

Here's part of an interesting article I came across:

SOURCE: NY TIME 1/29/06
"Property taxes on Long Island are among the highest in the nation, and lowering them has become a political campaign pledge in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. At the same time, the median price for a single-family house hovers around $400,000.

As a result of high taxes and soaring home prices, according to a 2005 Rauch Foundation poll of 1,215 Long Islanders, 70 percent of the residents 18 to 34 years old are somewhat or very likely to leave the Island in the next five years.

Among older Long Islanders, 64 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds said they are also likely to leave the Island, a 17 percentage point increase over 2004 poll results. "

These 'median' prices are deceptive. A $400,000 home on Long Island west of the William Floyd Pkwy would likely be a fixer upper in need of repair. Try $600,000 for a starter home in most of Nassau & Suffolk county with another $8,000 - $12,000 in annual taxes. Don't forget about commuting. Commuting on the LIRR + Subway = around $250 a month.

Oh and this is a nice quote:

{{{ 70 percent of the residents 18 to 34 years old are somewhat or very likely to leave the Island in the next five years.}}}

From what I see even if these '18 - 34' year olds made $200,000 a year they would still either be living in their parents basement or renting with roomates. They are too concerned with shopping for designer clothes (as evidenced by Roosevelt Field on a Weekday afternoon) and driving the right car which is either a 5 Series BMW, a $50,000 SUV, or an AUDI. Remember property tax payments are deductible. Credit card interest on a five figure credit card balance is not.

And if anyone thinks prices are going to fall or even stagnate, they are mistaken. The economy is booming in the NYC metro area probably doing the best in the entire country. There are plenty of people making in the six figures which make up the majority of population on Long Island & NYC combined. And judging by the rental & housing market across the region, prices & rents continue to surge so there is plenty of demand out there.

[NickL28]

Originally Posted by sunnyhelena

iMeanwhile the young students 18-24 are competing in a market that is saturated. There are simply too many people competing for the same jobs.

Then they should look at themselves and how they are presenting themselves to an employer and their interview skills. And if they are working a $15 an hour retail job, then whose fault is that??

And from what I have seen & heard from people especially in my industry it is the opposite -- it is very hard to find qualified people for most professional positions today with unemployment at around 4% and falling.

If you look at economic data in this area, you will see that these 'young students 18-24' have never had it better economically in the past 50 years. There are more opportunities than ever before.

[NickL28]

Originally Posted by NYer

There are also lots of low level service industry jobs and those workers are coming in there in droves. They are often not living the "American Dream" of home ownership or a stable job.
So often when we say "everyone" is going somewhere we mean "everyone like us"

How would you know?? Don't make assumptions. What do you mean by low level service job?? A 'service job' paying $40,000 - $70,000 a year. If yes, then you are right, you won't survive well on that salary on Long Island, but most other jobs pay $100,000 or more.