middle class priced out of LA (Los Angeles, Inglewood: apartment, rent, houses)

[LAAngel2008]

for those with an income below 75 or so I would think again if you are considering moving to LA.Years ago when many of us older residents bought houses the prices were no where near what they are today.The rents have gotten out of hand because developers cannot build enough units to meet demand due to the red tape of California living.It is my belief that the economy of California will not thrive as it did in the past if these conditions continue.Young people should consider moving somewhere like Orlando or Atlanta if you want a reasonable cost of living with good weather.To me it is crazy to drive 4 hrs a day to work like the lady in the story.You are living in your car.she makes about 40,000 which is really not that far from the average salary for most people.40 does not cover the cost of living anymore in southern california.

Renters priced out of L.A. - Los Angeles Times

[h8nla]

I was making around 55k, commuting from Inglewood to the valley, and my rent is $950. I think I could've been living pretty comfy with an extra 10k or so. I think you can make it off of less than 75k, depending on your lifestyle. If my car wasn't a gas guzzler, I think 60k would have enabled me to live pretty decent.

[SandyCo]

I made almost $60K last year, and the only thing that saved me was rent control. Sure, I could afford to move to another apartment, but I'd have to downsize from a two-bedroom to a one-bedroom at the very least, and I'd have no life. The alternative would be to work two jobs - and still have no life, because I'd be working all the time.

I know people live like this all the time in L.A., and it's sad. I was digging myself deeper into debt a few years ago until I was able to get a better job.

I would definitely say that L.A. is not a place where families would feel welcome. The cost of living is way too high, and you don't get much value for your money here (education system isn't good, etc.).