Southerners Need Some Info. About NYC and Surrounding Areas? (Ramapo: mortgage, how much) - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

mc33433 · 10-27-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alkonost

I am saying that $100k a year is not enough to support a family of 4 in either the suburbs or the city. To support and own property for a family of 4 in the city you need $500k a year or more, for the suburbs $350k a year or more.

I think many people live comfortably on $100k with kids in the suburbs, especially Rockland County. To say they would have to rent and not be able to afford the kids is an exaggeration.

For Orangeburg:
"The median income for a household in the area was $66,045, and the median income for a family was $77,679. Males had a median income of $52,029 versus $40,438 for females. The average home or condo value in 2009 is $497,904".

Alkonost · 10-27-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

The person is moving to ORANGEBURG, not NYC. That's a big difference. Orangeburg is certainly not an urban area.

No, you are not going to pay $6.00 for butter.

Um, did you or did you NOT notice that I said that was for Manhattan? I never said that's what you'd pay in Orangeburg, but the prices will be inflated nevertheless simply because you're in the tri-state area.

Alkonost · 10-27-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mc33433

I think many people live comfortably on $100k with kids in the suburbs, especially Rockland County. To say they would have to rent and not be able to afford the kids is an exaggeration.

For Orangeburg:
"The median income for a household in the area was $66,045, and the median income for a family was $77,679. Males had a median income of $52,029 versus $40,438 for females. The average home or condo value in 2009 is $497,904".

You are entirely ignoring the fact that this woman has a family of 4, an enormous and beautiful house, and a wonderful quality of life in Atlanta, and that for the SAME MONEY she cannot get the SAME THINGS in the NYC suburbs.

Look at stats from random websites if you want, it doesn't speak to the reality. But how many of those peeps making 77k a year can afford to support a mortgage of $700k (check out Zillow, search rockland, put in a min 3000sf and 4br search and you'll find out what the REAL prices are now, and not for 2009) for a 3,500sf home with two kids? You wouldn't wouldn't even be able to be approved for the mortgage in the first place.

The answer is: unless they bought their property LONG ago when the prices were low, they can't pull it off now!

doxie64 · 10-27-2011, 10:01 AM

Obviously, the downside, of course, to my daughter and I staying here in Atlanta and not moving to NY is that we probably wouldn't see my husband as often as we'd like. However, ever since we've been married, he's traveled 3-4 nights out of every week, so it wouldn't be that big of an adjustment. I just hope and pray that his company (if he gets the job) will be understanding and not force us to relocate. My main priority right now is to get our youngest daughter through high school with as few bumps in the road as possible. I know that moving her at this time in her life would be traumatic, to say the least. I think I'm just going to stand my ground on this one. Surely to goodness, if the company wants to offer my husband a job, they will understand.

I've been amazed at how many people have said on this forum that they can't wait to get out of NY and NYC. To me, that speaks volumes. The life we live here is pretty laid back in comparison to what I've been reading about. You can step out on the back porch and actually hear birds chirping. It's nice and peaceful and easy to get around. I'm so nervous about giving up all that we have here. I can't lie...my heart just isn't in it. The problem is that my husband has been out of work for nearly 6 months, so if an opportunity comes along, we simply can't afford to pass on it.

By the way, I LOVE Tenesesee! Lived there for several years and hope to go back there one day and live out the rest of my days in complete contentment. There's nothing quite like the Great Smokey Mountains.

On more thing before I forget. What are the summers like up there? We are a very active, outdoorsy family. My husband loves to play golf. Is that a popular activity in NY? Also, where do folks go for a little beach time? I can't imagine moving farther away from the BEAUTIFUL Emerald Coast. Heaven on earth!

mc33433 · 10-27-2011, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alkonost

You are entirely ignoring the fact that this woman has a family of 4, an enormous and beautiful house, and a wonderful quality of life in Atlanta, and that for the SAME MONEY she cannot get the SAME THINGS in the NYC suburbs.

Look at stats from random websites if you want, it doesn't speak to the reality. But how many of those peeps making 77k a year can afford to support a mortgage of $700k for a 3,500sf home with two kids? You wouldn't wouldn't even be able to be approved for the mortgage in the first place.

The answer is: unless they bought their property LONG ago when the prices were low, they can't pull it off now!

I have a bunch of family living in Rockland and they don't make 100k. They have 2-3 kids per household...

I think we've made it clear to her that she isn't getting 5,000 sq ft for $300k.... I don't think anyone told her that she could.

I think the point is that sacrifices will have to be made, and lifestyle would be different, but it is possible to live there.....

Why would she need a $700k house or 3500 sq ft? I don't know anyone that lives in 3500 sq feet... In suburbs or elsewhere... She has only one child at home...

To the OP it is possible for you to move here. I think you are smart enough to see where ends would have to be cut. You have to have the discussion with your family to see if you will give up your happiness. Then it will not be worth it.

mc33433 · 10-27-2011, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doxie64

On more thing before I forget. What are the summers like up there? We are a very active, outdoorsy family. My husband loves to play golf. Is that a popular activity in NY? Also, where do folks go for a little beach time? I can't imagine moving farther away from the BEAUTIFUL Emerald Coast. Heaven on earth!

Summers can be hot as winters can be very cold. But there is lots to do outdoors. I live in the city, but my husband and I spend many weekends in the Catskills and Adirondack's because we love hiking. For the beach, you can enjoy the Jersey Shore. If you look on a map you will see how close you are to everything. Golfing is very popular with my colleagues although I don't play. Rockland has a few golfcourses that probably aren't far from where you would be.

Mightyqueen801 · 10-27-2011, 10:13 AM

I don't think you have to worry too much about not being accepted just because you are a Southerner, as long as you don't try to impose artificial expectations of "hospitality and charm" on your new neighbors. For example, don't get the vapors when you find that kids in the north don't end every sentence with "Yes, Ma'am" or "No, Sir". People in the north tend to be more direct about things and not couch what they are saying with with hints and double meanings.

Not that you need to change YOUR southern ways--like watching Japanese businessmen all bow to one another at the end of a meeting, it's amusing and seems a little silly to the rest of us at times, but that's their way of doing things, and your ways are your ways.

Just introduce your neighbors to some good southern cooking, and you should make friends in no time!

Mightyqueen801 · 10-27-2011, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alkonost

Um, did you or did you NOT notice that I said that was for Manhattan? I never said that's what you'd pay in Orangeburg, but the prices will be inflated nevertheless simply because you're in the tri-state area.

No, I didn't notice--I read through very quickly and it seemed as if people were giving NYC prices. You are correct--even in the suburbs, it will likely be more expensive up here than in Georgia.

NYChistorygal · 10-27-2011, 10:17 AM

I don't understand the bit about you and your kids staying in Atlanta. First, how can a company 'force' you to move? Secondly, you'll then have to consider the costs of airfare between NY/NJ and Atlanta. Thirdly, you'll have to support two housing situations, in lieu of 1. It doesn't make any sense.

doxie64 · 10-27-2011, 10:18 AM

I'm sorry...I think I was probably the one who mentioned a house that's 3,500 sq. ft. I guess that's not a realistic expectation, huh? What do you think is realistic for a yearly income of $100,00-$110,000? Should we not expect to be able to afford a 3,000 sq. ft. house with 4 bedrooms? We'd like to have plenty of room if people come to visit. To be honest, I'm hoping with all my might that a move is not necessary. What did you mean that we will have to give up our happiness? Sounds almost as though people who live up there are downright miserable.