If NYC is a playground for the rich then where are all the other people going?? (New York: foreclosures, neighborhoods)

[jazzymentality]

I've always been interested in living in NYC. Yet comments such as, "Oh, you don't want to live in NYC, it's just for the rich now and it's not as good as it used to be.." made me wonder if the "playground for the rich" was only located in Manhattan. Where would all the "average or below-average" classed people go??

[Andysocks]

Manhattan is unaffordable and sickeningly overpriced now that people want to live there again. Most of the rest of the metro is much more affordable, however, the high cost of living can be culture shock to people from anywhere else not called "California."

[Rachael84]

The entire metro area is becoming too expensive. That's why this area is one of the highest in foreclosures. People are beginning to take out of their retirement just to pay off bills

As for me, I live in Queens as a 2nd year teacher making 58,000. I just know how to save; that's why I live ok for here. I'm not rich though. Because I save, I can go out from time to time on a broadway play, fancy dinner, or a vacation. It all depends on the lifestyle you want to live. I live cheap so I can do nice things occasionally, instead of all the time and go broke like some people do.

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

The entire metro area is becoming too expensive. That's why this area is one of the highest in foreclosures. People are beginning to take out of their retirement just to pay off bills

As for me, I live in Queens as a 2nd year teacher making 58,000. I just know how to save; that's why I live ok for here. I'm not rich though. Because I save, I can go out from time to time on a broadway play, fancy dinner, or a vacation. It all depends on the lifestyle you want to live. I live cheap so I can do nice things occasionally, instead of all the time and go broke like some people do.

You have a good head on your shoulders, Rachel.

[jax78]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

The entire metro area is becoming too expensive. That's why this area is one of the highest in foreclosures. People are beginning to take out of their retirement just to pay off bills

As for me, I live in Queens as a 2nd year teacher making 58,000. I just know how to save; that's why I live ok for here. I'm not rich though. Because I save, I can go out from time to time on a broadway play, fancy dinner, or a vacation. It all depends on the lifestyle you want to live. I live cheap so I can do nice things occasionally, instead of all the time and go broke like some people do.

Not to hijack the thread, but how do you make 58,000 if it's your second year? I'm a third year NYC teacher with my M.S. and I will be making less than that (I think $54,000- I have to check the steps). Do you have your M.S. +30 or something?

[jax78]

I live in Queens. I lived in Manhattan for a short time. UPE side with roommates, so it was affordable;however, I prefer being in Queens. You get more for your buck. I now don't have a room that is the size of a closet!!! And it's cheaper. I still have roommates though. If I wanted, I could probably find another place in Queens for myself. I save. I always have. I just always would put a part of my pay check into a savings account. I try to budget as best as I can. Sometimes money is tight, but I'm not the type of person to go out every night and spend a lot of cash.

I don't shop excessively either. I do like to go out and eat and enjoy trying new restaurants so I will spurge sometimes, but you can also find cheap eats in the city. The other night I got a good meal at a noodle place downtown for like $12 total. It was BYOB so that included the beer. You just have to find the right places.

It's not only for the rich. yes, the middle class is getting pushed out, but I'm a
NYC teacher and I'm able to live here comfortably. It will be tough when I have a family, but hopefully I can continue to save and do well. I don't know how I'll ever buy here, but hopefully...I was born here and my family is here so I can't see myself leaving...

[hypnotizzed]

manhattan is anything but the playground of the rich. Don't believe the hype. It has allthe grittiness u can stand, thriving ethnic communities, and an infinite number of cheap delicious eats and moderate/free entertainment. . Anyone that tells u otherwise has either never been to manhattan or is simply lying. And the outerboroughs can be downright cheap .

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by hypnotizzed

manhattan is anything but the playground of the rich. Don't believe the hype. It has allthe grittiness u can stand, thriving ethnic communities, and an infinite number of cheap delicious eats and moderate/free entertainment. . Anyone that tells u otherwise has either never been to manhattan or is simply lying. And the outerboroughs can be downright cheap .

One after the other in different threads tonight, there are great posts - like this one.

[Fred314X]

"Playground for the rich." Yeah, the rich have plenty of things to do. But you can say that about the wealthy neighborhoods in any city. And let's hope that the middle class doesn't literally get pushed out of New York--there hasn't been a city any time in history that survived without a middle class.

[Materialism]

Originally Posted by hypnotizzed

manhattan is anything but the playground of the rich. Don't believe the hype. It has allthe grittiness u can stand, thriving ethnic communities, and an infinite number of cheap delicious eats and moderate/free entertainment. . Anyone that tells u otherwise has either never been to manhattan or is simply lying. And the outerboroughs can be downright cheap .

So why can't you afford to live in Manhattan if it's affordable? Manhattan is expensive.

Manhattan is for the wealthy and the people who serve them. The "poorer" communities (not counting the project dwellers) visit and work in Manhattan but don't live here. People who move into Manhattan are generally well off.

And what does cheap food have to do with anything? What are the bridge and tunnel people going to eat? You can find cheap food and entertainment in The Hamptons, Aspen and Beverly Hills too but that doesn't make them affordable places.