Phoenix, Cali, or NYC? (neighborhood, college, salary)

[30apples]

everis20; If you love NYC, go there. Another poster on another thread, said that you could live fairly comfortably in NYC, as a family of three, w/ 60,000/yr. So, as a young person w/ roommates you do live on a lot less. There are often rent-controlled apts to sublease for a yr or so. Rent-controlled means the rents are very low, but this is not "low-income" type housing. Virtually no one owns a car in NYC and you can manage really well without one. In Phx public transportation isn't as good. Even the new rail system they're putting in just goes along one route. As you know Phx is VERY spread out so it's pretty inconvenient not to have wheels.
I'm pretty sure that City College of NY has no tuition and theere are lots of Community colleges there also. State tuition is pretty high in Az compared to some other western states. For more info go to the NYC site on this forum. good luck . NYC is a vibrant place!

[Everis20]

Wow, thank. Thats a good point. Is the City College a good college? I passed by last time I was in NYC, the castle looking college right ?north of Cental Park.

[nikorock28]

Originally Posted by 30apples

everis20; If you love NYC, go there. Another poster on another thread, said that you could live fairly comfortably in NYC, as a family of three, w/ 60,000/yr.

You will never be able to afford a home in NYC on $60K. So, if you consider paying rent for the rest of your life or raising a family in apartments comfortable, that is your interpretation. Personally, I don't really see how that can be considered comfortable. If you set up base in NYC and refuse to leave, it simply means that you will never be able to retire.

Sure, NYC might be great for a young person, but I don't see how any place can be that great when you have to have 4 people share a 2 bedroom apartment for the same rent that you would spend living by yourself elsewhere. Once again, I don't really consider this comfortable when you are relying on other people paying their portion of the rent to sustain yourself.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Everis20

Thanks for the continued replys.

Have you posted on the NY forum? I'm sure you can get some great advice on there regarding NYC.

[AZ_singlemother]

Originally Posted by nikorock28

You will never be able to afford a home in NYC on $60K. So, if you consider paying rent for the rest of your life or raising a family in apartments comfortable, that is your interpretation. Personally, I don't really see how that can be considered comfortable. If you set up base in NYC and refuse to leave, it simply means that you will never be able to retire.

Sure, NYC might be great for a young person, but I don't see how any place can be that great when you have to have 4 people share a 2 bedroom apartment for the same rent that you would spend living by yourself elsewhere. Once again, I don't really consider this comfortable when you are relying on other people paying their portion of the rent to sustain yourself.

You can't really afford much of a home in Pheonix area with that salary either. This person is not looking for affordability, they are looking for life meaning and living in a thriving city with opportunities.

[jlhct]

Originally Posted by 30apples

everis20; If you love NYC, go there. Another poster on another thread, said that you could live fairly comfortably in NYC, as a family of three, w/ 60,000/yr. So, as a young person w/ roommates you do live on a lot less. There are often rent-controlled apts to sublease for a yr or so. Rent-controlled means the rents are very low, but this is not "low-income" type housing. Virtually no one owns a car in NYC and you can manage really well without one. In Phx public transportation isn't as good. Even the new rail system they're putting in just goes along one route. As you know Phx is VERY spread out so it's pretty inconvenient not to have wheels.
I'm pretty sure that City College of NY has no tuition and theere are lots of Community colleges there also. State tuition is pretty high in Az compared to some other western states. For more info go to the NYC site on this forum. good luck . NYC is a vibrant place!

This is not quite true, CUNY schools do indeed have tuition. It is definitely a LOT cheaper than regular private schools, but there is indeed tuition.

Also, a family of 3 on 60K/year in NYC? Maybe in one of the outer boroughs, but in Manhattan? I don't think those numbers are accurate.

Rent controlled apartments do exist, but it takes a lot of luck to get one. As you can imagine, they are not easy to get because people don't leave them until they reach the end LOL (not really, but just about).

With all that being said, NYC is very vibrant and would be a good experience. I lived outside of NYC but commuted in for about 2 years. I think it's the kind of place to experience living/working but would be very hard to own a home if that's whats in your future.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by jlhct

This is not quite true, CUNY schools do indeed have tuition. It is definitely a LOT cheaper than regular private schools, but there is indeed tuition.

Also, a family of 3 on 60K/year in NYC? Maybe in one of the outer boroughs, but in Manhattan? I don't think those numbers are accurate.

Rent controlled apartments do exist, but it takes a lot of luck to get one. As you can imagine, they are not easy to get because people don't leave them until they reach the end LOL (not really, but just about).

With all that being said, NYC is very vibrant and would be a good experience. I lived outside of NYC but commuted in for about 2 years. I think it's the kind of place to experience living/working but would be very hard to own a home if that's whats in your future.

Nobody leaves rent controlled buildings I have family that have lived in them for close to 30 years. Usually if and when they do, it passed on to someone they know.

Heck I had to go through Rentron and pay a fee to find an apt within 30 minutes of Manhattan. This was the 80's though, maybe 3apples is correct it's easy to find a nice rent controlled apt and go to college for free. I should look into sending my daughter there and get her out of my hair. She's always wanted to live in NYC. Back in the day it was expensive.

[Everis20]

hmmmmm good point, believe it or not, I am moving today, I made up my mind, I have some money saved and I still don't know if its PHoenix or New York, where ever I go I will get into school, and you know, start a life, but I really love both of the cities, but I have to choose like now. I can not stay in this little town any longer, and plus I can't spend any more money or I won't be able to move so I need to go tommorow. I already let go of my old job, so I will really try to get back to this post and let you all know my decision and why. Thanks for all of your help and so much thoughtful opinions. Well I will get back to you, thanks.
Ever

[30apples]

Yes, City College of NYC is an excellent Univ, and I think it is the "castle" you described. Many, many famous and important people graduated from CCNY. You can check the ratings.
And yes, people do leave rent controlled apts for periods of time on a SUB-LEASE" arrangement. They find someone to sub-lease their apt for a period of time -6 mos, a yr., 2 yrs, or whatever - while they are somewhere else traveling, short-time job, traveling, or whatever. Their name remains on the lease and you pay your rent to the lease holder, not the property owner.
And yes, people can live a good life in NYC on less than big bucks, because their idea of a good life is to live in a vibrant city whilst enjoying all that it offers , many of which are FREE. Not everyone wants a house in suburia w/ a yard to maintain, at least not for every part of their life.
Travel isn't a problem as public transportation is so cheap and easy. No yard work, no car purchasing, insurance, car maint. and breakdowns.
Keep in mind NYC is one of the top vacation sports for people from all over. There are so many free recreational things to do in NYC, I don't have time to list them all. Some of the best libraries, theater, museums, clubs, the beach, upstate mts, foliage, shopping, schools, concerts, Madison Gardens, etc, etc,etc......
I hope wherever you go you find what you're looking for. If not, you're young and can THEN move on to the place you feel is right. Good luck.

[missusparsons]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

I'm a native Californian, but as much as I LOVE California, I think Phoenix would be a better place for you at this point in your life. Phoenix is more affordable than CA and they have schools and jobs and a lot of things to do too.

Ditto. I too was born and raised in California, but I knew that I could never get ahead if I continued to live there. If you are looking to save a little money and start out your life -- then Phoenix is a no brainer.

However (comma) you are only 20... so if you need to get the "adventure" bug out of your system, now is the time to do it! Making drastic changes are best done when young and unattached. Things change quickly, and you will set down roots and possibly have family later. Young & broke can be somewhat fun (bohemian chic)... but old & broke? Not so much.

Just depends on what is most important to you right now.