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It's become nearly unlivable for middle class people in some parts of the country. I'm guessing most people here are already home-owners and thus haven't noticed it as much but it's nearly impossible for people starting out today. Lower CoL now!
Um, this is like a toe stub right before you're about to walk a miles through hot coals, razors and swinging blades aimed at decapitating you.
In other words you're on the first steps of a marathon and you won't be winning.
It's become nearly unlivable for middle class people in some parts of the country. I'm guessing most people here are already home-owners and thus haven't noticed it as much but it's nearly impossible for people starting out today. Lower CoL now!
Well, Terd, since your profile is "accessible only to friends" I cannot tell where you live. But I can tell you that where *I* live the cost of living is very low and affordable. Yes, wages are low, but two people earning $8 an hour can do pretty well. Condos can be purchased for as low as $40,000 and a single family house for less than $100,000. If you live conservatively and manage your money well, you can have a comfortable lifestyle.
Of course it does. This is the excuse that is used to offshore production/outsource work all the time
The Repugs whine that high corporate taxes and back breaking regulations are forcing those poor corporations to 3rd world countries
No it doesn't. Companies moved factories offshore because it was cheaper and easier, plus they would gain access to larger markets. Nobody can afford to pay for American products, not even Americans. It was nice when the USA was the only place that could manufacture, but that was temporary.
Cutting taxes, reducing barriers to entry, and enforcing anti trust legislation does not entice a company to move production/jobs offshore.
Well we can't get that in California or even Washington State
I'm a single working woman in the Bay Area, so you don't need to convince me! I currently pay $1610/mo for a ONE-bedroom apartment in a decent (not fancy) neighborhood, and that's considered a "good deal" around here.
I make a fairly good income too, which would probably afford me a nice lifestyle anywhere else... of course, I would be making around $10-15K less in the same profession elsewhere, so I guess it sorta balances out. Not sure how to solve this problem, but I've always thought there should be tighter regulations on rentals and real estate - maybe designating a certain percentage to be relative to average local pay rates, or something? I dunno, but if it weren't for my trust funds & inheritance, I'd be looking at a lifetime of living paycheck-to-paycheck with only pension & SSI for retirement. And I repeat, I'm a professional with a good salary!! Insanity.
It's called wages have not been keeping up with inflation. Supply side economics and all that, and we have bamboozled tea partiers that think lowering or getting rid of the minimum wage will somehow make everything more affordable
^^this.
lol @ the retired poster recommending Branson Mo. gambling town.
I assume the poster is just entering the work force and has some ambition, I doubt he wants to live in a southern retirement ghost town.
To the OP, try your university career center, or the state job center where you live (if its not been shut down by the sequester). Dont buy any real estate unless you are in a thriving metro area. Real estate is in the dumpster and will be for awhile.
It's called wages have not been keeping up with inflation. Supply side economics and all that, and we have bamboozled tea partiers that think lowering or getting rid of the minimum wage will somehow make everything more affordable
Wages have not kept up. Most people starting out are going to experience some struggle, unless they are leaving their parent's with some cash saved. My wage is average middle class I guess, but I also have a lot in savings/investments. Helps earn some dividends and increased financial security. If I was starting out today fresh, I'd probably be complaining about the same thing.
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Lower CoL now! 
