So where do the working class people live ? (San Francisco, Daly City: neighborhoods, income)

[rparz]

Originally Posted by dalparadise

People move to places like Houston or Pittsburgh to "kick back" and scrape together some savings for retirement. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's a factory worker's mindset.

People who move to cities like San Francisco, New York, Boston and similar places move for the unique opportunities to carve their way and use their unique talents. Often, that requires some amount of struggle over time, with a payoff down the road in monetary rewards for hard work and savings for a comfortable retirement.

The cost of entry into places that support this kind of ambition and that reward the talent and work ethic needed to achieve it is an insurmountable barrier to many. Throughout most of my life, I was always taught that was a good thing. Otherwise, if just anyone, with no unique skill or ambition, could do as well by "kicking back" as someone who is willing to put in the work to realize a dream, no one would bother dreaming or doing anything.

I guess, and I'd say it's all relative too. If you're 23 and single and want to move to an eclectic city with nothing more than hope and a prayer, go for it. You can scrape by with odd jobs and roommates and get to experience life a bit. If you're in your thirties, your priorities should reflect the realities of your situation a little more.

In reference to this thread, the title itself positions the discussion around the specifically mentioned 'working class' (Possibly even including 'factory workers') and the mention of pay and desire to live somewhat comfortably also paint a more distinct picture.
If the OP is looking for a 1 bd apartment on X wage, I'm really not picturing someone who lives a Bohemian lifestyle looking to live on their unique skills that only a big city could offer. In that case, pay and luxuries such as 1 bd apartments are secondary to living their dream.

[NorCal Dude]

A) Section Voucher/ Low income housing
B) Rent in the ghetto/ exurbs
C) Mulit-generational/multi families in one dwelling
D) Any and all combinations of the aforementioned.

[marilyn220]

Originally Posted by NorCal Dude

A) Section Voucher/ Low income housing
B) Rent in the ghetto/ exurbs
C) Mulit-generational/multi families in one dwelling
D) Any and all combinations of the aforementioned.

You really do speak the truth.

[Larry Siegel]

Is Oakland really that bad? (My girlfriend used to live there and I kind of liked it. She made more than $50K in today's dollars though.) The median household income there is $49,721.

[Natural510]

Originally Posted by Larry Siegel

Is Oakland really that bad? (My girlfriend used to live there and I kind of liked it. She made more than $50K in today's dollars though.) The median household income there is $49,721.

As a whole, no, but certain sections really are "that bad". Someone making $50k could find a nice if unremarkable 1BR apartment in the North Oakland or Lake Merritt areas and live a good life.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by Larry Siegel

Is Oakland really that bad? (My girlfriend used to live there and I kind of liked it. She made more than $50K in today's dollars though.) The median household income there is $49,721.

There are lots of middle class people living pleasant lives in Oakland. There is lots to do and see.

[DocGoldstein]

Originally Posted by Larry Siegel

Is Oakland really that bad? (My girlfriend used to live there and I kind of liked it. She made more than $50K in today's dollars though.) The median household income there is $49,721.

It depends on the area. Some are worse than you think, some are not as bad as you think. A person making $50,000 won't be buying a house in a "nice" part of Oakland.

[RWingFan]

There are places you can live in SF but if your not from here it would kind of be a waste, not really the SF people think of

[BigRay5264]

Thanks for all the feedback. Been looking online at apartments in Oakland and Alameda.Trying not to add large gas bill to my expenses. I have to do some research on the areas if Oakland to avoid. Alameda has 1 bdrm apts in $1100+ range. Certainly doable, but cuts into play money.

[mayorhaggar]

Originally Posted by BigRay5264

Thanks for all the feedback. Been looking online at apartments in Oakland and Alameda.Trying not to add large gas bill to my expenses. I have to do some research on the areas if Oakland to avoid. Alameda has 1 bdrm apts in $1100+ range. Certainly doable, but cuts into play money.

$1100 is pretty low for a 1br by Bay Area rental market standards. Alameda is a really nice town.