Lower middle class in Seattle/Tacoma? (Fircrest: rent, how much, neighborhoods)

[rwerner]

I'm looking hard at moving from rural Michigan to the Seattle or possibly Tacoma area. I'm currently an automotive technician, but I've been working on getting out of that line of work and into law enforcement. Seattle isn't hiring any recruits right now, but Tacoma is, so that's why I'm looking at Tacoma a little harder. Worst case scenario, I'll stay working on cars until I can find a new opportunity, but my question is "Would it be too difficult to live on a blue collar salary in this area?" I don't want to move across the country only to find out all the things I hear about how expensive Seattle is are even more true than I planned for. I'm bringing now debt with me, and I am a single male in his late 20's. I can get by renting a small place (in no position to buy anything, that's for sure!) as long as it isn't absolutely horrid. What am I looking at here, a losing proposition or could I make a go of it?

[Ira500]

Most of the city of Seattle itself has lost it's lower middle class. Still there in the south end of the city and further south, and lots more in Tacoma. In fact, rent money goes a lot further in Tacoma, and there are some really nice neighborhoods there, though the city has a reputation it doesn't deserve based on what it was like 20-30 years ago. Yes, there are still some nasty parts of Tacoma, but it also has some awesome neighborhoods that aren't too expensive, especially compared to Seattle.

[bobbyandlorrie]

FYI Tacoma has one of the most corrupt PD's in the western states if not all the states! There are all classes in Tacoma and surrounding, pretty much just like any other city. I personally live downtown in a secured entrance bldg. (not a good nieghborhood but we have lived here for over 5 yrs and I have been here in Tacoma all my life) and it doesnt bother me. I would suggest Fircrest or maybe north east tacoma.

What is considered lower middle class to you?

$50,00-70,00 a year

or

$35,000-50,000 a year?

I come from a middle class family 45,000-70,000 and Im doing just fine in Seattle in terms of money spending. However, I do have to be careful with where I spend my money.

I feel like someone can do well here easily with at least 40,000 a year. Anything below that can be difficult,but still doable but this is true with most places

[green_mariner]

One question is this: How much are you willing to spend?