In North Texas You need to earn $17-18 an hour to afford an apartment (Dallas: section 8, apartment complex)

[RonnieinDallas]

In North Texas, You Need To Earn $17-$18 An Hour To Afford An Apartment | KERA News

This isn't shocking, but I hope its eye opening for others. I struggle to understand the thought process of people asking whether it's a smart decision to move here with no job prospects, and no education or skills. I can't imagine anyone being able to make it past a couple of months.

[TXred]

I didn't read the report but agree and would add I don't know why anyone would move anywhere without the above skills???

[FalconheadWest]

Those numbers are based on the apartment rent not being more than 30% the income. That's so unrealistic. Won't even go into my thoughts on that...

[synchronicity]

Originally Posted by RonnieinDallas

In North Texas, You Need To Earn $17-$18 An Hour To Afford An Apartment | KERA News

This isn't shocking, but I hope its eye opening for others. I struggle to understand the thought process of people asking whether it's a smart decision to move here with no job prospects, and no education or skills. I can't imagine anyone being able to make it past a couple of months.

Huh?

I lived in a somewhat "scruffy" apartment complex that was in North Dallas (generally good area even if the complex wasn't fancy) with rent that was under $700/month for an 882 sq ft., one bedroom with "den" (effectively a 2BR). More than enough space for one person, a little tight for a family of 3 but certainly doable. It even had a washer/dryer in the unit.

The complex (and I'm guessing many such places) had a rule that gross income had to be at least 3x the rent. If you did the math, it worked out to ~$12/hr required (assuming 40 hours/week worked), not $17 or $18. And that's assuming only one person working 40 hours/week, I'll again note that the place was certainly large enough for 2 adults.

The reality is that plenty of people earn less than $17/hr full time yet manage to rent apartments. I'm not saying it's easy or fun or a life of luxury, but it can be done.

That said, I agree that just moving here cold with no job prospects and limited skills in the belief that "it's Texas, so it's better for jobs" is a bad idea.

[Mr.Bungle]

Must be nice. I split a 2bd with a roommate. It is $1900.

[rantanamo]

that's just off.

[move4ward]

I doubt any of the section 8 tenants are making more than $17-18 hour. They might not have a job at all.

[LV702]

Bull.....

I moved here with no job prospets. Granted I moved from a place that had ~15+% unemployment at the time and I was fine. A 1br where I'm at is ~650 a month and includes a washer and dryer.

[synchronicity]

Originally Posted by Mr.Bungle

Must be nice. I split a 2bd with a roommate. It is $1900.

All depends on where you're willing to live. I'm not criticizing your choice (hell, with where I moved to, that would be pot and kettle), just saying that IF you REALLY REALLY wanted to live somewhere cheaper, you could.

And if you HAD to, because you only earned $12/hr or something...well then, you would.

We all prioritize things differently, and as long as our choices aren't harming ourselves or others, so be it. Some people buy nicer cars and live in cheaper places, some do the opposite. Some have cheap cars and places but go to shows, or travel, or hang out at bars or clubs or something. Whatever.

But the idea that one HAS to earn $17+/hr to rent a place in DFW is silly. Now, that said, I do agree with the premise that an unskilled/semi-skilled person moving her with no job and limited funds and thinking that things will mystically work is taking a big risk. It may turn out all right, but it may not.

[TX75007]

When I was in college I roomed with four other guys in a 2 bedroom apartment.

Lots of 20 somethings are rooming 2 or 3 bedroom places.

Originally Posted by synchronicity

Huh?

That said, I agree that just moving here cold with no job prospects and limited skills in the belief that "it's Texas, so it's better for jobs" is a bad idea.

Its better to move to a place with more jobs than stay in a place with none. That is called paralysis and its worse than doing something.