[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by floridarebel

How do people working retail service jobs get by? Do they live 20 to a room?

As a Florida native who spent many years in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, I will say this. It has always been an expensive area proportionately. And yes, back in the day people did have to have several roommates. These days I am thinking they probably have to look in cheaper areas like Palmetto or Ellenton, or perhaps some cheaper areas of Bradenton. They still exist. Most of these are not anywhere many of us would like to live. Can't say what will happen down the road because the disparity now is greater than ever.

[Ghaati]

I'm looking at apartments.com right now. I filtered for south Florida - West Palm Beach on the east, and Ft. Myers on the west. Two bedroom apartments, 2 or more bathrooms. I also ruled out any apartments under $1300, assuming they would be either in bad shape or in dangerous areas. So between $1300 and $2010 per month, I found 1830 units for rent meeting that criteria.

If you have just one person in each bedroom, it'll end up less than $1005/month, plus utilities. It's a stretch for sure, if you're in a crappy retail job.

But if you're a couple sleeping in one bedroom, both working, and have a house-mate who has the second bedroom to themselves, you could probably negotiate a deal in which they pay more than a third of the rent since they don't have to share a bedroom, but they still get a break because they don't have to bear the full cost of the rent themselves, or split it with only one other person.

That'd end up being around $800 for the person in the single bedroom, and $1200 for the couple, who contribute $600 each. Totally doable even if you're in a crappy retail job. Get two couples, each sharing a bedroom with their significant other, and you're looking at $500/month per person for a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment. Plus utilities.

[StarryKnight1]

I wouldn’t have roommates even if it meant I was homeless. Way too much potential problems and aggravation for such little in return.

[Ghaati]

Originally Posted by MisterRice

I wouldn’t have roommates even if it meant I was homeless. Way too much potential problems and aggravation for such little in return.

You'd make a lousy housemate, with that attitude. Likely you wouldn't qualify to have one anyway.

[Lillie767]

I don't think rents are abating.

[Corrie22]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

The South Florida region saw the highest rent increases in the country in the past year, with some rents more than doubling.

you know all that's saying is they were grossly under market.....

[Eeko156]

Originally Posted by Corrie22

you know all that's saying is they were grossly under market.....

Rents are never under market. Why would they be under market? They will always be what the market will bear.

[beach43ofus]

Originally Posted by Eeko156

Rents are never under market. Why would they be under market? They will always be what the market will bear.

I think he meant as compared with other states, & other major cities. I agree with him. Covid has corrected the imbalance.

[AngelaRetired]

Originally Posted by beach43ofus

I think he meant as compared with other states, & other major cities. I agree with him. Covid has corrected the imbalance.

[Corrie22]

Originally Posted by beach43ofus

I think he meant as compared with other states, & other major cities. I agree with him. Covid has corrected the imbalance.

absolutely......Miami finally grew up