Moving from a small/mid-sized to a Major city do you feel more pressure to "Keep Up With The Joneses"?

[jksn75]

I've never felt the need to keep up with the Joneses. After high school was over, I could care less if other people had more than I did. I think it's funny to watch my coworkers buy Corvettes, designer clothing, expensive golf equipment, etc. It seems they try to out-buy everyone else. I personally think it is a lack of self-esteem. I could afford it too, but would rather focus on my future and early retirement goals. They have almost nothing in savings and contribute minimal amounts to retirement. I would hate to see what happens to them in a financial emergency. They will also be working many more years than I plan to...I'll be sipping pina coladas on the beach while they are slaving away

[bonnielisabeth]

I don't know if it's a big city thing, but it definitely is a DC thing.

I relocated after living in several different cities in the south (including VA) to the DC area, and it was shocking to me that, for a large number of people here, keeping up with the Joneses is definitely a way of life! And not just in smaller ways to which I was accustomed (maybe designer purses or upgrades to a house), but full-out luxury european cars, crazy expensive cigars & wine, etc.etc...

Always wondered why some of my relatives who moved to DC early in life became obsessed with status and things they perceived enhanced that status, but after living here I understand that they felt this huge pressure to fit in and gave into it.

I'm older, and don't plan to change my ways to this lifestyle (and can't afford it anyhow I think younger people may be under more peer group pressure, but I would live life the way you want to live it and to heck with those who may want to pressure you to do otherwise. I suspect some of those young people may be "trust-fund babies" who have access to more funds than a normal person and others who are trying to impress them. Lots of both groups around DC.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by poloi3eai2

That's funny, I moved from Newport News which is right next door to Hampton. The area is definitely not The Sticks boondocks small town but the area just lacks opportunities for young professionals.

Agreed. Most of my Hampton Roads friends who graduated college are either living/working in Richmond or DC.

When confronted with the original problem just think of how much money you'll have at the end of the month by not splurging on such materialism.

[Ringo1]

I felt the pressure more in a small suburb than I do in a bigger city.

In my old neighborhood ~ everyone had to have the best lawn; holiday decorations; landscaping; garden flags; cars . . . .

It's not like that here.