Remote workers are flocking to Hawaii. But is that good for the islands? (neighborhood, buying)

[terracore]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...ating-covid-19

"While the influx has been a boon for some, it’s also exacerbated an unaffordable housing market and brought back painful memories..."

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by terracore

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...ating-covid-19

"While the influx has been a boon for some, it’s also exacerbated an unaffordable housing market and brought back painful memories..."

These remote workers are not buying run of the mill housing.

People of Hawaii: Lets diversify the economy!

Remote workers come - hence diversify economy

People of Hawaii: Oh no, that's awful - the shack I wanted (whom the remote worker wouldn't want) is in my imagination more expensive - because, in my imagination - tens of thousands remote workers are arriving daily - how dare they buy goods and services - eat at restaurants, etc

[hotzcatz]

Our new neighbors are remote workers and they're a really nice family. They spend money locally and are integrating into the neighborhood but with young kids not old enough for school yet, they're not doing a lot of community work or anything. But, they spend money here and intend to stay living here even when the pandemic is over. So far they've been really positive and they've been here since last March. They are one of the ones who bought sight unseen via a virtual tour through their Realtor's cellphone video.

Seems to me it's income to the state that doesn't involve tourism. He works from home, which means there no increased traffic on the roads. Because of the time zone differences, he's up early to 'work with the office' on the mainland and goes to bed early and has a quiet lifestyle.

Far as I can see, most of these remote workers are techie types, our new neighbor has been helping the other neighbor with her computer questions. They've been good for our neighborhood.

[KohalaTransplant]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

Our new neighbors are remote workers and they're a really nice family. They spend money locally and are integrating into the neighborhood but with young kids not old enough for school yet, they're not doing a lot of community work or anything. But, they spend money here and intend to stay living here even when the pandemic is over. So far they've been really positive and they've been here since last March. They are one of the ones who bought sight unseen via a virtual tour through their Realtor's cellphone video.

Seems to me it's income to the state that doesn't involve tourism. He works from home, which means there no increased traffic on the roads. Because of the time zone differences, he's up early to 'work with the office' on the mainland and goes to bed early and has a quiet lifestyle.

Far as I can see, most of these remote workers are techie types, our new neighbor has been helping the other neighbor with her computer questions. They've been good for our neighborhood.

Sounds like fairly successful transition, that has benefited everyone.

It is a good thing they did not seek opinions here about moving here first. They would have undoubtably received an endless stream of reasons why they should stay away.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by KohalaTransplant

It is a good thing they did not seek opinions here about moving here first. They would have undoubtably received an endless stream of reasons why they should stay away.

Why do you think they should stay away? Seems to me the 6 figure crowd are a good fit - the ones going to the Big Island might actually be able to replace some of the undesirables. They might be able to influence some change with the $$$'s they bring and the Big Island residents don't have to lie back and take the current situation - fresh blood might be what is needed. Let's not kid ourselves, the Big Island could use some big time gentrification - maybe this can help.

[KohalaTransplant]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

Why do you think they should stay away? Seems to me the 6 figure crowd are a good fit - the ones going to the Big Island might actually be able to replace some of the undesirables. They might be able to influence some change with the $$$'s they bring and the Big Island residents don't have to lie back and take the current situation - fresh blood might be what is needed. Let's not kid ourselves, the Big Island could use some big time gentrification - maybe this can help.

Not sure why you turned this into a rant about the big island, but go back and read what I said. I said it was a good thing they did not ask about moving here on this forum, and inevitably received all of the discouragement that may have convinced them to not make the move. I think it is a good thing to have well educated, high earning people added to the mix.

While there is a lot of helpful information provided here, when it comes to potential moves, I am not sure I have seen too many positive responses. Most posters here appear to have moved here themselves, but some of them must consider themselves uniquely special, because they seem to think no one else could possibly make it here.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by KohalaTransplant

While there is a lot of helpful information provided here, when it comes to potential moves, I am not sure I have seen too many positive responses.

There is a very big difference between a positive response and a realistic response.

9 times out of 10, the scenario presented is over the top ridiculous. And quite frankly, if you need validation on an anonymous internet forum on whether you should make a move - we are probably getting trolled or it is a bored housewife having nothing better to do.

I don't recall a single regular poster who needed validation from city data to move to Hawaii. When you asked if you should move to Hawaii - what were the responses?

Although I did tell the NYbest dude a teaching job would be an exercise in frustration - guess my magic 8 ball was correct.

[KohalaTransplant]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

There is a very big difference between a positive response and a realistic response.

9 times out of 10, the scenario presented is over the top ridiculous. And quite frankly, if you need validation on an anonymous internet forum on whether you should make a move - we are probably getting trolled or it is a bored housewife having nothing better to do.

I don't recall a single regular poster who needed validation from city data to move to Hawaii. When you asked if you should move to Hawaii - what were the responses?

I never asked. As you say, I did not feel like i needed the validation.

I read the forum for a while looking for practical advice on the logistics of moving. I did find some very helpful information. But, it did require wading through a lot negative responses.

Yes, there are a lot of unrealistic inquiries here. But, it seems to me that even the more legitimate ones are almost uniformly met with dire warnings about how difficult it is to make it here, but somehow the authors of the posts have done just fine.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by KohalaTransplant

I never asked.

Precisely - if one is so insecure as to ask an anonymous internet forum if you should move - you probably shouldn't - or the person is trolling.

Originally Posted by KohalaTransplant

Yes, there are a lot of unrealistic inquiries here. But, it seems to me that even the more legitimate ones are almost uniformly met with dire warnings about how difficult it is to make it here, but somehow the authors of the posts have done just fine.

My best estimate - of the hundreds of "should I move to Hawaii" - I can recall less 5 or less that actually moved the near past 10 years on here.

Serious inquiries are - I'm moving - I'm debating this neighborhood or that neighborhood, can you offer some pros and cons? Those almost universally get a thoughtful response - as opposed to I've got health issues, I have almost no money - want a simpler life - need to take the bus on the big island - and I'll woof, should I move - are just plain silly posts

[KohalaTransplant]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

Precisely - if one is so insecure as to ask an anonymous internet forum if you should move - you probably shouldn't - or the person is trolling.



My best estimate - of the hundreds of "should I move to Hawaii" - I can recall less 5 or less that actually moved the near past 10 years on here.

Serious inquiries are - I'm moving - I'm debating this neighborhood or that neighborhood, can you offer some pros and cons? Those almost universally get a thoughtful response - as opposed to I've got health issues, I have almost no money - want a simpler life - need to take the bus on the big island - and I'll woof, should I move - are just plain silly posts

Fair enough. I agree with most of your points.

I do wonder if more than 5 out of the hundreds of inquiries might have made the move if not for the decidedly negative responses those queries typically receive. Even if it does not work out, it's not the end of the world.