Let's hope this never happens in Houston (Howe, China: rent, crime)

[texas7]

This post isn't even related to houston.

[jek74]

Originally Posted by texas7

This post isn't even related to houston.

Of course it is. It's about cost of living issues. I've already posted the article about home sales surging 30% in the last year here. How soon before rents get out of control here? How soon before Houston has to resort to something similar? Cost of living is probably THE most talked about topic on the Houston city boards. It's why everyone is moving to Houston!

[texas7]

No - it is about apt. sizes in California -- the linked article is about S.F. The only thing about Houston is the city name in the title and "hoping" it doesn't happen here. Okay topic but probably should have been in started in the Houston Chat thread for just basic conversation.

[jek74]

Originally Posted by texas7

No - it is about apt. sizes in California -- the linked article is about S.F. The only thing about Houston is the city name in the title and "hoping" it doesn't happen here. Okay topic but probably should have been in started in the Houston Chat thread for just basic conversation.

Well, it could have been in any number of threads. But it's a topic that has been discussed in several of the "moving to Houston from ___" threads. Where quality of life and cost of living is a huge concern. I guess I could have posted it on one of the "moving to Houston from CA" threads. I think this article really emphasizes the high quality of life that exists in Houston. I just think there are a lot of people who have lived in Houston their entire lives that just don't realize how lucky they are when compared to other large cities.

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Originally Posted by jek74

Of course it is. It's about cost of living issues. I've already posted the article about home sales surging 30% in the last year here. How soon before rents get out of control here? How soon before Houston has to resort to something similar? Cost of living is probably THE most talked about topic on the Houston city boards. It's why everyone is moving to Houston!

Its such a non-issue, its not even funny.

In Houston, no one is fighting for space the way they are in San Francisco. Because there are no geographical boundries for the most part, they probably wont resort to that. For the most part Houston (like every other city south of I-80) is building out much more than it is up. There is nothing standing in the way so that wont change. People will still get their large house complete with a lawn. You cant do that in San Francisco.

[jek74]

Originally Posted by justme02

Its such a non-issue, its not even funny.

In Houston, no one is fighting for space the way they are in San Francisco. Because there are no geographical boundries for the most part, they probably wont resort to that. For the most part Houston (like every other city south of I-80) is building out much more than it is up. There is nothing standing in the way so that wont change. People will still get their large house complete with a lawn. You cant do that in San Francisco.

Also not true. For years, low wage earners have resorted to moving as far as Sacramento to find affordable housing. In fact, believe it or not, many people now refer to Sacramento as a "burb" of SF. Yes, people in Houston can always get their large house. But where? At some point people will be 90 miles west of Houston clear out past the EC. What good is that? This might come as a shock to you, but most those people buying that large house are also interested in that "nice school" that comes with it. And not every area has those schools. Those areas with the best school, have the most expensive housing.

And furthermore, not everyone has to live in SF city itself. Yes, there are geographical boundaries but come on man, people live all over the southern peninsula in Silicon Valley, all over Marin County and into Contra Costa County. There is no shortage of housing. There is a shortage of affordable housing.

Now back to Houston, I really would not find it very attractive to have to live 60 miles out of downtown if I had to commute there. Again, that is a "quality of life" issue. So to live inside the loop or close to it, is going to get more and more expensive.

But to the overall theme about quality of life, geographical boundaries or not, I keep hearing about this wonderful high quality of life out in Cali. I asked people to post houses and pics and no one has. SF is just another example that unless you are filthy rich, your quality of life could be downright awful if you have to live in a freaking storage closet at $1500 a month. Where do I sign up for that?

[cheryjohns]

Actually, I can see a use for them here. Some prefer to live way outside the city and work Downtown. This efficiency could be used Tuesday - Thursday night, in lieu of a hotel. A hotel room is about the same size. They could also use it whenever coming into the city for an event. It would have to go for much lower here, though, than S.F.

[SouthernBoy205]

Those are TINY!

[stan4]

Originally Posted by newton22

How big is the average single bed hotel room (including bathroom, closets etc.)?

300-500 sq ft.

[GeorgiatoChina]

I guess if you live a southern or boring lifestyle where you sit in the house all day the. You need 900sq apartment.

The difference between California and NYC is people have many more option and activities to have a life and things to get into in those places then Houston or other cheap places to live. You pay a premium to live in a fun exciting place that will keep you OUT of the house.

Houston doesn't offer what San Fran or NYC does. That means its cheaper becuase not as many people willing to a lot to live in Houston. The walk ability, density,mass transit and weather alone make San Fran more desirable than Houston without even getting to culture and activities.

The bottom line is you get what you pay for. Houston does not have the culture and activity to justify San Fran rent costs.