Working Class can’t afford the American Dream in Pittsburgh (Penn Hills: student loans, find a job)

[PreservationPioneer]

Well, I make about $30k a year and I am on my third house in the area. Actually, buying property is the way out. You're not going to get there by paying rent. Live as cheaply as possible, save up ten or fifteen grand (it may take a few years), and buy the cheapest liveable house in a struggling neighborhood. There are liveable houses out there in depressed suburbs for $15k. Live in the house for several years, save all your money and don't buy anything fancy, then you can trade up to a better house.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by PreservationPioneer

Well, I make about $30k a year and I am on my third house in the area. Actually, buying property is the way out. You're not going to get there by paying rent. Live as cheaply as possible, save up ten or fifteen grand (it may take a few years), and buy the cheapest liveable house in a struggling neighborhood. There are liveable houses out there in depressed suburbs for $15k. Live in the house for several years, save all your money and don't buy anything fancy, then you can trade up to a better house.

Anything is possible, all you need is desire and determination

[PreservationPioneer]

I started with a little row house I bought in Stowe Twp. for $10k. It was liveable but needed a little TLC. These deals are still out there, but you have to look. Most people thought I was crazy, because it wasn't exactly the trendy thing to do when you're 25. Seven years later, I have a beautiful brick four square in McKeesport and a cute little Victorian cottage in Woods Run (not liveable yet). When I am done, I will have my restored dream house in the city, and one of those old stone country houses in Fayette County, preferably on a river.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by PreservationPioneer

I started with a little row house I bought in Stowe Twp. for $10k. It was liveable but needed a little TLC. These deals are still out there, but you have to look. Most people thought I was crazy, because it wasn't exactly the trendy thing to do when you're 25. Seven years later, I have a beautiful brick four square in McKeesport and a cute little Victorian cottage in Woods Run (not liveable yet). When I am done, I will have my restored dream house in the city, and one of those old stone country houses in Fayette County, preferably on a river.

The new one is really nice, keep updating your progress.

[jaminhealth]

I left Pgh in mid 60's and came to SHOCKING So Cal housing. Yes SHOCKING. One can hardly live the American Apt Dream in CA. Talk about the CA vs PA living.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by jaminhealth

I left Pgh in mid 60's and came to SHOCKING So Cal housing. Yes SHOCKING. One can hardly live the American Apt Dream in CA. Talk about the CA vs PA living.

A friend of mine bought a 900 square foot house in la in a not so good area for 500k

[gladhands]

Originally Posted by guy2073

A friend of mine bought a 900 square foot house in la in a not so good area for 500k

This actually sounds downright reasonable.

[Goinback2011]

Originally Posted by gladhands

That's a cute little xenophobic take. Immigration didn't push down wages. The combination of unionbusting and offshoring brought wages down.

Immigration pushes down wages. And no there's nothing xenophobiic about. Simplle economics of supply and demand are the culprit.

[Kamms]

Originally Posted by tyovan4

And what about those of us who are already making $15/hour?
This is going to have an adverse impact on our quality of life, because we're going to be impacted by the inflationary effect on the prices that this police would create.
I'm sick of the pseudo-Communist Progressives trying to pry some of the crumbs out of my hand to redistribute them to people less responsible than me.



Oooohhhh, a double-blasphemy!
Railing against minimum wage and saying some housing here is overpriced!



OMG, another double-blasphemy!
Suggesting that people look outside of the Most Holy, Pure, and Enlightened City of Pittsburgh for their housing and suggesting that said City is in a housing bubble!

I need a "safe space" to recover from all of these microaggressions.



Indeed. Like buying a house in Etna. Better governmental services provided, better school district, lower taxes, and I paid literally a third for my house than what I would have paid if it was located across the river in Lawrenceville.

There still is affordable housing in the Pittsburgh region, in convenient locations.

LOL...Sorry for the flash-back to when people worked a job that didn't define them or necessarily provide self-fulfillment, appreciated what they had, saved, and bought a home in a decent to nice area.

Let me know when you're out of your safe space; I'm sure tons of people headed to one on that post...LOL. Great response btw

[svband76]

Originally Posted by PreservationPioneer

I started with a little row house I bought in Stowe Twp. for $10k. It was liveable but needed a little TLC. These deals are still out there, but you have to look. Most people thought I was crazy, because it wasn't exactly the trendy thing to do when you're 25. Seven years later, I have a beautiful brick four square in McKeesport and a cute little Victorian cottage in Woods Run (not liveable yet). When I am done, I will have my restored dream house in the city, and one of those old stone country houses in Fayette County, preferably on a river.

I LOVE your attitude and way of thinking. Good things happen to people like you