Reoccuring Theme: Too expensive, Low paying jobs! (San Diego, San Francisco: real estate market, rent)

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by Olivenhain

I take it personally when folks that aren't fully invested in my beautiful region blame other folks or external conditions for their lack of success.

Well, it's not really healthy to get all worked up like that. I think it's time for a break from the computer.

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

For most of the homeowners in San Diego, appreciation was the primary wealth driver for the past 15-20 years, not investment income. It seems almost naive to suggest otherwise.

True to a point...

I call it a windfall that basically ran it's course... kind of like the High Tech run-up of the 90's... I had never before seen so many wealthy 20 somethings due to Silicon Valley IPO's.

Someone I went to high school with had a brother that worked as a custodian at an IPO and he bought a house when his company went public.

My God Parents daughter was employee 165? at Apple Computer right out of High School and it's been phenomenal... I attribute her success to having the good fortune to take a summer job where she could walk to work... lots of peeks and valleys with Apple... but it's worked out for her.

Real Estate is getting back to basics... and I think that is a good thing.

[Olivenhain]

[quote=Sassberto;6825882I think it's time for a break from the computer. [/quote]






Oh yeah.... with my whopping 46 posts.

[mini_cute]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Re-read the OP. Re-read the title of this thread. The question is not about what I or another intends to do. We're allowed to have a conversation about San Diego and it's economy that includes negative aspects without being considered "complainers","whiners", or "losers". Posters in other forums do it all the time, and most people don't get too bent out of shape by it. Is it possible that this is a recurring topic because there is some truth to it?

Yeah didn't I say that I "Got it"?

Originally Posted by Sassberto

San Diego is either "Too expensive" with "low paying jobs" or it isn't. Obviously a certain amount of that is subjective. However to say that it is (at least for the majority of us) doesn't make San Diego a bad place. I think most people would agree, even people who love San Diego (like me).

I agree.

Originally Posted by Sassberto

That some just can't make it happen in one of the most expensive areas of the country (fact) with one of the lower median incomes in the country (fact) should not really be much of a debate.

Wasn't denying it. But people have a choice to live here or not.

Originally Posted by Sassberto

And at least for a certain poster on this thread, I do see snobbery. I grew up in a wealthy NYC suburban area, and I know it when I see it.

Oh yeah you grew up in a wealthy suburban neighborhood and now you are qualified to spot one by reading a few posts on this forum? You don't know me.

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Soundbites about capitalism might make you feel good, but they've really got no place in a rational discussion about a regional economy.

Deprecating my statements about Capitalism doesn't make what I say any less true. I brought up Capitalism because you, and other posters brought up the national economy, "wealth effect" and other regional economies, not just San Diego. Refer to statements you made prior below:

"That's a simplistic and almost antagonistic response. You also neglected the wealth effect of dramatic booms in housing equity and a well-connected old-boy network. LA and SF are both in California by the way."

"To expand it further it goes even beyond the traditional professional classes - LA and Seattle for example have massive ports which drive a huge non-white-collar economy. Most of the eastern seaboard still has at least some large-scale maritime industry. Those economies create opportunity at the lower levels which pay well, better than San Diego's tourist industry with it's low-paying food service and retail jobs. In my opinion the best opportunity San Diego has for a blue-collar worker is the Navy, and that is just not going to be an option for a lot of people. Back on Long Island, the guy who does our cesspool owns 3 houses and is thriving. In San Diego, those same guys are struggling, laid off from residential construction jobs that once allowed them to make 6 figure incomes."

All I am saying is that it may very well be expensive here relative to pay but we all have a choice. And it is fine to point that out, but don't need to attack when others don't agree and feel that there is something you can do about it. As I said before, it is you that determines your outcomes. No need to get bent out of shape when people don't want to join you in wallowing. The end.

[mini_cute]

Originally Posted by Olivenhain

I take it personally when folks that aren't fully invested in my beautiful region blame other folks or external conditions for their lack of success.

Agree.

[CrissCT]

I think we need to keep in mind that this is a discussion forum and people are seeking answers about San Diego before making the leap of moving here. Many people ask about salaries, housing costs, etc. We are just trying to paint a realistic picture of what to expect. I don't think that is whining.

Yes, San Diego has some great things to offer and personally if I had family in the area we probably never would have left despite the high cost of living. The reality is though that for many professions the salaries in San Diego are not on par with the rest of the country. That's not whining that is just letting people know what to expect.

And while no one should be personally offended by being honest about the cost of living in San Diego, I am offended when it is suggested that we must not know how to budget our money properly or have the right set of priorities. In fact I think it is quite the opposite. It was my thrifty, save for the future nature that made me feel it wasn't worth the cost of living in San Diego and I think that is what several other people on this board are saying too.

[dweej]

Originally Posted by CrissCT

I think we need to keep in mind that this is a discussion forum and people are seeking answers about San Diego before making the leap of moving here. Many people ask about salaries, housing costs, etc. We are just trying to paint a realistic picture of what to expect. I don't think that is whining.

Yes, San Diego has some great things to offer and personally if I had family in the area we probably never would have left despite the high cost of living. The reality is though that for many professions the salaries in San Diego are not on par with the rest of the country. That's not whining that is just letting people know what to expect.

And while no one should be personally offended by being honest about the cost of living in San Diego, I am offended when it is suggested that we must not know how to budget our money properly or have the right set of priorities. In fact I think it is quite the opposite. It was my thrifty, save for the future nature that made me feel it wasn't worth the cost of living in San Diego and I think that is what several other people on this board are saying too.

Exactly what I was trying to say....but couldn't quite find the right words .

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Someone would have to pay me double what I make to work in Cleveland

[CrissCT]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

Someone would have to pay me double what I make to work in Cleveland

We lived in Cleveland for 3 years (prior to San Diego) and I loved it - would move back in a heartbeat.

[socketz]

Originally Posted by Ultrarunner

I fully expect Gen Xers will have increasing opportunities... opportunities that Boomers can't even fathom.

I've posted before about the 23 year old couple that were the first in their families to graduated with a college degree... had multiple job offers and at 24 made well over 200K... She is a Registered Nurse and he is a Police Officer both working in the SF Bay Area... they both choose professions with high demand and they do see a bright future... many more opportunities than their parents ever dreamed of...

I'm referring to real wealth. The kind that affords one financial freedom at an early age. I am already one of these rags to very modest riches stories myself. 100k is not what it was even 10 years ago. Here in the Bay Area,I know many couples that make 200k combined and live somewhat modestly. Recall that 6-8k mortgages are pretty common here.