How on earth do any young people afford San Fran? (San Jose: house, theater)

[Justabystander]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

First, we earn more money here - even if you don't work in tech! I'm a librarian, and earn ~double what I'd earn pretty much anywhere else. Also, not everyone lives in the city. It isn't THAT much cheaper outside of SF, but you can easily find something for under $3000 in most of the nearby suburbs. I live down in the South Bay, and pay $2100/mo for a nice little duplex with a yard; no roommates, either.

Disclaimer: I don't qualify as "young" anymore (@ almost 42), but the above applies to people of any age here. Lots of people have roommates, too.

That's just insane. You are 42, and will never own and build equity for a future time when you could have a place paid off and just paid taxes in your retirement. The new generation starting out in SF is just screwed. To me its not even worth it given the problems of the area which include homelessness and all the unsanitary problems that go with that.

[Camo_Butterfly]

Originally Posted by Justabystander

That's just insane. You are 42, and will never own and build equity for a future time when you could have a place paid off and just paid taxes in your retirement. The new generation starting out in SF is just screwed. To me its not even worth it given the problems of the area which include homelessness and all the unsanitary problems that go with that.

The problems we see in San Fran are also affecting the rest of the state to a certain extent. When cost of living is taken into account, California becomes the poorest state in America, or so I've heard.

Yeah the weather and landscape there is fantastic in many places, but I'll stick to visiting a few times a year, I won't ever move there permanently. I'm surprised more wealthy folks haven't fled the state given the high taxes.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Justabystander

That's just insane. You are 42, and will never own and build equity for a future time when you could have a place paid off and just paid taxes in your retirement. The new generation starting out in SF is just screwed. To me its not even worth it given the problems of the area which include homelessness and all the unsanitary problems that go with that.

That’s your opinion, but mine is different... and since you don’t know my financial situation, how do you know I’ll never own anything? I already have the down payment for a home (in an account I can access when the time comes), a vested public retirement pension, inheritance/trust, etc. So I’ll be just fine, thanks.

For those of us who grew up here, especially, it’s worth the costs! I probably won’t stay here forever, but it has been my home for over 35 years - and at least for now, I have a job I love and family/friends in the area. So what would be the justification for leaving?

And let’s face it; there’s a reason it’s expensive here! If any other place was comparable in terms of job opportunities and quality of life, it would be just as pricey. Yes it’s hard sometimes, but we all have to make sacrifices & choices in life. And if I had to choose between owning a McMansion in Boise vs a condo in the Bay, I’ll take the latter. YMMV, though.

[JJonesIII]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

For those of us who grew up here, especially, it’s worth the costs!

Uh, you seem to be speaking for others with that comment. I grew up in San Francisco and would be the first to say, it's not worth the cost now. I'm just fortunate that I'm not paying today's costs.

[poodlestix]

I moved out of California and have NEVER regretted it, so not all native Californians feel staying is worth any cost. I love how much further my money has gone in the years since leaving. I have a much better QOL, and I can always visit my mom in Calif whenever I want.

[Kevroqs]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

First, we earn more money here - even if you don't work in tech! I'm a librarian, and earn ~double what I'd earn pretty much anywhere else.

But then taxes are high and so is cost of living

[JJonesIII]

Originally Posted by Kevroqs

But then taxes are high and so is cost of living

Yep, and in many cities you can do just as well on 30% to 50% of that income (so making double is not saying much). Here's a few but there are many more.

Moderator cut: links removed, competitor site

[Finper]

Originally Posted by JJonesIII

Uh, you seem to be speaking for others with that comment. I grew up in San Francisco and would be the first to say, it's not worth the cost now. I'm just fortunate that I'm not paying today's costs.

Yea it's a weird mentality in SF. I'm making good money so stepping over poop =worth it! Having my car broken into constantly = worth it! Paying sky high rent and living with multiple roommates =worth it!! Horrible traffic and roads = worth it! Dodging crazed homeless = worth it! Lot's of San Franciscans are leaving and seeing the light outside the bubble and maybe it's not worth it at all.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by JJonesIII

Uh, you seem to be speaking for others with that comment. I grew up in San Francisco and would be the first to say, it's not worth the cost now. I'm just fortunate that I'm not paying today's costs.

Okay, for SOME of us who grew up here it’s worth the cost - is that better?

Most of my friends, family members, colleagues, etc, who grew up (and/or were born) here don’t have any reason to move... so it might not be true for all of us, but I just meant that us “natives” are more likely to put up with the COL. Someone who just moved here for a job, or any other reason as an adult, are more opt to move the second it gets tough. As I said, it’s not easy for me either, but I have more to lose by leaving. Fair enough?

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Finper

Yea it's a weird mentality in SF. I'm making good money so stepping over poop =worth it! Having my car broken into constantly = worth it! Paying sky high rent and living with multiple roommates =worth it!! Horrible traffic and roads = worth it! Dodging crazed homeless = worth it! Lot's of San Franciscans are leaving and seeing the light outside the bubble and maybe it's not worth it at all.

I live in the suburbs now, but I didn’t really notice that stuff even when I lived in the city (SF). Now you’re going to say I’m lying or in denial, right? Most of what you’re saying is true to some degree in ANY big city, though, so that is the price you pay for job opportunities and other perks of urban living. Find me ONE city with good jobs/salaries where there are zero negative issues, and I’ll move there tomorrow.