How are single people able to afford to live in Sunnyvale (or anywhere in this area rather)? (Santa Clara: section 8, apartments)

[Seahawksfan33]

Considering that the average rent there seems to be pushing $3,000/month nowadays, one would have to make at least $108,000/year on average (give or take a few thousand dollars). Last I've checked, that's more than most people with four year degrees make on average. Before somebody says that it's because they are in the tech. industry, I highly that even half of the people living there are tech workers. I'm puzzled as to how over millions of people can afford it.

[mossly]

Roommates? That's how I'd do it if I were young and single.

I think a lot of young people have help from their parents, too. My parents never had two dimes of their own to rub together, never mind the cash to support me into adulthood. So I'm always sort of amazed and envious when I hear people casually talk about the 1 bed condos their parents bought them for college graduation, or the cash their parents throw at them for downpayments. And I feel like I hear it a lot more than I did back when I was young. Surely these same generous parents would put down for apartment rent.

[Lanienguyen]

Room share with friends, living in the cheap zip code area, where rent about $2K/month.. and living with parents/family.

[PhoenixSomeday]

Rented a room in a nice house in Santa Clara near Pruneridge and Pomeroy for $500/month. Even at only $16/hr, I was still able to put $800 in savings each month. It all depends on your bills, other expenses, and living situation.

[marcopolo666]

Originally Posted by Seahawksfan33

Considering that the average rent there seems to be pushing $3,000/month nowadays, one would have to make at least $108,000/year on average (give or take a few thousand dollars). Last I've checked, that's more than most people with four year degrees make on average. Before somebody says that it's because they are in the tech. industry, I highly that even half of the people living there are tech workers. I'm puzzled as to how over millions of people can afford it.

Search for 'afford' in the title of any thread in the CA forum. You can read all of the hundreds of answers provided over the past few years when people have asked exactly the same question ...

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Section 8.

(no kidding BTW)

[cornblitz]

A lot of people in these areas bought their homes years ago, or inherited them from parents, grandparents, etc.

[Ruth4Truth]

The ones I know are from the area, and live with parents or older siblings or relatives, saving their money for a condo downpayment.

[citizensadvocate]

I believe it is harder for families than single people to afford the Bay Area particularly families with only one income. Single working people working in companies such as Google or Intel should be able to afford 1brd room apartments or condos without much of a struggle. Though working class individuals would be struggling regardless unless they fall under the category of those with family or family owned properties for generations. Familes with one income tend to suffer the hardest unless they happen to have a very high income or their properties are passed on multi generation.

[Wintermomma]

My single co-workers split apartments with roommates (each having their own room though), or moved in with boyfriends or family members to share expenses. I don't know any young singles who live alone. And the older re-singled tend to rent out rooms after their kids fly the nest.