WA State = 2nd worst for shrinking middle class

[CrazyDonkey]

And what counts as "middle-class" in some states (especially anti-union "right to work" states) would be low-class in Washington. The ranking is a meaningless mish-mash because it is trying to compare dissimilar things (apples and grapefruit).

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

And what counts as "middle-class" in some states (especially anti-union "right to work" states) would be low-class in Washington. The ranking is a meaningless mish-mash because it is trying to compare dissimilar things (apples and grapefruit).

Absolutely! What is middle class anyway? It's completely subjective. What does it mean beyond living above the poverty line? What is the criteria? Is the 'working class' or 'blue collar?' Must you own your own home to qualify or can you you rent? Do you earn above a certain income? Own a fancy car or truck that you can't really afford or what?

Move from Redmond, Bellingham, Everett or Vancouver to Augusta Georgia with a median home prices of $165K. Maintain your income. Possibly take equity from your WA home. What if you could pay cash for your new home due to lower overall cost? Then what does that make you? Are you still middle class?

Likewise, make the same move from WA but this time go to the Bay Area. Oh, but you can only live in a rundown, old apartment due to higher COL. Now what are you?

Did you somehow change as a person in all of this? How about your socio-economic status or class? Simply moving from one town to another?

Funny story when we moved to Colorado ~ 15 years ago. There was this average guy who ran a painting business in CA and sold his home there. With the proceeds he was able to pay cash for the CO house. He then realized he could afford to retire early and live comfortably. So, he spent most of his time on the golf course with a bunch of snobby club members. They wondered what this average 'painter' was doing out there golfing all the time on their fancy course. How could that be? So, did the average blue collar guy suddenly change? I bet his wife didn't think so. What of the middle class in that case?

Derek

[MechAndy]

I view the middle class as being able to buy a house, properly take care of your family and send the kids to college.
I don’t think that is asking to much.
Does any one?

[elkotronics]

I view the middle class as being able to buy a house, properly take care of your family and send the kids to college.
I don’t think that is asking to much.
Does any one?


Buying your own abode and properly caring for your family, for sure. Also, being able ta go see Burton Cummings and Foghat in concert, as well. Throw in an inexpensive air trip or cool road trip once a year, too. I wasn't sent through college by my Mom and Dad, so sending our kid ta college is not on my list. The above items fit in to a southern New Mexican's middle income yearly outcome. Not a western Washingtonian's, unfortunately.

Unless you're an upper-income earner, of course. And howdy. MechAndy, haven't chatted with you for a while. I appreciate your input on city-data Washington, man!

[MechAndy]

Right back at ya elkotronics .

[elkotronics]

Right back at ya elkotronics .


Thanks. If you ever go on a VAC down south, look me up and I'll buy you a flavored malt liquor and we'll chat for a while, man!

[MechAndy]

That sound good.
Same offer extended to you for up north

[elkotronics]

That sound good.
Same offer extended to you for up north

Excellent, and duly noted!