Can we afford to live in the Delray Beach area? (Palm Beach: apartment complexes, rentals)

[PaulainMA]

I'm interviewing for a few positions in the Delray Beach area and I was curious to know whether it would be affordable on my salary. My husband and I currently live in the Boston area and I am unemployed.

At my new position, I would be making about $41,000 a year. My husband doesn't have a new job lined up so I would be the primary breadwinner at least for a few months.

If it is doable on my salary, any suggestions on affordable but safe places to live? It is just my husband and myself plus our 2 dogs, 4 cats & 1 parakeet, so we aren't concerned about schools, etc. We would prefer to rent until we get to know the area.

I'm used to a long commute, so a 20-30 commute to work wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

[THX 1138]

Originally Posted by PaulainMA

I'm interviewing for a few positions in the Delray Beach area and I was curious to know whether it would be affordable on my salary. My husband and I currently live in the Boston area and I am unemployed.

At my new position, I would be making about $41,000 a year. My husband doesn't have a new job lined up so I would be the primary breadwinner at least for a few months.

If it is doable on my salary, any suggestions on affordable but safe places to live? It is just my husband and myself plus our 2 dogs, 4 cats & 1 parakeet, so we aren't concerned about schools, etc. We would prefer to rent until we get to know the area.

I'm used to a long commute, so a 20-30 commute to work wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

$40K/year is around the average salary in Palm Beach County. It will be hard but not impossible to live here on that, you will have to lower your standards on living arrangements and lower your expenses and live on less. Your probably looking at a minimum $1K/month for a 1 bedroom apartment depending on location. Delray has some so so areas so be a little cautious on that so you might want to look elsewhere.

I see you also have pets, it will be hard to find a place to live that accepts pets little alone that many. Most private rentals want 3 months rent in advance and it's hard to find ones that accept pets. Some apartment complexes will charge you a flat rate for pets, (pet deposit) for each pet usually. So keep that in mind as well a 1 bedroom will be too small for two people and all those pets in my opinion. You might need something larger and that will cost more $.

Not sure what your husband does for a living but I suggest you both research the local job market (which isn't too great) and see what's out there. I'm not sure who your interviewing with, but the market here is not the greatest right now.

Compared to Taxachusetts you will find a less vibrant job market here, and lower salaries but it's all relative.

[skylinet]

do you have money saved up for a deposit? Your amount of pets will make your search tough...

[DaniellaG]

Most places for rentals only allow 2 pets max. Maybe through a private owner is it is not through a condo association would allow it. Like said though most want first,last,and security and I would think a pet deposit. I agree in Delray there some not so nice areas in terms of safety. On that income it will be hard and a lot will depend on what other expenses you have such as cars,health insurance,debt.