It's Tough Out There for a Middle-Class New Yorker
Income levels that would enable a very comfortable lifestyle in other locales barely suffice to provide the basics in New York City, says the the Center for an Urban Future in a new report that merely provides data to back up what all city residents already new. The group estimates that the same quality of…
Income levels that would enable a very comfortable lifestyle in other locales barely suffice to provide the basics in New York City, says the the Center for an Urban Future in a new report that merely provides data to back up what all city residents already new. The group estimates that the same quality of life that costs $50,000 a year in Houston will run you $123,322 in the Big Apple; San Francisco is a distant second at $95,489 with LA at $80,583 and Philadelphia at $69,196. In addition, many New Yorkers put up with commutes that double the national average of 25 minutes. One Brooklyn Bridge Park even gets an unnamed reference: “If it wasn’t already clear that the cost of living in New York City is greatly out-of-whack with the rest of the country, it certainly became apparent in early 2008 when a new condo development in Brooklyn Heights began selling individual parking spaces—not apartments, parking spaces—for as much as $280,000.” So it’s no surprise that the report finds that many people have been giving up on New York. In fact, twice as many people with bachelor’s degrees left New York in 2005-2006 than in the prior two-year period. So what’s to do: Among other recommendations, the report suggests diversifying the economy, focus on basic infrastructure and quality of life issues rather than building flashy new projects and increase housing stock that is affordable to the middle class.
Point taken.
Admittedly, I was being silly in my post above, though I stand by my comemnt about Queens. That number doesn’t seem reasonable.
I thought the whole guess who I am was over some time ago. I am certain we would get along really well in person.
So I can’t have fun here as well as comment on the articles, THL?
For general quality of life, I don’t doubt for a minute that you can live a very rewarding life at much lower cost in many cities around the country. The idea that culture or diversity is exclusive to NYC is simply misinformed chauvinism. There is good food, interesting art (performing and graphic), and lovely urban design in almost any decent-sized city. And like it or not, many of us (particularly people who spend a lot of time on websites like, say, Brownstoner) do a fair amount of our socializing, entertainment consumption, etc., on line. And with a high-speed modem, where you are makes no difference.
If you’re like me, and attend a dozen or more operas a season, NYC has an appeal unlike any other American city. But even for those of us with this relatively rare interest, you could certainly subsist on the offerings of Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, or SF Opera. I like it here, I have no intention of leaving any time soon, but I recognize that this is more for personal reasons of where my job, family, and friends are, not because there’s something intrinsically better about New York.
At this point, it seems that no matter what I say there will be a backlash. And that’s totally cool. I don’t really give a rats ass.
11217 has become my “character” I guess. He is my instrument for provoking thought or rage (take your pick) and unfortunately I’ve kinda lost a handle on him.
No pun intended.
Nope, I’m fine, I just never really thought the whole “guess who Miss Chiff is” thing was worth the effort.
I’m fairly certain I really like you sans the facade.
THL = wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?
I can be the only one that has completely tired of this Miss Chiff ridiculousness?
You’re not cute, engaging, or nearly as amusing as you think you are.
Buh Bye.
11217…..when you’ve hung out with them for hours, when you’ve worked with them for months, years…then tell us about it. Otherwise, put your Doritos on the conveyer belt, pay for your purchase and walk back to Park Slope.
Don’t be a name dropper, it’s not becoming.
A few years ago the condos on the corner of Clinton and State Sts. were selling spaces for $40k (before they finished construction). We thought they were nuts.
Only a few blocks from One BBP. Could’ve flipped that spot for triple by now 😉
I have a friend (and former boss) who lives on Central Park West in the same building as Bono, Dustin Hoffman, and Ashton/Demi.
I’ve only ever seen the latter. We went over for beers, and the couple came rushing through a swarm of paparazzi (who made us wait outside), to get into a towncar. Demi Moore is really short.
That is all.