3 ms·

honestly if they enjoy it that's their call and they make the choice to live in a place that is not affordable. If they struggle due to that decision that is on

honestly if they enjoy it that's their call and they make the choice to live in a place that is not affordable. If they struggle due to that decision that is on them. If they could move somewhere else and live in a much more comfortable financial position the long term outcome is their choice. I am not denigrating their decision just saying that it is their decision. "we should ensure that people can affordably live where it makes sense for them" It makes sense for people to live in an area they can afford, not where they decide they should be able to afford. Its simple economics, supply and demand. "Many people enjoy the multiculturalism found in cities, and many immigrants or minorities feel out of place in small towns while major cities offer them the opportunity to connect with people like themselves". Not to be rude, but so what? I want to live in Napa Valley but I cant afford it, is it society's job to get me an affordable house there?

jjeaff 5y ago
The calculus is a bit more complicated than you make it out to be. People have to live where they can afford to live -and- get a job. Many lcol areas do not have many jobs. Especially if you have an expensive education that you are trying to pay off. Some people might be able to take a pay cut and move somewhere cheap and come out ahead. But those options don't always exist. If you have $200k in student loans and a degree in biotechnology, good luck finding a job within 100 miles of cheap housing. More remote work opportunities might change this, but at least in the past, those were very rare. Housing is expensive in hcol areas for a reason. It's because there are lots of good paying jobs nearby. There is also a reason some areas have very cheap housing.
- wonderwonder 5y ago
  You make good points but the comment I was responding to was very focused on people choosing to live somewhere based on what they like regarding the social atmosphere and feelings as opposed to economic concerns.

jjeaff 5y ago

The calculus is a bit more complicated than you make it out to be. People have to live where they can afford to live -and- get a job. Many lcol areas do not have many jobs. Especially if you have an expensive education that you are trying to pay off. Some people might be able to take a pay cut and move somewhere cheap and come out ahead. But those options don't always exist. If you have $200k in student loans and a degree in biotechnology, good luck finding a job within 100 miles of cheap housing. More remote work opportunities might change this, but at least in the past, those were very rare. Housing is expensive in hcol areas for a reason. It's because there are lots of good paying jobs nearby. There is also a reason some areas have very cheap housing.

wonderwonder 5y ago
You make good points but the comment I was responding to was very focused on people choosing to live somewhere based on what they like regarding the social atmosphere and feelings as opposed to economic concerns.