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I was really hoping that the pandemic would basically "solve" US housing by normalizing work from home. But no.

Sohcahtoa82 4y ago
WFH has certainly increased. But it hasn't solved housing because the simple fact is, setting aside cost, most people want to live in big cities. You have more options for everything from food to entertainment. Then there's the politics...small towns tend to lean right. My brother got a job that lets him WFH, and he thought about moving to some podunk town in Iowa since he saw tons of houses on Zillow for under $75K, then he took a closer look in Google Street View and saw more Confederate flags than he felt comfortable with.
- otoburb 4y ago
  >>[...] then he took a closer look in Google Street View and saw more Confederate flags than he felt comfortable with. In a way, your brother is probably grateful that the flag bearers flew their colours in the first place, instead of purchasing a house, moving, and then finding out much later.
  - rayiner 4y ago
    I’m sure the Iowans are also grateful his brother didn’t move in.
    - jvanderbot 4y ago
      I'm much more left than most people in my wife's very small hometown. But I'll tell you one thing: Jokes about Tesla's aside, they are welcoming folk and a joy to be around. Big family focus, lots of community, and plenty of time at the lake fishing.
- thedougd 4y ago
  Confederate flags in Iowa?
  - idontwantthis 4y ago
    There are confederate flags in rural areas all over America. Really gives the lie to “heritage not hate”. Especially in WV, which seceded from VA after VA seceded.
- gamechangr 4y ago
  People warning of Confederate Flags in Iowa are like people warning of Maga hats in LA. Something doesn't add up.
  - Sohcahtoa82 4y ago
    As someone else said, go to any rural area in the USA and you'll find Confederate flags. Less common than southern states for sure, but you'll still find them in the eastern half of Oregon, even.
smackeyacky 4y ago
I thought it might have the opposite effect. If you are working from home, you need a work space. Trying to crowd two people around a kitchen table or working at a lounge isn't as nice as a desk in a dedicated space, so I thought there would be some pressure to upsize your living space to accommodate that.

WFH has certainly increased. But it hasn't solved housing because the simple fact is, setting aside cost, most people want to live in big cities. You have more options for everything from food to entertainment. Then there's the politics...small towns tend to lean right. My brother got a job that lets him WFH, and he thought about moving to some podunk town in Iowa since he saw tons of houses on Zillow for under $75K, then he took a closer look in Google Street View and saw more Confederate flags than he felt comfortable with.

otoburb 4y ago
>>[...] then he took a closer look in Google Street View and saw more Confederate flags than he felt comfortable with. In a way, your brother is probably grateful that the flag bearers flew their colours in the first place, instead of purchasing a house, moving, and then finding out much later.
- rayiner 4y ago
  I’m sure the Iowans are also grateful his brother didn’t move in.
  - jvanderbot 4y ago
    I'm much more left than most people in my wife's very small hometown. But I'll tell you one thing: Jokes about Tesla's aside, they are welcoming folk and a joy to be around. Big family focus, lots of community, and plenty of time at the lake fishing.
thedougd 4y ago
Confederate flags in Iowa?
- idontwantthis 4y ago
  There are confederate flags in rural areas all over America. Really gives the lie to “heritage not hate”. Especially in WV, which seceded from VA after VA seceded.
gamechangr 4y ago
People warning of Confederate Flags in Iowa are like people warning of Maga hats in LA. Something doesn't add up.
- Sohcahtoa82 4y ago
  As someone else said, go to any rural area in the USA and you'll find Confederate flags. Less common than southern states for sure, but you'll still find them in the eastern half of Oregon, even.

smackeyacky 4y ago

I thought it might have the opposite effect. If you are working from home, you need a work space. Trying to crowd two people around a kitchen table or working at a lounge isn't as nice as a desk in a dedicated space, so I thought there would be some pressure to upsize your living space to accommodate that.