I'm self-employed. I love doing what I do, even though I don't make a ton of money, I'm happy doing it. If I had the money I'd live in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Boston, D.C., you know - the "COOL" places.
However, I don't like the cost of living in those places. I could scrape by but I don't want to freak out every time the rent goes up.
So I'm wondering what urban areas of good size are cool and the best bargain. I need a DECENT SIZED place - I've lived in Madison, Wisconsin and it wasn't big enough for me. Also, don't recommend Cleveland, I don't like it.
Summary: What's a cool large place to live that's not a good value for what's available?
2007-02-26 01:27:03 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Response to first three posts:
Wow! We've got some well-to-do people answering this topic! I don't consider $1,000 a month in rent to be affordable or a bargain. I don't like paying 30% of my salary to rent.
Los Angeles is not affordable at all. I used to live there and I've been all the way down the ladder. I started out living in Hollywood, then I went to Lomita, finally I persistent rent increases forced me out to Fontana, and paying $790 for a studio in an unattractive part of Fontana 2 years ago (it's probably $1100 by now!) made me decision to not put up with it.
So I appreciate the suggestions but I'm trying to avoid places where the rent jumps $200 every year and so on.
That's what I meant by a "bargain." I'd like to pay only 20% or so of my salary to rent.
2007-02-26 23:10:26 · update #1
Philly is a great city and there are a lot of different areas that are really affordable. My friend has a huge 2 bedroom place in Old City (the expensive section) for only $1,000. She's an actress and can find a way to afford it.
I've also heard alot about Austin, TX lately. I know alot of artists who have recently moved down there. I don't specific examples of rent prices but these people are broke and making it happen so it can't be that bad. But then again I live in Brooklyn so nothing seems bad when your paying NYC prices.
But I would look into these two cities. I grew up in Philly and I could go on all day about how wonderful it is.
2007-02-26 08:43:01 · answer #1 · answered by Foreclosure Goddess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend just moved to Pittsburgh, PA. She moved from CHICAGO to that area and she's loving it. She lives in a 1BR apt 10 min from the Downtown area, the strip district, the south side and the Mt. Washington. I went to visit and I loved that city! I think she's only paying $700-$800 for that apt and it includes washer n dryer, water and garbage disposal. I think it's a great city and Id love to live there!
2007-02-26 01:33:03 · answer #2 · answered by Dama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there is lot's area to look into. I live Los Angeles area, it is expensive out here. I' m sure you can find a good deal out here in Los Angelese area and San Deigo area. I just started into real estate investing. It' s hard but it can be done. good luck on your search for a home here or anywhere else.
2007-02-26 02:07:47 · answer #3 · answered by Big and small problems 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋