CitizenTed
CitizenTed t1_jeeytwa wrote
Reply to These NJ counties saw the largest population drop as residents migrate to other areas by madrid987
It's working class flight. I live in WA now and I see it as the area becomes stupendously unaffordable. Unless you make at least $80K/year, you pretty much have to leave. And that's just as a renter. If you want to buy a home the bidding starts at $850K and goes up from there. Only the wealthy need apply.
That's why you see the outflow from CA, NY, NJ into TX, FL, SC. It isn't salaried professionals leaving their 5bd 4ba McMansions because of the tax rates. It's the working class fleeing to survive.
So many folks want to move to my PacNW city it's almost sad. They post in forums: "I'm a barista with two cats looking to move in. Need a nice 2bd MiL ADU, can only pay $800 at most."
HA HA HA! So sad it's funny. TRIPLE that and you're at the entry level for rentals.
Off they go with their two cats to TX, FL, SC....
CitizenTed t1_iysaovp wrote
Back in the 80's, my buddy and I used to drive from Middlesex county to Brooklyn once or twice a week. For reasons.
On the West Shore Expressway we'd keep an eye out for the "Arthur Kill" exit sign. Once spotted we swung into action. Windows rolled up. Climate control set to recirculate. Accelerator pressed as far as prudence would allow. Still we'd endure the stench.
Apparently, the Arthur Kills dump was filled and capped in 2008. Now it's the "Freshkills Park". Which is nice. I just wish they would have done it in the 1960's.
CitizenTed t1_ixiofv2 wrote
Water looks great! Did you jump in?
CitizenTed t1_jefnazj wrote
Reply to comment by BadAtUsernames9514 in These NJ counties saw the largest population drop as residents migrate to other areas by madrid987
"Employment" isn't the indicator. Affordability is. If you are employed but can't afford shelter, you move.
It's not that NJ is among the highest out-move states. It's actually #1 according to the US Census Bureau.
This is tied directly to housing affordability, as described here by the Rutgers State Policy lab.
On the west coast, the problem is reaching crisis levels. In my small city, there are very few people under 30 who don't rent rooms and crowd into apartments. At this point, living on your own is considered a luxury only the upper-middle class and wealthy can afford. I make twice the median wage in my city and I can afford my own place only because I've been in my apartment so long the rent is affordable. I could theoretically qualify for another 1bd apartment (typically in the $2000 range) but it would be a strain on my finances and make my life more precarious. I'd probably move, but not back to NJ.