Great Place if You're Rich
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11/1/2008
Honolulu has to be the nicest American city. Crime here is low (particularly the random, violent variety), there are no "bad" neighborhoods, the locals are laid-back and friendly and speak a highly unique, melodious brand of American English, and the scenery and climate...but I guess I don't need to mention them.
Don't plan on moving here for more than an extended vacation, however, unless you're at least upper-middle class. You've probably already read about the notorious median price for a single-family home - about $600,000. What you may not have read, however, is what you get for what you pay. If all you have is $600,000, you're likely to get no more than say 1500 sq. ft. of living space, very little storage and a very tiny yard.
If I had the money, I could deal with the sacrifices, because in many respects Hawaii really is Paradise. You don't need so much living space when the weather is perfect year-round. But the fact of the matter is that the most my wife and I - both teachers - will ever be able to afford is a townhouse or condo in the $400,000 range...and even that would be a stretch for two teachers. So, we're working on a 5-year escape plan so that we can raise our family in an affordable part of the universe. Be sure, however, we'll enjoy our precious few years in Paradise while we're here!
P.S. Pay no attention to these "racism" comments. The fact is, there's not ethnic majority in Hawaii, so all of the different ethnic groups get teased in some way, which overly sensitive mainlanders are at times quick to misinterpret. Honestly, I think you'd have a hard time finding a more tolerant place in the U.S. overall. The only true distinction people make here is between locals, mainlanders and foreigners (there are a lot of them, mostly new immigrants from Asian countries). You can tell who's who by the accent. Locals, as locals do everywhere, sort of have the upper hand socially. But if you demonstrate that you appreciate Hawaii, you're quickly accepted. What they call the "Aloha spirit" is very real. Of course, there are intolerant jerks, but fewer here, in my opinion than anywhere else.
Andrew | Honolulu, HI