Beautiful, but difficult for young families
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7/6/2006
Having lived in Seattle my entire life, I can attest to the many, many wonderful things that it has to offer. Every time I travel, one of the best parts is coming home to the trees, the mountains, the water, and the wonderful people that makeup the city. Nothing beats the pristine beauty, the logical and level-headed political climate, the appreciation for art, music, good food and of course good coffee. (No offense, Starbucks, but there are so many MUCH MUCH MUCH better coffee roasters in town).
But sadly, I have witnessed an economic squeeze that has become uncomfortable - even unbearable. The cost of housing has recently jumped from really high to totally out-of-reach. Gas is so ridiculous that it took us over 4 months to unload our 4Runner on Craigslist. It takes nearly $60 to fill a Maxima. Meanwhile, salaries just aren't keeping up.
Back to housing. Sure the median price is $420k. But that is the median for a home (not a house, so this includes studio condos) and the figure spans the entire county. Realistically, a two bedroom, one bathroom, 1,000 s/f fixer upper in a Seattle neighborhood that is 20 minutes + from downtown (let us not to forget to account for bad traffic!) costs between $400k - $500k. Many of these homes need a lot of work, too. They have single-paned windows (so all the heat escapes), plaster walls, and they lack grounded (three-prong) outlets. Comfort comes at a premium. So do backyards (no matter how small).
As I approach 30, my husband and I are considering starting a family. I have no idea how we can afford to do that in Seattle or anywhere in the outlying suburbs (which are no less expensive). We are both working professionals with degrees - the whole thing. But it doesn't matter. Seattle is just too expensive. It is heartbreaking.
Jill | Seattle, WA