Home prices are squeezing middle class

vpr611 · PostOct 11, 2005#12005-10-11T13:25+00:00

Not really a news story but still an interesting article. What I find disturbing is this quote "People are going further and further out to try to find affordable housing."

There is enough housing without having to go even further west, why not look around there are many other places with cheaper housing without having to continue the sprawl to the west.

Article: Home prices are squeezing middle class

Expat · PostOct 11, 2005#22005-10-11T14:30+00:00

Onward suburban soldiers, the march west continues.....

Nothing new here. When sprawl reaches Columbia, I suppose we can add Boone County to the metro population totals. I think we can get to Columbia first, and claim it before Kansas City does.

smsplanstu · PostOct 11, 2005#32005-10-11T16:06+00:00

St. Louis County is affordable!! Florissant, Hazelwood, Bridgeton, Maryland Heights, Overland, and even Manchester if you know where to look.

Damn racism

ucityman · PostOct 11, 2005#42005-10-11T16:34+00:00

i read the entire article hoping they would at least consider the idea of cheap housing in the city. Apperently west is the only option. This is very dissapointing.

Expat · PostOct 11, 2005#52005-10-11T16:49+00:00

SMSPlanstu wrote:St. Louis County is affordable!! Florissant, Hazelwood, Bridgeton, Maryland Heights, Overland, and even Manchester if you know where to look.

Damn racism

Exactly! The neighborhoods you mentioned are filled with great family homes with good prices. Some of the people quoted said they will forgo buying a home because they are too expensive. While they continue to rent, they could be building equity in a nice suburban home in Florissant or any number of other nices place. Not to mention, the bargains that can be found in The City.

doug · PostJan 11, 2006#62006-01-11T17:15+00:00

My excellent apartment is 450 a month... the wood floors, which extend to every room except the bath, are original and the landlord just refinished them, they look new! The kitchen has new cabinets and counter, as well as, microwave and fridge. She is installing new windows this spring and putting newer decks on the entire building. The lanlord lives next door and is a former St. Louis City building inspector, which means the building is flawless except for the flaws of age, which adds character. All my neighbors are quiet and very nice, quite the steal. I can walk to target, schnucks, penn station, and the hill in a few minutes, thus saving gas. Metrolink is a short bike, bus ride, or drive away. I am a college student in paradise! St. Louis City is affordable, as well as St. Louis City, get your ass out and find a place.

jennsellsmo · PostMar 26, 2006#72006-03-26T15:14+00:00

I don't believe west is the only option for affordable housing. North county is an option, but most families are skeptical.

From my experience, middle-class families are looking for homes:

1) large enough to accommodate 2 parents and 2-3 kids

2) homes with yards for kids and pets

3) 2 or more car garage

4) safe neighborhood

5) good school district

6) and close proximity to employment.

Ideally, a lot of middle-class families would love to live in the Rockwood School District (touted as THE best), but home prices there are not typically in their budget.

Even most of the homes in St. Charles county are starting over $150,000 for re-sales. You can find some still in the $130's but they are small, old and most need work.

Unfortunately, most younger families want to move into a house "just like mommy & daddy's". Educating younger buyers on less expensinve starter homes and the process of moving up a notch in a few years is a real task. They want the huge suburban house now! Not in a few years.

Instant gratification. And so the middle-class gets squeezed.