I just read about a parking space in Boston — a 180-square-foot parking space at the Brimmer Street Garage — that sold for $200,000. I also just read that the cost of an average house in Abilene rose to about $80,000.
There are those times when I’m thankful for how far a buck stretches here:
- When I get the breakfast special at Towne Crier for about two dollars (or the Rosa’s Tuesday Taco special for three bucks);
- When I leave my car at Abilene International Airport for $5/night (in a spot that is thirty seconds from the AA counter);
- When I compare what my house cost per square foot with what it would cost elsewhere
Having said that, I do love Boston. What an amazing place to live. But $200K for a parking space?
Mike,
After walking and taking the T across Boston for a week, I would pay that much for a parking spot. Of course, I don’t have that kind of money, so back to the subway for me.
Mike,
You should definitely add traveling in Europe to your list, considering that the exchange rates are absolutely horrible for Americans over here, especially students. I’ve found a 500ml can of coke for the price of almost 3 American Dollars, a bottle can reach up to 6 American Dollars!!! Absolutely Crazy. Anyways, I’ve felt very passionately about this ever since I’ve been in Europe (since January), especially considering the rise in the exchange rate these past few weeks. Peace!
Matt W
So now you know why I came to Abilene instead of remaining in San Diego, don’t ya’!! lol
But I must admit that Abilene has turned into one of God’s surprise parties for me - a true blessing, not the least of which is Highland, rather it is the center of that blessing!!!
That’s one thing we loved about Abilene. When Chad was in grad school and I was making next to nothing, we were still able to buy a nice house four blocks from ACU. Abilene is a great town to be poor in.
Deana - You may have been making next to nothing, but think of the invaluable lessons you learned officing right next door to me.
Kathy,
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the cheap gas was $3.45 a gallon back in SD last week. I know exactly how you feel.
$80,000??!
Here in South Central Los Angeles a 1500 sq. ft 3 bed, 2 bath house will cost you over $500,000. You have to make $120,000/yr just to qualify for conventional financing. Needless to say, we rent.
Out of curiosity, what does Abilene consider to be an “average size” house?
As one who is up in New England, I know how expensive it is! We’ve been considering a move down south, but realize if and when we do, we may never afford to move back home for retirement! Boston is incredible, but New York is worse I think! Just incredibly expensive and high tax rate! So, thanks for giving me a window into how cheap Abiline is. Maybe graduate school someday there for me.
Location, location, location.
We’ll be cutting our square footage in half and doubling our rent when we move to Boston. Makes sense, doesn’t it?? I saw a story on the news where an influx of folks from both coasts are moving to Middle America, places like Kansas City or Chicago or Cleveland, all because of the price of living on the coasts.
FYI: I live in the Hills of Hockessin in the proud, but puny, First State. Entry-level homes under construction in new development next to the neighborhood in which my humble abode is located are starting in the low $700,000’s. Yikes! Prices here are not Boston-bad, but they are definitely moving in that direction. Delaware is still the home of tax-free shopping, though!
Someone mentioned San Diego: I’d pay $5.00 a gallon for gasoline, if it meant that I could live in San Diego. La Jolla Coves at sunset just can’t be beat!
Interesting, Mike. Yesterday I put up a note about housing costs in Dallas and how the reality here hits the lowest income people here the hardest. Folks who can’t afford fit housing find themselves hit by all sort of other problems as well. Can be a real spiral for the poor. This issue of the cost of living is one of the most important for urban developers who seek to be inclusive and just. Real battle. The church could really help with the public policy side of things. Actually, in my opinion, the political realities and decisions that could be shaped by people of faith would be even more helpful than ministries like ours here in Dallas or even Habitat. I guess I am an incurable broken record!
Larry, a question, because I simply don’t know - in your counseling with the economically poor, do you suggest they might consider leaving a large metropolitan area, and move into smaller cities and towns? Just wondering.
Oh, there better be a maid living in that parking spot ready to take care of my every need! And when I go out to meet my car in that spot, it better be squeaky clean and full of gas for that price!
Steve, Chicago isn’t like Boston or NY, but it ain’t cheap. Own a 3 or 4 BR home in the burbs and it is $350K; nice burbs it is $400K plus.
Kathy, normally such a move doesn’t seem like an option. Work is in the city, as well as friends and family and in many cases church. Then, it is amazing how scarce housing is in many rural areas. Sometimes what you have in mind helps, especially for those with contacts in smaller places, but normally it is just not a consideration.
Larry - You’re a broken record that is welcome to play any time on this stereo!
Oh, Mike — it was ACU where I was making next to nothing!
Part of our community response effort is wtih a group called Family Promise. The folks in the program are trying to bust out of homelessness. In Modesto affordable housing is hard to come by especially for the young working poor mothers in this program. The hand we offer them is food and a place to stay for sixty days while they learn social skills and where to obtain the social services they qualify for. The ten churches in this coalition strive to help in many ways. In the end it is hard to find something to rent for less than 700 dollars a momth.
Larry, thanks for your work and your passion for it.
Thanks, Larry. As always, so gracious and generous with your time.
Buddy, Family Promise sounds very similar to Bridge of Hope out of Pennsylvania. What wonderful hands on help they offer to struggling single moms.
How far is Abilene from the beach? We bought our average size house in Florida about 15 years ago for what the average is in Abilene now. Our home values here have skyrocketed in the past few years.
Maybe once I get too old to swim in the ocean or surf, I will move to Abilene.
However, I may have a daughter coming to ACU next year so the incentive might go up.
Any churches need a road weary preacher???
Peace.
200K is a lot. But there is the small matter of having those boys known as the Red Sox nearby. *sigh*
Hi Mike! I met your aunt and cousing this past week in Ponca City, OK! We were getting some pictures made as a surprise for some friends and went to Cope Photography. I asked if they were any relation to you, and they said yes! Hahahaha
It’s funny, because we are about to move to Nebraska and I never made the connection until now!
Sorry for the random comment!
Hey — no fair posting about Boston over the weekend!
I agree!! This is why we don’t have a car here — and we’re much more physically fit because we walk everywhere — and we’re doing out bit to help save the environment.
Go Sox!
Steve…we’re looking for a minister in the big town of Albany, TX (30 mi north of Abilene). We’d love a road weary preacher!
Google is the best search engine
THanks for your post. Good insight.
Check out this site for good tips on airport parking at various metro airports.
http://www.airportparkingpro.com/