The Appeal of Being Poor in the Big City

Some interesting recession/living facts from The On-Ramp:

- In the first quarter of 2009, only 21 percent of New York City area homes were affordable to a family making $64,000 to $69,000 a year

- In comparison more than 90 percent of homes are affordable for families in the same income bracket in smaller cities like Indianapolis, Akron, and Grand Rapids.

-  But nevertheless, New York, Los Angeles, and several other cities with populations well over a million—and very high costs of living—are among the places holding onto their residents in higher numbers than in recent years.

The reason why folks are staying in expensive cities?  One suggestion The On-Ramp makes is that there is something unique and special about the "starving artist" community.  That being poor amongst others who are in the same boat and being an artist is a time honored tradition and actually kind of an appealing thing.

So I guess the next time I want something I can't afford or try to self-diagnose my health-insuranceless self I should try to remind myself of the fact that I am not poor but just special, arty and trendy.

Of course I kid, I love my scrappy life!

*photo by wilhelmja (cc)