It’s pretty narrow minded to say other people are not rational because they made different choices. Also, it’s not really fair to say people who move somewhere, and then move somewhere else only change because they made a mistake or were misleaded. Peoples’ goals are different for different stages of life. If you were 40 with kids, you would probably move to some suburb that is safe, wholesome, good schools, quiet, etc. However, if you’re 25, spend a lot of time at work because you are a small fish, and maybe you are looking to meet your future spouse, you want to live somewhere close to jobs and other young people.
Checking back. Most people on my block have a masters degree and kids, only one house is occupie by a few guys that are around 23 and that’s because one of their dad’s bought the house for them (get aggravated!). But, you’re right. I can walk two blocks and see a concert, and the bar scene is great…a couple on my street owns a bar with some of the best sandwichs around. And shuffleboard.
3,000 square feet isn’t the be all end all. I realize you have a lot of room for activities, but it does come at a sacrifice of community and convenience, IMO.
I didn’t say that 3,000 square feet is the be all end all. I said that a higher income in NYC does not necessarily translate into a high standard of living than other areas because costs are higher. Rather, people *forgo* higher standards of living for nonmaterial things they value like the excitement of living in a big city.
A high standard of living includes access to “activities” (I live in a semi-burb within walking distance of pretty decent restaurants and a five minute drive to excellent restaurants), but also things like size/quality of house, accessibilty to good food/drink, cars, parks, clean air, yada yada.
