Choices..
In today's economy families struggle to make ends meet, even with
two incomes. We work hard to support our habits, high priced
electronics, conveniences, and vehicles that price in the range of
$30,000-$45,000 for the average family of four. Let's not forget
that house payment…Depending on location, the average home can range
from $180,000 in desert cities to $550,000 for the conveniences of
coastal beauty and salt air. Sure, you can get more square footage
for your buy in cities like Phoenix, Arizona and Henderson Nevada,
but what at what price? How long can the average man withstand
extremities like temps as high as 115 degrees, dryness, or a
constant wind that blows dust, filth and God knows what else down
your street, into your home and right into your lungs? Let's compare
the "quality of life" in Nevada with that of a coastal California
city. One website rates quality of life on a scale from 1-100
putting Henderson Nevada in the high 20's and San Diego at about a
67. Nevada's low score is partially attributed to having the highest
number of smokers of any other city in the United States! The school
ratings in Nevada are at an all-time low because the state cannot
get teachers to work for the pennies they are paying. Many folks are
turning to private school now, another added household expense. In
California, coastal cities are so expensive to live in, native
families are being forced to sell their properties and move. Many
folks just rent nowadays; the average cost of rent in San Diego for
a 3 bedroom home ranges from $1500-$2500 monthly depending on the
area. No folks, this doesn't include such conveniences as W/D,
dishwasher, lush lawn or more importantly, your family's
safety.These prices don't guarantee anything but a long-term
commitment to bankruptcy. It takes an average combined income of
$70,000 to live and play in San Diego, CA. This includes just the
average Friday night dine out, an occasional movie or a day at the
beach. FYI, public schools in CA are at an all time low as well.
Arnold, what the heck are you doing? Gray Davis was no better.
Perhaps more women in office would put an emotional spin on our
economic view and change for the better.
So what does society believe to be quality of life? Is it now just
basic survival? Better yet, WHERE is it? Obviously, I cannot
investigate every single city in America, but perhaps in time…many
websites such as
FindYourSpot.com (don't get confused by the title) and
RateAmerica'sCities.com will
give you an idea of demographics and somewhat the quality of life
and a rating.
What are your thoughts on quality of life? How do we get back to the
basics of family life and entrusting our government to make sound
decisions for us like affordable housing and quality education? Must
we sacrifice quality of life just to live? You ask any family what
their main concerns are and they will answer 1) whether or not they
can afford a home (or better yet, make their next mortgage payment)
and 2) how to find appropriate education for their children without
paying through the nose. If there are any single moms out there,
talk to me! Tell me about your families, where you live, and any
solutions you have to this growing epidemic.
Simone
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