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Phuzi3 t1_j2jcubl wrote

It’s going to vary on area and family size.

I make almost $44/hour, which comes out to around $80k a year…but I’m supporting 5 other people. My wife and 4 kids. That money pretty much goes to rent, bills and food, and maybe a couple tanks of gas before we’re broke.

Granted, I have a long commute. I live 45-ish miles from where I work, and that’s, primarily, so I don’t have to live in Everett or anywhere close to it.

I would say, at minimum, $100k or more to do more than just survive. Between housing costs, food, gas prices, being able to save for whatever. If you have more than yourself, add more income. I probably need to double what I make to really be where I should be, to finally afford a house and pay for the stuff my family needs.

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NiceRelease5684 t1_j2jwpcv wrote

What's wrong with living in Everett?

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marchano85 t1_j2jzt1x wrote

There are better neighborhoods than others but I lived in Everett for 6 years and it’s a great place to live. Both my daughters were born there so maybe I’m looking back with rose colored glasses but there’s something about Everett that will stick for me for the rest of my life. Currently living in Vancouver, WA for reference.

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beez_beez t1_j2jxvze wrote

It’s generally regarded as being a shit hole. I’ve only ever driven through, it’s just what I’ve heard a lot.

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Phuzi3 t1_j2k5ddp wrote

I have a general disdain for cities, so bear that in mind. I’m not even a fan of suburbia any more.

I just don’t like Everett. I’ve lived there a few times, totaling about 5-6 years, and 3 of the cars I had in that time were broken into and had things stolen.

Real estate is more expensive than outside city limits (cheaper than Seattle, Lynnwood or Edmonds, sure, but more than, say, Monroe or Arlington) so apartments are about the only option for most people. Not a great option for a large family, such as mine.

Yeah, I’d be close to where I work…but I’m not trading convenience for the space I presently have, where my kids can play in their own backyard or ride their bikes in the road and not have to worry about getting hit by a car.

Cities suck, and I choose rural life to raise my kids in.

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irishmcsg2 t1_j2l5xbm wrote

Greetings, fellow Everett worker-but-not-resider!

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Bigbluebananas t1_j2n7uca wrote

I live south in tacoma area kind of, and Im able to provide housing and all that for just me on a 37hr rate- also have some to pad my savings each month

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Phuzi3 t1_j2n9sbb wrote

And that, there, is one of the key differences: you’re only funding yourself. Adding a dependent of any sort, other than a pet, drastically changes things.

As does the area in which you live. “Tacoma-ish” is a bit cheaper, on average, from what I understand than most anything Seattle and north.

If you’re making it now and able to save, sweet. Stuff away what you can while you can. This may not always be the case.

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Bigbluebananas t1_j2n9y7c wrote

Brother im not arguing against any point being made here. Im answering ops question and sharing my reply to an area already posted. Im grateful for my situation

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Phuzi3 t1_j2nfju4 wrote

You replied to me, so I’m responding in kind. I don’t think that necessarily indicates an argument or disagreement of any sort. Like I said, if you’re doing well, awesome. Keep at it, and continue to save for the day that situation may change. Just some advice from someone who’s lived by the paycheck for almost 20 years, and will have to give the same to his kids some day.

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