[quote=poorgradstudent] . . . Interestingly, San Fran also had a huge influx despite high cost of living.[/quote]

poorgradstudent, I have a kid who’s been going to school and working in SF for six years now. And there are at least a dozen of her classmates from here that have moved there also. I would venture that none of these young people will ever move back. The wage there is up to 45% higher than here, for the same job.

The only things that really cost more is food and gas. And if you can get yourself regularly to a Costco or Trader Joes (they are there), food is the same price as here. The apts. are for the most part large 3 and 4 br/2 bath 1800-2400 sf. Four young people can share a flat comfortably. Rents are $2000 to $3000 monthly, depending on district and age/condition of bldg. Divide that and the utils by 4 and it’s not so bad. My kid pays $550 mo. rent herself – she makes more $$ than I do! Plus, killer views and all kinds of stuff to do make it a “happening” place to live. I visit as often as I can 🙂