[quote=Scarlett][quote=davelj] As has been pointed out here before, this is largely a matter of choice. The size of the average house in the U.S. has more than doubled since 1960. So, people CHOOSE to spend more today on housing than they used to – wisely or not, mind you. I’m quite certain that if you cut your housing (size) expectations in half (to live like those folks in the ’50s and ’60s)… the ratios will follow accordingly. But I’m betting you have no interest in doing so… what with the Jones’ big house and all…[/quote]
You are dreaming. The size might be cut in half, but it still would be much more expensive relative to the income than how it was then. My house expectation is below 1900 sf, probably more like 1700-1800 sf. for 4 people. Don’t consider that huge. How can you can cut that in half??? Maybe we could squeeze in 1500 sf. I am not keeping up with any Joneses, FYI. Not even close. Let them have the McMansions and BMWs and other toys.[/quote]
The typical family of four lived in a 1200 square foot home in 1960. I will grant you that even that size house in SAN DIEGO might be more expensive on a relative scale than it was 50 years ago, but… in most of the country it is not. You’ve simply chosen to live in a “glamour market” (as Robert Shiller calls it)… with all that entails, sacrifices and all.
