Quote:
Originally Posted by psicodude
So here is my issue with that video specifically, but densification in more general terms; there is an obvious correlation between density and living costs. The video uses NYC and San Francisco as examples, but those are rated as the 1st and 3rd most expensive cities in the U.S. to live in. ( http://abcnews.go.com/Business/expen...y?id=17118717#) I am by no means suggesting that Calgary will become anywhere near as expensive as those great cities, but there are some tough questions still unanswered that are making many people uneasy.
I guess my main concerns are that these other, quite dense cities are significantly more expensive to live in and have much, much better public transportation. Prices in this city are already crazy (and transit isn't great) so isn't it a legitimate concern that densification could push prices to an unsustainable level and result in massive damage to the economy? |
Honestly, Calgary isn't that far behind IMO.
Rents in NYC are obviously higher, but I just did a quick search online and I'm not getting much different amenities in Calgary for $2000/month as I would in NYC for $3000 (1 BR in the core). A big jump sure, but things aren't as vastly different as they are sometimes made out to be (this was literally a 2 minute search, but the point is that rent isn't super cheap in Calgary).
My living expenses are lower than they would be in Calgary outside of rent. I have no need for a car, and the subway can get me pretty much anywhere with ease and do it cheaper than the C-Train. Food costs aren't low here, but overall they're still cheaper than Calgary for most things. Alcohol is MUCH cheaper, and most entertainment options are in the same price range.