If What You're Chasing is Square Feet, Just Exit the New York Metro Area

If you're lucky enough to be accepted to rent the 216 square feet in NYC that will set you back $1,500 a month. Believe me, you can and will adjust to the small space. Meanwhile you have access to almost an infinite amount of employment opportunities, as well as world-class culture, education, the ocean and fascinating people.

But if you can release yourself from the spell cast by the mystique of NYC you can rent a three-bedroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma for the same amount - that is, $1,500. 

Part of my coaching practice includes guiding those over-50 in how to balance shelter with a budget. For many New Yorkers there probably is no interest in a three-bedroom. Those I have helped have been the typical efficiency dwellers in New York Metro.  

A 500-foot efficiency, with alcove for a bed, in a gated complex in Tulsa goes for $650. Add on to that up to $70 for water and sewer. A small one bedroom, 600 square feet, is $685. Yes, there's also the add-on. There are amenities such as a fitness center and community room. The city has a series of museums and a university. Because of the oil industry you probably will be able to find work. 

Budget paradise? Yes, but the tradeoff is limited access to healthcare. And there are quirks such as you have to go to a different location for your driver's license and for your auto registration. No ocean, of course. The politics, if that concerns you, is conservative. 

The same kinds of bargains, without sacrificing culture, are in parts of Kansas such as Wichita and parts of Ohio such as Toledo. Not all the Midwest, though, provides bargains. Don't assume: Research.

In addition, your stay in a Budget Paradise can wind up to be on short time. You may be "forced" to relocate - multiple times.

Areas once LCOL (low cost of living) can lose that status. Tucson, Arizona is among them. Also if you read professional anonymous networks such as Reddit Jobs you will find out that it's difficult to land work in Tucson. Phoenix, yes, work is available. But the average rent for the one bedroom is $1,943.

Actually much of AZ has become less and less affordable, mostly because it's become a popular retirement destination. 

In Sierra Vista, AZ, rents have surged 13% since the year before. There, unless you're military or have a specialized skill you might not land work to supplement what other income you are receiving. One 70-something based in Sierra Vista I coached searched for about seven months before he began training for a $14 an hour part-time contract position. 

But, everything is relative. The median rent for a small one-bedroom in Sierra Vista is $1,400. The average price is $1.05 per square foot. But that's still 28% less than the national average.

Currently I am guiding an entrepreneur near retirement age about the decision to pull up roots from Virginia and return to hometown Toledo. Virgina is considered to be the Northeast Corridor - pricey. This person business is mobile. For 680 square feet the rent can start at $760. That includes all utilities ranging from water to heat. Toledo has a world-class museum, a zoo, a university and proximity to New York City. In 8 hours and 38 minutes those who will never give up the identity of being a New Yorker could drive back there for a visit.

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.