[Grampa Dave]

“In most of the major cities (NY, Chicago, San Diego) you can live quite comfortably and safely if you have the money.”

I’m afraid that comment receives the “DUH” award for the morning and maybe the day. How about the non rich and middle class people in those cities.

[Clemenza]

The poor and, to a lesser extent, the lower middle classes don't have much of an option in terms of where to live, which is why many of the latter wind up moving to the smoggy deserts, or do the wise thing and leave CA entirely.

In NYC, the teachers either live in Mitchell-Lama housing or, like everyone else, live in tiny apartments in the outer boroughs. The cops commute from exurbia, but since they do four days a week, they can get away with driving 50+ miles to work.

I can honestly tell you that the worst place to be poor east of the Mississippi and north of DC is NYC. Even if you want to live in the ghetto, you'll be paying $1400 for a pre-war one bedroom.