Off-Campus Housing Affordability
By: Cheyanne Rizzitano
Young adults in college are constantly trying to adjust to today’s high-demanding economy, but as prices continue to increase, it becomes questionable if living independently is a financially responsible decision.
“The reason for wanting to live off campus is because it would have been cheaper,” Fitchburg State student Emily Smith said. ” However, not being able to find one more person due to the high costs, and knowing there are a lot of people who do not want to pay that much, resorting to leaving my renting life and going` back to living on campus was the only option.”
Fitchburg, Massachusetts used to be a town affordable for most people to live or simply rent. However, over the past four years, housing costs have increased significantly.
“Rent is $1,200 for a one-bedroom in Fitchburg. Gas and electricity are not included, which means it costs from Unitil about $100 a month. Wi-Fi, also not included, costs me $60. On top of these charges is renter’s insurance, which is about $400 a month,” said Erica Couture. These are just the fundamental costs of living on one’s own; there are more than just these expenses. “There is also the car payment, which is about $400 and car insurance is about $254. On top of this, there is about $400 for gas a month and $80 for phone bills.”
Couture emphasized she is currently employed with five jobs, which bring home a gross amount of $3,010 a month. However, after all the bills and necessities needed to survive, she has about $200 left over each month. Couture also stated that “if one wants to live alone, one must be prepared to work about 80 to 100 hours a week. Time management and self-care is key.”
With the constant rise in costs, many move back to their parents’ homes. Though some tough it out, the upcoming election on Nov. 5, 2024, will determine what is to come for renters and homeowners. Between the inflation in food costs and rising rent prices, only time will tell what is to come.