A recent report from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce suggests housing affordability is having a big impact on Richmond employers' ability to attract and retain workers. It's put a new focus on the ever-present issue of affordability in the Lower Mainland, so this week the Richmond News asked people how they manage to afford to work (and maybe live) in Richmond.
Eric Bourne
Brewing
"Because I've been living back at home lately. There's no really other option for me at the moment.
If I had to move out and live somewhere, I'd be, like, living on Ramen noodles every day. It wouldn't be possible. I think that's the case for pretty much everybody my age."
Wendy Xiao
Retired
"Before I retired, I worked at the airport. I've lived in Richmond for more than 20 years.
For me, I can afford it. Because when I bought the house it's cheap. It was very affordable.
But recently, it's so hard. I don't like it.
Buying a house, (younger people), they cannot afford it."
Adnan Sarwar
Business owner
"It was a struggle for ten years. But I finally solved it by running a business.
You have a $50,000 job and a house costs a million dollars. It will take you 20 years if you saved all your money today to buy that house. If it's $5 million, it will take you 100 years.
So the only solution is to make more money."
Maria Ferrer
Student
"I live in Guilford. I'm applying to a job (here in Richmond).
I would (move to Richmond), but, just, I think living at home is better at the moment. Just because of the prices of the housing.
Being a student and then working it's not really possible."
Brent Bothe
Superintendent of stores
"I go where the work is. I work at all different malls. I have a house in Squamish, I live in North Van and I work in Richmond.
I'm 50. So when I was a kid I had an opportunity to be a first-time homebuyer and have five per cent to buy a home. Kids don't have that now. And I tell my child she'll never have. Unfortunately, they have to deal with that."
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