This is the second installment of articles from students in Andrew Biggs’ economics class at New Technology High School in Napa. Earlier this spring, they began exploring the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Napa County with a two-fold assignment, first to research a specific topic, then to turn their findings into an article. The next logical step was to publish them. — Sasha Paulsen, features editor
Gentrification in Napa?
Wine country rises and falls
By KRYSTLEE LOPEZ and EMMA ONTELL
Have you been in need of buying a house but you can’t afford any?
Housing and real estate prices have skyrocketed up due to inflation. People, typically adults (18+), will buy houses, simply because they need a home to live in. Not only is it important to Napans, but it is also important to the world because having a home to live in is a necessity, but unfortunately not everyone can afford one.
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Due to the rise of production and goods, the prices of housing have shot up extremely. This isn’t just the pricing of housing, though; it’s also the salary of realtors, the price of wood, gas, electricity and markets, etc.
Inflation has to be based on your living life and salary. The extra dollar bill you were saving up, is now going to your water bill rather than the pair of shoes you need for work. Your work life now requires you to overwork yourself for minimum wage, to still live from paycheck to paycheck– and that is not a lifestyle, that is survival at its finest.
Everything around you has been affected by this economic hell. Can’t pay rent? Vallejo is cheaper, but your job is here in Napa, and gas is now $6, and you drive a truck. Tthe babysitter also has to be paid, but in order for her to pay her rent, instead of $30 a day, now it’s $45.
Inflation is a never-ending circle that is not just within your wallet, but your everyday life. Inflation occurs when our economy raises the price of our products, which then increases the price of production for these goods.
Another reason prices in homes have risen is due to house-flipping. House-flipping is when you buy a house, and “fix it up” and “make it better” just to sell it for a higher price. Realistically, this is the rule that is non-existent in our society. There are people who have two homes and still choose to house-flip here in Napa Valley. Ever think how you …….