General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Tax Deductions are a HUGE form of welfare, and the richest people are getting the most welfare [View all]NutmegYankee
(16,199 posts)You seem to want to imply I'm wealthy, which is just absurd. I live in a modest area in a 1960's era Cape Cod house. In many parts of the region there are $400,000+ homes. I'm not part of their social class. They tend to be business types or higher level executives. I'm a member of the Professional middle-class since I'm an Engineer. My local neighbors living in similar type houses are mostly lower middle tradesmen or local government workers. There are a few single households near me, with professionals like teachers and accountants as well.
You make comparisons to lower income families, but I will note that many of them are not homeowners. Connecticut is well known for having some of the wealthiest suburbs and some of the poorest cities. You discuss utilities, but neglected heat - which is very expensive here. The average home uses 700 gallons of heating oil, at $3.69 a gallon currently.
Overall, you want to lay out statistics to define class, but the middle class is NOT the middle of the income spread. It's based on a standard of living and some economic security. I have the life I have because I am employed. Lose that, and it all crumbles. In that aspect, I'm working class.