Some say I am biased becase I live in the area. However, even if I don’t live in the area, I will consider this disparity between highest wage and moderate home price, combined with long term local supply shortage as a strong foundation continued home price appreciation. This new report reinforced such trend.

================================================================

Friday, January 18, 2008 - 9:46 AM EST
D.C., Arlington home to highest wages
Washington Business Journal - by Joe Coombs Senior Staff Reporter
The District and Arlington County are neck-in-neck in the latest survey of high-paying jobs among the nation’s largest counties.

For the second quarter of 2007, the average weekly wage in the District was $1,357, the fourth-highest wage in the U.S. Arlington was right behind the nation’s capital with an average weekly wage of $1,352, the fifth-highest salary level in the country, according to data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The national average weekly wage in the second quarter of 2007 was $820, and most local jurisdictions surpassed that level. In Maryland, Montgomery County had an average weekly wage of $1,108, and Prince George’s County had an average weekly wage of $893, according to BLS’ research.

After the District and Arlington, Fairfax County had the next-highest weekly wage in 2007’s second quarter, at $1,269. The City of Alexandria’s work force had an average weekly wage of $1,160, Loudoun County’s was $1,016, and Prince William County’s average weekly wage was $738.

New York County had the nation’s highest average weekly wage in the second quarter of 2007, at $1,540.