| Agreed. I don't have all the numbers worked out but rough calculations show that it is doable and even profitable within an order of magnitude or so. Once the proof of a city to city test tunnel is completed, probably this one early next year: https://www.teslarati.com/boring-company-secret-tunnel-adela..., then the basic business model of the tunnels can be tested. After that, it may be time to work out the details of building an ultra dense city on super cheap land and try to reduce the costs of construction and maintenance of city infrastructure: water treatment etc. The selling point of a $200k condo with access to pools, gyms, etc with all the basic stores like dry cleaners, grocery store, restaurants a short walk away in your town/city AND a 10-25min tunnel ride to the big city may be hugely attractive for many people. Plus if you want to go ATVing or cherry picking or horseback riding or camping, you can take a 10min trip from your town right into the countryside because you will be there already, in the countryside. If an average restaurant worker or entry level school teacher works in San Francisco right now, they may earn say $60k-$90k and pay 33% taxes - max $30k. Factor in rent at $30k (1bedroom is $2500/mn), and basic living expenses of $15k and that person is saving max $15k/year. The average condo in San Francisco is $1.2mil. So it would take around 8 years to save for 10% down payment or 16 years to save for a 20% down payment. Contrast that with a condo for $200k a 20min commute away. You would have a 20% down payment in 3 years. It takes longer than 20mins to drive across the city without traffic right now. During busy times it can 60 minutes to drive from the Golden Gate bridge to SOMA. You can literally walk faster than cars in San Francisco. |
That makes this option very attractive. Especially if you choose a town franchise that fits who you are. You could join the Tech Town if you are into technology. Or Scientist town if you want to do University research. Or the Middle Ages town if you want to ride a horse and a visit a Blacksmith.
And if you change your mind on who you are in a few year, and one of the other 20 towns near a big city look attractive, you could move there. Say you want to party in Mini-Vegas town for your early 20s but then move to University town in your early 30s to get educated. That could be possible.