Housing Crunch Near Stanford University Forces Mega Commutes

Stanford University is world renowned for its education. A study released in 2014 estimates that companies formed by Stanford entrepreneurs generate world revenues of $2.7 trillion annually and have created 5.4 million jobs since the 1930s. Stanford has long been credited with being the number one reason that Silicon Valley was created.

But the price of this success if being felt by workers at the lower end of Stanford’s economic tables. Those who make sure the tables are set, filled with food and cleaned after each use.

Ronnie Thomas is a Stanford University Dining employee. His yearly salary of $43,000 would be a comfortable living in many parts of the country, but he and his family have been priced out of the rental market on the San Francisco Peninsula. He now commutes nearly 100 miles each way, from Stockton, a trek he completes by bike, train and bus. The roundtrip takes 6 hours.

Stanford pays stellar salaries to professors and researchers, giving them access to the local housing market, and provides housing assistance to students. But for agencies that attempt to help workers like Thomas, there’s a five year waiting list. And the situation will only get worse as real estate values are expected to continue to soar.

As for Thomas, he doesn’t complain about his commute. Instead, he expresses gratitude for a good job and the opportunity to provide for his family.

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Photo Credit: Hoover Tower at Stanford University, Wikimedia Commons

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