I would argue that strategic pessimism is indeed healthy, especially juxtaposed to the new-age "Secret" garbage being peddled in bookstores these days. Granted, being optimistic in certain circumstances is beneficial but it can also lead to burying one's head in the sand when shit gets real bad (to use the parlance of…

Albany (CA, not NY) in the Bay Area. I pay $1,250 for a one bedroom one bathroom (water and garbage included) with covered parking in a nice neighborhood. Rent has not gone up in two years which I consider an epic win considering the increasing rents in the greater Bay Area.