High Gas Prices Encourage Family to Buy Second Home

The increase in the price of fuel encourages one St. Louis family to purchase a second home near work.

1 minute read

July 14, 2008, 9:00 AM PDT

By Rachael


"Carol and Robert Miles recently realized that they were spending nearly $800 a month on gasoline. For that money, they figured they could buy a second house. So they did."

"The Mileses drive lots of miles. They live in De Soto and work in the city of St. Louis, a 100-mile daily round trip. They spend nearly an hour on the road each way. When gas was cheaper, the time was worth it. "We bought in DeSoto 15 years ago and it's beautiful. We have a lake lot, and it's peaceful, and I love it," says Mrs. Miles."

"Soon they'll see their De Soto home only on weekends. The monthly payment on their small, two-bedroom South St. Louis pied-à-terre will be $500, almost $300 less than their gasoline bill."

"The Mileses are an extreme case, but the sky-high price of fuel may be starting to have an effect on the housing market, although changes haven't shown up yet in St. Louis-area real estate statistics. Real estate agents, however, say buyers are factoring the price of gas into decisions on where they'll live and what they'll pay for a home."

Sunday, July 6, 2008 in STLtoday

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog