Thanks for the input. However, i have to disagree with the following:

1. "Lower Real estate prices in and of themselves don't provide the basis for a happy family life."

- There are huge houses in some cities in CA (away from Silicon Valley) and other states that looks exactly, identical and way far better than those $800K and up houses being sold around our neighborhood that goes way far cheaper and sells around low 200K, bought by relatives of mine in arizona and oregon. Are they happy? Definitely with a lower real estate price. HOWEVER, I DONT BELIEVE EITHER THAT HIGHER REAL ESTATE PRICE IS A BASIS FOR A HAPPY FAMILY LIFE.

2. But if your considering the move based solely on the high cost of living; in my mind you may be ignoring a long list of other very important factors.

- definitely not the sole reason, though its one of the primary. The factors that you are referring, don't you think no other persons would know that far better than myself and my family? Yes, we have talked about it numerous times but just dont have the opportunity just yet.

3. Living environment - we are not the type who moves without even knowing the type of environment that we are gonna living in. It's like what we did when we moved from the east bay to south bay, you don't want to be in a gangland or something, and let me tell you, there is a lot here in san jose. I guess you're just being specific and i am being general.

There are really literally, and i mean literally, dozens of factors we have considered, and i dont have to post it here since no one knows our situation better than us.

But i appreciate the effort and dont worry, i personally think what you're saying really makes a lot of sense.

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Bimmer360
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Boston is It is a GREAT city to live in but is consequently one of the most expensive cities to live in in the NE.
For example if you want to live in Boston in the Back Bay or South End neighnborhoods you will not find much for sale less than $650/ft - most recently renovated properties will be $700+/ft .....

The sheer number of toll roads, snow, and mediocre pavement quality would steer me away from New England. But that's just my own opinion.

Owning a home in a high cost location that has appreciation (normal market conditions) is much better than owning a how in the middle of nowhere and not having appreciation.

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Of course, job opportunities are important. I'm not saying "go buy a home in the middle of nowhere cuz its cheaper". A high cost of living does not guarentee a better living quality. It also does not mean real estate will appreciate. Washington DC area's housing market has been in a drought for a while, this despite the good job opportunities it offers. One can't link "high cost of living" with "better living quality' or "more jobs".

...stay away from Maryland at all costs...


way too expensive for what it is...

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An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

...also stay away from New Jersey. Taxes and auto insurance are among highest.

I live near Research Triangle Park in the Raleigh-durham area of North Carolina. Moved down here from Chicago about 9 years ago and don't miss the snow one bit, (I do miss the city from time to time).

Housing isn't too bad, real estate taxes are way lower than the Chicago area and the winters are mild too. The ocean is 2.5 hours east and the mountains are 2.5 hours west. Lots of tech jobs too. Worth a look IMHO.

. Ok, I'm biased though. Housing isn't too outrageous, and growth aint bad.