[s_q_b]

I'm in the opposite situation. I moved to Washington from a small Rust Belt city. The last house I toured there was a historic 5500 ft^2 Victorian 6 bd 5 bath, in the most desirable location, and thus with near instant liquidity. It was listed for $500k. With a local bank, which knows the housing market in the area, the mortgage would have been less than $2000/mo.

Considering the inexpensive housing, an excellent Jesuit preparatory school for $7k/year, the low cost of living, and the huge scholarships to the city's University, a family of five could live extremely comfortably for $150,000-$200,000/yr. Couples with occupations such as lawyer, doctor, engineer, or small business owner live like they're downright rich.

I suppose it's the old adage that keeps me in DC: You could sell your house here and live like a king anywhere else. But you never will, because you're afraid you'll never be to get back.

[brianwawok]

Well I left Chicago, and am planning my return. I won't return to my same condo, but I will still return!!

Living like a king in the sticks is overrated IMO.