I am single, for the time being (won't be much longer) and even with just my own expenses, I wouldn't spend over about $225000 on a house, and that's on an income more in the 70k range. I just don't like the idea of having no furniture and living on ramen noodles...
I just bought a new house and have stocked the new pantry with macaroni and cheese. You never know when that mortgage is going to put a real squeeze on you during the first 5 years.
We have a 2 income household and we really cannot afford to be living in Northern Virginia, even with both of them.
We'll be out of here in a couple of years. But I'll be looking at places more affordable than those listed. Although, I did see Matthews, NC on the list. That is where my mom just moved. We were down there for Thanksgiving and I really liked it.
I absolutely agree with you on this one. There is much more to enjoy in life than just have a house. This year I was finally was able to buy 255,000 Condo here in Massachusetts, but I did not decide to do this before I was sure that with my current salary and after the mortgage payment and the other home expenses, I can still spend on other things and enjoy life.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus