[elc]

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.

[RockinRight]

I was looking at the Greensboro, NC or Greenville, SC area.

[goldstategop]

Its the cost of living that is driving people out of high priced areas more than the mortgage. You could put up with a slightly higher mortgage, if your other out of pocket expenses were lower. But if they aren't, there's nothing left at the end of the month after the mortgage is paid and no one wants to live like that. So never get a mortgage that has you paying 2-3G a month. You're one step away from foreclosure if something happens and you can no longer keep up with the payments.

"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

[riverdawg]

Matthews, NC is fine as long as you don't have to commute into Charlotte during rush hour, which is a nightmare. Before you move, check out the various suburban commuting times during a typical weekday morning and evening if you plan to work in Charlotte.

[linda_22003]

We can easily afford Northern Virginia on our two incomes.... because we bought our house 17 years ago! I do remember thinking what an adventure it was going to be to meet the mortgage on a $190,000 house.