There are lots of good, regional, real estate markets.
Small houses in my small town in Montana (1,500 sq. ft.) start at $250,000. You want to live near downtown? Have $500,000.
A nice sized 4-5 bedroom home near downtown can reach $1,500,000.
We have homes within 50 miles of here (ski areas) that go for over $25,000,000.
People buy in SF, NY and other places. Just try not to buy in Weirton, WV...
What does one do for work out that way?
Either Whitefish or Bozeman, no others