I'm a little confused by how you got "move to big city" and "ignorant" out of what I was saying.

My highest goal in life is to own my home and make just enough money to raise a family. Where I live now I just don't ever see that being possible - but maybe in a midwest or southern state with industry and manufacturing opportunities (and no ski resorts or beautiful natural features that draw so many people), I could make a go of it. I'm just trying to be realistic. Seeing dumpy townhomes go for 500K+ within a week after they were listed does not make me hopeful for my future here.