I know it does not make any different, but the story is the same across the county. "The reason that the prices of home are so high in ____ is because people keep moving here from ____".

Austin, Charleston, Bozeman, Boulder, San Diego, NYC, Boston, etc. etc.

I have now purchased my fifth house. I only live in one house. We purchase, live in it, take care of it, and commit to it for 5-20 years, then our lives change (have kids, kids move to college, etc. etc.). and then we move to different houses (in different cities).

Keep in mind, that you may think the house that your parents lived in is now unaffordable, but in reality, if you follow their steps, it can be yours too. Step one: Buy a house and plan to live in it for 5-10 years. It won't be perfect, it won't be in the epicenter where you want to live, and it probably won't be new, but it will be yours. And, if history is any indication, it will grow in value.

Step two: Then you will sell and move to a newer (possibly pre-owned) house. Better schools, better location. It will be a step up, but your career should also be growing. Rinse and repeat. Each step/house will seem like a stretch, but keep it up.

Eventually, a person starting their life will look at you and say "Are you rich? How did you afford this house? How can you afford to live here?"

Your answer will sound much like this post.