Just to put things in perspective a little as to the price of living around here...

I bought my last house in 2001, and sold it last year - after having done some projects of varying size/cost - for more than twice what I paid for it. While that sounds nice in and of itself, I was buying in the same market, so that limits the advantage somewhat.

Still, while there are plenty of great places to visit, I wouldn't trade living here for anywhere else.