Los Angeles – rent or move to some random city and buy a house someday?

Question

I live in Los Angeles and want to buy a house someday. However, I am torn between staying in Los Angeles and probably renting for the rest of my life (can’t afford to buy a home) or moving to more of a low key city and being able to buy a home. I have friends who live in small cities and are paying as much as I pay for rent to live in a big house. I’m in my mid-20’s and single. I like LA, but I’m wondering what you think: are there other cool places out there that also is a great place to buy/rent a home and raise a family someday or is Los Angeles the place where it’s at and totally worth it. What do you think?

Answer 1

There are so many great places to live throughout the US...that are more affordable.  

You can still live in a big city and have the arts, sports, entertainment, shopping----and actually be able to buy a house and not spend all day in traffic!  You might have to give up the nice weather all yr...but I think there are so many places that are better to raise a family than LA.

Answer 2

In the midwest, even before the housing issues of late, a decent salary could see you living like a king or queen.  A good house, for under $130,000, could be had with good credit for a salary of $30K. I know this personally. I'm not talking the weird subprime loans either, but solid bank financing.