Yes, I hear this often from buyers moving here from other states. Our income to expense ratio is less favorable than many locations around the US. The recent hot market was out of control and forced the price of the average home out of range to the average Jane.

The truth is, I'm not certain I would be able (or willing!) to afford my own home at the price it would command today. And that's sad.

The good news is that prices are leveling off somewhat and there are still many great home values in the area. Naturally, you'll want to employ a savvy real estate broker to help you navigate the huge range of options.

sam, perhaps you'd find the trulia heat maps helpful....defining average prices by area.

I provided the trulia link for the "heat map" for clark county below, you could choose the county you are looking in or by city

Hi Sam! It appears you are from Princeton NJ? I have a brother there! Answering your question, I think it is very relative to where you are coming from. I have many buyers coming from california who are suprised at how much they can buy here! and buyers from NJ, MI, CO, TX, who find it difficult to make the transition. the link below is a complete DEMOGRAPHIC of a single neighborhood in Vancouver, to give you a look at incomes, expenses, average home prices, etc. Let me know if I can help you find another neighborhood!