Another angle to this is cost of sending kids to schools (my kids are elementary school age). I support public schools and frequently volunteer to teach stress management programs in public high schools. However, few years back, to cut down on housing costs, I purchased a condo in "very low API score school district". When my kids were ready for school, we hesitated to send to public school and choose private school. Now, my wife and I are shocked with the costs and have been inconclusive on private school vs owning a house in "good" school district.

I learnt from others that in other parts of US, we get good schools and decent house at reasonable price in Seattle/Portland/Austin etc. But uprooting entire family looks extreme at this point and we don't have stomach to do it.

Curious, as to what others in similar situation are doing.