Well, life is certainly all about choices. If you choose to live in a dump of an unpleasant place because it's just easier, then you must be able to see the value in that.
The housing markets EVERYWHERE are a mess right now. Have been putting off buying a house for over two years, will probably be able to get serious in another coupla years. Still looking for our personal Nirvana, but have yet to locate it. So many choices and opportunities, it's hard to decide. I am starting to think I actually need TWO homes for retirement.