Housing prices in the Bay Area aren't worth it

Nationally, housing prices have increased 112.1% since 1996 (Source: zillow.com). The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 113.4% in that time (Source: djindexes.com).

Since 1996, housing prices in California have increased 269.2%. The average house in Mountain View, CA has increased 229.4%. A $500,000 home in Mountain View in 1996 now averages $1,649,000.

We're moving on. We're upgrading from a 950 sq ft apartment in the Bay Area. In Seattle, we can live in a brand new 4,200 sq ft house with 28,000 sq ft of land and a garage bigger than our current apartment.

We're hopeful we'll find a sense of community. We're hopeful our neighbors won't be financially stretched beyond their means and fighting to survive.