Even if you want to live near a coastal-like major city, Chicago is swimming in reasonably priced, perfectly fine houses: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandho

Even if you want to live near a coastal-like major city, Chicago is swimming in reasonably priced, perfectly fine houses: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Chicago_IL/beds-3/baths-2/type-single-family-home/price-na-250000/sqft-6/pnd-hide/fc-hide http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Chicago_IL/... For example: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/8622-S-Wabash-Ave_Chicago_IL_60619_M80093-17702 http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/8622-S-Waba... recently renovated, a block to the L, ~30 minute train ride into the Loop.