With my NYC salary and ALSO saving for down payment I obviously still can't afford to own any NYC real estate. I have friends who do own houses out in suburban

With my NYC salary and ALSO saving for down payment I obviously still can't afford to own any NYC real estate. I have friends who do own houses out in suburban and rural areas. While it is expensive for them, because they do not have NYC salaries, I could afford their homes quite easily. Their monthly payments are often a fraction of my rent. The problem is that if I move out to the sticks, my salary will also go way way down. If anyone knows how I can make NYC money and not live in NYC, let me know. Actually, never mind. I would rather keep paying rent and not owning than live outside NYC. What do I care anyway if I pay monthly rent or monthly mortage payments? I have food, shelter, and everything else. Who cares that I don't technically own the place I live in?