I went from living in the city and commuting via rail, walking to the grocery store, etc, etc to owning a house an hour out of the city, commuting via car, etc,

I went from living in the city and commuting via rail, walking to the grocery store, etc, etc to owning a house an hour out of the city, commuting via car, etc, etc. The mortgage payment is about the same as my rent. Even after all the additional costs of home ownership I am able to save more money. Then there's the quality of life improvements. I have 1500sf instead of <500. I don't have to plan my grocery shopping around the weather. My girlfriend can have a pet (and I can have a happier girlfriend). Etc. etc.