This. I got an unexpected windfall last year that meant I could finally afford the downpayment on a house and in the Minneapolis suburbs (not exactly a "trendy"

This. I got an unexpected windfall last year that meant I could finally afford the downpayment on a house and in the Minneapolis suburbs (not exactly a "trendy" area) basic post-war (50s-70s, 2-4 bedroom) homes start at $250k unless they're exceptionally tiny or in poor condition. Just a few years ago these places were going for under $200k. If I wanted to live in a more rural area of the state I'm sure I could find homes going for $110k but for a lot of reasons I don't want to do that.