> "In the attractive cities housing is very expensive" I've never found high cost-of-living cities to be particularly more attractive than average cost-of-livi

> "In the attractive cities housing is very expensive" I've never found high cost-of-living cities to be particularly more attractive than average cost-of-living cities. I definitely wouldn't consider Oakland (40% higher than US average COL) an attractive city. Certainly not more attractive than Orlando (2% lower than US average COL). But of course, what city we consider "attractive" is also a choice. If one considers Manhattan to be the most attractive because of some particular attribute, then choosing to live in the most attractive space is going to be costly and perhaps out of reach with a single middle class income. But a single middle class income is plenty to live in a comfortable house in a decent neighborhood in Denver, Kansas City, or Dallas, and many people find those places quite attractive.