Detroit [[metro) is Most Affordable Market for Middle-Class Families

[Onthe405]

Out of curiosity, why would one be concerned about that door closing if they moved to a city for the cheaper COL in the first place?

As is the case with this guy, many people are driven by seeking ever-improving career opportunities, which is an entirely different motivation than looking for a place with the intent of reducing the cost of living. While this may not be true for you or me, career comes first to these folks, locale second.

Because lower COL is usually accompanied by lower salaries, the longer the career-motivated types spend in a cheaper place, the more difficult it becomes to negotiate the ever-increasing salary gap to jump back.

The key to side-stepping the "Trap" in his case might be to resist the temptation to spend the entire windfall of the Vancouver proceeds on a more extravagant residence in TX, and invest a portion elsewhere [[there might be capital gains penalty associated with that strategy, though).

Ultimately, "quality of life" is an extremely subjective & personal phrase. To each his/her own.