"John A. Weeks III" writes:

As far as prices go, that is a regional thing. Here in the
midwest, you can build a brand new 3 bed 2 bath with 3 car
garage for $125K, or buy used houses in the city for $25K.
Granted, you will not have all the hustle and bustle of
the west coast, but then again, you will get a quiet crime-
free way of life.

You're not going to build anything in a major metropolitian area like
Minneapolis/St. Paul for $125k unless you want to live way,way out in the
bonnies. The land alone costs $60k easy these days.

Brian Elfert