Rents for 2-bedroom apartments in my neighborhood are over $2,200/mo. I, too, bought my place when the market was in decline, and I had a lot to put down from the sale of my previous home, so my mortgage is half that.

I'm so glad that you were able to purchase your own home. It's nice knowing that you have a place that you won't be evicted from.

I really feel for young people today. I was actually on the local news talking about the ridiculous prices of homes and high rents. I bought my tiny, 2nd floor apartment for $172,000 in 2015. The City has assessed the value of this apartment (the amount that I have to pay taxes on) at $476,000. The 3rd floor apartment, above mine, which is much smaller that mine, sold 3 years ago for $385,000.

Yet, the real estate market is still hot here! Lots of corporate landlords buying up property.