<prompt> Human: Sorry my title isnt all that clear, but basically my situation is like this: I live in a part of the country that is experiencing a MASSIVE housing and population explosion. The real estate market here is absolutely insane. In some parts of town houses are on the market for 1-2 days before being sold. Some people are even paying 10-30K above asking price. Needless to say, its pretty crazy. This leads me to my situation. I am 26 and looking to buy my first home. My only debt is from my truck which currently sits at 20K. Ive already determined that my max house price would be 175,000 10-20 down. My problem is this, however: I want to buy a cheaper house 30 minutes away in the country away from the insanity and the city where I can get a house for 150-175 with 5 acres of land, lower county tax bill, and better house. Its also just my dream to live that lifestyle. My friends, however, are all telling me thats stupid because Ill be far away, and should take advantage of the local housing market and earn massive gains on a house that likely is: a situated near a ghettob needs considerable renovation c needs minor renovation but will be near the max of my budget Bear in mind, all the houses in city limits would take the same or longer to commute to work than the house in the country. Im fast becoming a proponent of the Dave Ramsey philosophy of financial management, which is why I would rather buy more house no renovations needed and more property while paying for it on a 15 yr fixed rate mortgage with the goal of ultimately paying it off in. I already own a business so Im not entirely concerned about making money on buying a house only to sell it in 3-5 years which my friends are doing. I feel like a house is form of security so long as its affordable and the expenses are strictly planned. My ultimate goal with a house is to buy something that is well within my budget, needs minimal to no repairs, and needs no renovation. Moreover, I want to pay it off in 15 years or less and then when the mortgage is paid off. More importantly, I want to enjoy where I live---not view it as a stepping stone to something better. Am I wrong with this thinking?  <response>: Who cares what your friends think?! Your house, your money. Do what YOU want to do. Do what makes YOU happy with YOUR money. 