How do people afford houses in places like NY, Cali, and other expensive areas?

Re: How do people afford houses in places like NY, Cali, and other expensive areas?

It is indeed a tax break to have a mortgage...yet its still very hard to be a homeowner here in NY....I really hate to think about it but I really need to go back to the work force. Hubby has a great job but one income just isnt stretching far enough here.