Originally Posted by ilovequilts
It's currently daily highs of 79 here in sunny Arizona. Job commutes tend to be pretty short here...There are lots of very safe areas...Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Casa Grande. I am SO grateful I don't live where it snows!!!
I have to disagree on the commutes. I had 40 mile one way commutes for several years, and 20 miles is very common. That may not be as bad as some places back east, but not what I would call short.
Someone else mentioned getting a larger house very cheaply. Yes, such bargains can be found right now but, remember, although the cost of the house has gone, the cost of cooling it has not. $400+ ac bills in summer are not unusual for a larger home.