That is one of the reasons I decided NOT to take the job in Decatur. It is commuting distance to Ft Worth, therefore subject to the bidding wars from outsiders and the home prices skyrocketed in the timeframe it took my HR department to move forward with my transfer.
I grew up about the same distance from Oklahoma City as Decatur is to Ft Worth. It is a good distance to be away from a major city. You can still shoot deer off your back porch but you could also get t an international airport in 45 minutes.
I really, really wanted that promotion but I have one coming where I am at. I feel like I am behind enemy lines here in California. I can't afford a house here but I live in Forest Service housing on the Forest and the compound abuts a designated wilderness area and it's cheap rent. I can afford 2 houses in Oklahoma so I am going to sit tight until I can make the perfect timing on a move. That is why I would suggest @MopaR&D get some money together and wait for the coming crash. It's going to happen. If you are EVER wanting to buy a house I think the coming burst of the bubble is going to be the perfect time. I have friends that bought in 2009 -2011 and 5 years later they had over 100K in equity. You can't get that in the stock market.