I think it varies… most all things are addictive after awhile… I would say renting is not as addictive as perhaps internet porn, but maybe it is as addictive as perhaps certain dairy products… What man has not stole a precious moment alone with a large chunk of extra sharp cheddar cheese….

Renting works for some and doesn’t for others. As it has been well chronicled, I have consistently whined about renting but I always did try to temper the whining with the “it doesn’t work for me” disclaimer. Indeed it works exceedingly well for many, dare I say, most people. For you especially it seems to work quite well. I must say, in my vicarious life through you, I imagine myself renting as well, thus saving more money in a declining market and building up virtual equity when the day of reckoning does come and you do buy a home. You are doubly rewarded as well because of the location you are in. I strongly believe that your bottom point is not nearly as far off as other areas of the county. I am not saying it is imminent but still, I think you could see ALOT of the risk unwound in your neck of the woods by 2010 sometime. Maybe not a bottom but definitely much less risky.