Yea – kids are happy if their parents are happy. Doesn’t matter where.

That being said, as someone in escrow, I do look forward to my kids inhabiting the house, yard, and neighborhood. My parents still live in the house I grew up in — its different for everybody, but I’ll say that when I go over there and see Mr. and Mrs. so and so from my childhood and my old friends walking by its pretty rich. Not necessary, for sure — but rich nonetheless.

The second reason I hadn’t bought until now (#1 = speculative bubble) is the extent of homeownership that’s purely ideological in the U.S. I’m still very skeptical of that, especially with children. Its mostly folly. But I am a part of this culture, and will, I’m sure, enjoy some of the ideological detritus while eating porridge for dinner.

Without having to explain too much, its just the right time for us.