TG, there are 300-325k house in Mira Mesa. You just won’t get 3000 sq-ft house for 300k here though. It’s really up to your priority, size vs commute distance. I pick commute distance. There’s nothing like going home for lunch and hang out w/ your kids for 1/2 hour mid day. Not to mention the $ you save from eating at home, the money you save from utility and maintenance of a small house vs a big house, etc. I agree with your # though. I wouldn’t go much above $350k loan if you make $100k. $350k loan w/ 4.5% 30 years will be about $1800/month. If you put 10% away to your 401k, your take home monthly is about $5200. $1800 (PI) or ~$2300 (PITI) isn’t too bad for a take home of $5200.
