[Laneco]

Okay, first - when I saw the title of this forum I thought you had just given your children swimming lessons with great success... Had to really laugh when I realized what you meant by "my boys can swim"...

We live in southern Oregon where the housing is somewhat overpriced given the average income level. Median housing price here is something like 280-290,000. Most of the jobs here in the valley don't pay enough for a single income family to afford the housing here. But we have a huge number of CA transplants. They sell their pricey CA homes and cash one out here. Then the lower income level is a pretty moot point as there is no "golden handcuffs" mortgage. They get decent schools, wonderful outdoor activities and some FUN FUN roads to drive on.

The most important thing to you is your family. You have already answered your question. You believe your family would be better off to move. The situation you describe will allow you to move, cash out a nice home, live in a good neighborhood with good schools. You'll trade off a bit in your job. But your job is only part of your life. You probably are contributing 60-70 hours per week to work (commute etc). But that leaves the other 100 hours to "life." Set yourself in the position that affords the majority of your time (the 100 hours) to the best situation.

You are in a very good position to steer your life down a most pleasant path for your entire family. I suggest you take it. angela