The DC metro area is extremely congested and the cost of living is high. Housing costs are incredible, although there has been a softening in the market lately making some areas more affordable. I do believe that many people who bought their houses 20 years ago could really not afford them today. It is true that incomes are higher in this area, but I am not sure that they are high enough to meet the cost of housing if you want to live close in. Our property taxes are very high and we are reassessed regularly. Traffic just keeps getting worse. but it depends on where you live and where you need to commute. If you live farther out and have a long commute, you are spending a tremendous amount of time in your car and the cost of gas is horrendous. I plan all of my errands for mornings--after rush hour, but before noon. Depending on where you are, schools can be excellent. The weather is far better than the Northeast where I grew up, but I think that I would enjoy the weather in SC even more. Once my children are out of school, I hope to relocate to a community where my money will go farther and it will be easier to get around.