Yeah, it's just certain cities in the US that have these special prices. Here in NC/SC, I spend less than $700 per month on mortgage, property taxes, and home insurance for a 1,800 sqft house, in a safe neighborhood, good schools, and 30 minutes away from the center of a major city.
^This. Still though, even in places like Charlotte and Raleigh, you see the same thing, just to a lesser degree and you see a great deal of gentrification of the smaller outside towns (Cary/Hillsborough/Mooresville) and nearby cities like Durham as a result. People pay more for less commute times or to compete for good schools.
I'd argue though good schools in NC is a relative term. (I'm a native, and a product of their schools which I often argue I'm successful in spite of, so I can make that criticism.)
