I don't think you've been keeping up with home prices and insurance costs around the country. $100k take home isn't all that anymore. You're not food stamp poor, but it's easy to be house poor at that income level, especially if you're shooting for a better school district. Health insurance costs eat up so much of that it is not funny, even if you are healthy. If you or someone in your family comes down with an expensive medical condition you'll be in real trouble.