People have to move out of HCOL areas. That's the only way. Everyone talks about job hopping to increase your income faster than inflation. Okay, job hop to somewhere in the midwest. Everyone has all these excuses like "oh I don't want to move away from my parents" or "it will be so tough on the kids". Your kids will get through it. Your parents will understand. You will find new friends. Shit, bring your friends with. Why you continue to live in an area where this is literally the only home you can afford just baffles me. In my neighborhood there are 3B/4B 3000 sq ft houses for $300,000. In 2 hours I can drive to a major metro downtown and have endless entertainment options, or go to the busiest airport in the country. It's not the middle of nowhere like everyone in California makes it seem. If you really really really feel like you have to live in LA/SF/Seattle, think about how much are you really taking advantage of what those urban centers offer? How often are you going to the beach? Or a professional sports game? Once a month? Literally any other city will have parks and gyms and basic shopping. If you're only doing those things once a month anyway, what difference does it make if downtown is 2 hours away rather than 30 mins? MOVE AWAY.