Rampell makes good points. Some, however, don't apply to Eugene.

Two of my children still paying on student loans live in Hawaii and for many obvious reasons aren't likely to purchase a home. I remind them of the fragile economy and even more fragile overvaluing of Hawaiian houses. What will Hawaiian housing be worth if N. Korea lobs a small nuke onto their reachable shores or a Katrina sized storm sweeps them ?

My youngest bought his first house in Eugene at 21, bought a second house with his new wife, and is shopping for another rental. Eugene has no military targets, modest house prices, mild climate, plentiful water, good soils, good health care, and room for more people. They will come whether some of us resist or not. There is already a shortage of starter homes and rent prices are increasing.

My advice to millennials... buy a house here as soon as you can, even if you have to borrow a down payment from your folks or rent rooms to friends. In ten years you'll be glad you did.