jtr1962
Flashaholic
It's not mine to sell. Besides that, not too many places in the US where you can get by without a car. That's a load of savings right there which makes up for the more expensive housing. With gas pushing $4 a gallon the last thing I would do is move anyplace I needed to drive. Honestly, the last thing I want to do is move, period, even locally. Oh, and last I checked, the prices in the suburbs weren't a whole lot cheaper (400s versus 500s). The real estate taxes in the 'burbs are totally ridiculous compared to here (~$10K versus $3,400). That's equal to another ~$100K in mortgage.Protect yourself? Sell that overvalued house and buy a cheaper place with the money. Then do something with the tons of leftover $. Ta Da!
Good idea though on buying stocks of companies unlikely to be affected by a downturn. I'll add anything having to do with basic food to your list. People have to eat.