Several readers are looking at inexpensive areas in every direction. "Once I have my rainy day fund in the bag and I can live in the hills in the far north for a few years if need be. Or buy a villa in central America for cash. Just in case the U.S. get 'ruff'" Another said,

"Eastern Sierra looks good to me, there’s plenty of wind and sun for power, and you could always 'tap' into the aqueducts."

Another, "You are right! And places are not that expensive out there. I did a lot of hiking and biking in the region over a span of 11 years. Interestingly, many people overlook the area. There are some pockets even in the desert 'hills' that are not considered part of the Sierra and they could be fine too."

One agreed, "On the Eastern Sierra: That has alway been my favorite region to hike and explore as well! If one had money salted away and enjoys unpopulated regions with vast expanses of Sagebrush, desert peaks and volcanic-lava terrain then the eastside is the place."

"I always favored Lone Pine as my favorite little ESide village. A popluation of Cal Coastal expatriates have purchased decent homes and properties(and bid up the prices momentarily). Next several years I expect properties in Eastide to plummet, and there will be steals galore."

One looks outside of the United States. "I’d like to see a discussion of overseas real estate. There are still some places that are inexpensive (methinks). I like Central America. Caribbean is nice but could be too expensive. A buddy of mine (American) is having his escape haven built right now in Jamaica overlooking the water."

"I like Costa Rica, but the prices have gone up tremendously. The great thing about going international is that you are looking at bigger markets. When you expand your choices of where to buy, you have a chance of finding better values, rather than being only in the U.S."

One said, "Great topic. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatamala, Chile,? I know several of us entertain the fantasy of an escape hatch out of the US just in case the Greater Depression is not so much fun… Price per square foot, stability of Govt, predicted impact of US crash on local RE market, rent vs. buy pros and cons, currency issues, amount of nice RE near ocean, quality of waves for surfing, and any incubation period for pets are some relevant issues."

Others look farther afield, "I’d love to live in India. Kerala or Pondicherry to be more specific, but there’s a fierce RE bubble there too. Also in other places I like such as Sydney or New Zealand."

And another, "New Zealand or Montenegro for me." One had a more specific question."Great topic…anybody have insight on Vancouver Island?…I love it there…or in BC?"

A reply, "Great place, I spent all summer cruising there on our boat. Prices are very high, same for the YVR area. Everyone in YVR thinks the olympics will save their bubble, I doubt it. Right now my pals on the Island say the prices are easing a little but not much."

One likes Central America. "I follow Costa Rica somewhat closely since I started going there to surf 2 years ago. The new hot spot is Nicaraugua, lots more flights being opened up to there, articles on people buying their dream places, etc. Still rough from what I gather, but some people like adventure."

"Costa has had a lot of 'investors' from the US who are dumber than dirt buy places in the middle of nowhere. They are already starting to sell. It will take some time to clear out the excesses, just like in the US. The roads are rough, amenties limited, but if you love good surf, good food, and want to get away from so called civilization, it’s hard to beat."

"I also hear Vietnam is quite a deal right now. Cheap, and good waves."

One suggests the discussion include the pratical. "Plus info on laws and law enforcement. Don’t want to spend umpteen years in a 16th century prison just because you accidentally turned down the wrong street."