Someone who knows how much I enjoyed renting an apartment when I lived in the NW recently made this offer: I could live in their lovely home, rent free, but paying the monthly HOA and property tax. They want to go back up north for a few years, maybe six or seven, then come back here for retirement. I actually considered this. In the end I felt like I need the security of owning my home. When I can't take care of it I may have to do something else, but not now. Seriously, I never felt so free as I did while living in that apartment. The rents here are just too high. People know they can get seasonal rents of thousands and rather leave the rental vacant half the year than granting 12 month-leases. The unit gets half the wear and tear.
