It can of course vary, but buying a home should be as long term an investment as possible!

This Is a decent link to sum it up, but basically because of high upfront costs it takes 5 years to recoup that money.

I'm aware of that but in general if you can't stay in a place for 5 years a home purchase is a bad investment

Oh thanks! I'll check it out!

That's a good point, thanks!

I was looking at Townson some, and since my husband has to go to Philly for work pretty regularly up north makes sense for sure!

Rent, we will likely only be there 2 - 3 years

Thanks! My husband got a job in Hanover, but also goes up to Philly for work several times a month and the rent down here is getting nuts, so it's time to move!

We are paying over 3K in NOVA (it's crazy down here so that sounds great!) and grass is a plus, but even a courtyard or patio space would be great!