I used to live in Lake County and worked on a project in Grass Valley so I would drive highway 20 frequently. 

Like VCs do all the time in Silicon Valley.

I am in the Lehigh Valley area.

The valley is growing so much, so there is definitely a lot of information to digest. 

., particularly in the Verde Valley and Sonoita areas.

If the Bay Area is out of reach with high prices, I suggested Sacramento or Central Valley - I don't know much about the Central Valley except my local agent recommended Turlock and another agent said Fresno.

Although Dave Del Gotto name is Del Dotto  now successful vintner in the Napa Valley.. 

Worth - 10.9%Chicago - 10.8%Silicon Valley - 8.3%Phoenix - 7.0%Atlanta - 6.1%Hillsboro - 5.1%New York / Tri-State - 3.7%

Most condos in the valley are not FHA approved.

I live in the SF Bay Area and have decided to buy my first single-family home.I fully acknowledge and recognize that the SF Bay Area and California (in general) may have some of the worst cash flow numbers in the entire country.I've already traveled to cheaper Midwestern states to look at real estate opportunities, but have decided to invest here in the SF Bay Area as I'm purchasing with the intention of living in it first and foremost, and then renting it out sometime in the near future when I move overseas.I'm looking for anywhere in the Greater Bay Area/Northern California region (even Sacramento & Central Valley is okay) with better than average purchase price to rent ratio, and some appreciation (if possible).