The positives are the attractive city location within a big, growing population...in a city with strong job growth within the health and education sectors, among other big employers. 

@Juan M Restrepo If renting out apartments is something you are considering doing long term it may be worth having a lease agreement written out by a local attorney boiler plate style so you can use it over and over again with the specifics of the new tenant info being the only things that change. 

They can have linear, slow-growth for a period of time followed by period of moderate cyclical-style appreciation.

This cluster of towns seem viable because of a high concentration of colleges, state offices, quality public schools and a strong economic base.

Washington DC market is strong, location is critical!

Had a plumbing issue a couple months ago and probably overpaid to have it fixed, but if you financials and cash flow are strong you can weather a couple smaller rookie mistakes - and get to learn along the way!

I live in Austin, TX and the market here seems to be strong, but definitely overpriced too.Interesting idea about China. 

You should move to a less expensive apartment, cut all unnecessary expenses to the bone and adopt a more frugal life style.

They all have strong and weak points.

If you are looking for a buy and long term hold then you will want a very strong area with good growth.