I cannot work in rural areas permanently. There is simply not the required availability of work in my career. I have to work in the city which means if I don't want a long commute, I have to live in the city.

I do, however, completely understand where he is coming from in the article. There is no way a couple on a combined income of 100K could afford a mortgage of anything near what is required to buy a house (or apartment) within 10kms of Melbourne CBD. At least not the eastern side.