Dude, I know. My little sis lives in SF and her little Condo is 4k/mo. Just like NYC it's an entirely different economy. Sounds great when you take a job for 200k, but then when you get out there everything is overpriced and crowded…not to mention some of the snobbiest narcissistic hipsters I have ever met (spent a little while bouncing around out there BITD). You're cool until you disagree with the groupthink…then you're cast out of the "in-crowd". It's like they preach this uber-liberal ideology yet are some of the most judgmental and intolerant people I have ever met. Don't get me wrong, I still had a blast and plan on taking the fam for a few weeks this coming year.
I've travelled pretty much everywhere and have come to the conclusion that I get along better with people who put in the extra work to live in rural areas. Their attitude and mindset are usually in line with mine so we find much common ground. I love nature, fresh air, peace, and quiet…not for everybody, but it's in my blood…and you can still get a decent chunk of land for cheap depending on where you move...
As for moving, if the dunes are as awesome as everyone says and you have easy access why leave? Sometimes you have to give a little to get a little.