I agree NC is waaaaaay overpriced. Any house that costs 500k+ ought to have amenities that match other houses in that price range. Plus, these houses have NO yards. For some, maybe that's a plus, but for me, it's not. I like being able to run around with my dogs in my backyard, and sit on my back patio without being able to see into my neighbors' houses. Plus, I can throw loud parties without disturbing my neighbors.
Granted, it would be nice to be able to walk to go get a nice dinner, or some delicious gelato, but I'm not paying 500k for that privilege.