Two Northern Virginia counties (Fairfax and Prince William) have some of the highest median incomes in the United States. Loudoun County is among the fastest, if not the fastest, growing counties in America. The unemployment rates are far below national averages. What does that get you?

The region's wages rose 9 percent on average from 2000 to 2002, the report said, but median home prices went up 37 percent during that time. The share of homes selling for $400,000 or more is rising, and the share selling for less than $140,000 is falling.

This graphic accompanies the WaPo article which provides details from a report released by the Fannie Mae Foundation and the Urban Institute.

It makes it tough for those on fixed incomes, such as the elderly, or otherwise regulated (not based on the free-market demand) incomes such as teachers and firefighters to buy homes and not endure horrific daily commutes. I remember years ago seeing articles in the paper about teachers and police driving hours to commute into Silicon Valley towns. I appreciate the strong job market here and the way my house is appreciating in value, but it is worrisome to see some of the side-effects.

I also wonder if there's a bubble, waiting to pop.