Smart Asset, a personal finance technology company, conducted research to find out what geographical areas have the least stressed residents.

For the middle class today, homeownership is well within reach in some parts of the country, but in others, it's more of a pipe dream than the American Dream. Even after taking income differences into account, homeownership affordability varies hugely across the country.

There is nothing that hammers this point home more than driving though middle America, stopping at gas stations in small towns and big cities, and getting to see and interact with those who do not live "inside the Beltway."

OK, I'll just blurt it out: I am moving to the Midwest. Please calm down, especially you, Mom and Dad. I know you never saw this coming and I suspect you have questions and concerns. I've anticipated some of them below.