America has had a relatively high level of immigration since the 70s, doubling its population. Most of those people settled in the cities and their suburbs. This resulted in a higher population density in and around the cities, creating higher real estate prices. Real estate is not like a high tech gadget that can be mass produced. The first thing venture capitalist in the Silicon Valley do once they get their funding is tie down a house in a good area. That about says it all. In an age of globalization, companies don't need to hire the middle class, they can go directly to the third world, or bring in the cheap labor. There's your American dream!