Sometimes I wish I would have just gotten an apartment, but I was coaxed into buying to appease the lady. The house is a huge money sink. You're essentially passing all the value to the banks. I could live in a shed and be happy. (Especially if I didn't have to pay taxes, insurance, etc.)
While our mortgage really isn't bad, the cumulative effects of all other costs hurt. I'd say our overall payment has increased at least 40% in the last 5 years.
It does expand costs a lot - there are so many "extras" that are needed for a house. However, it might also come with some benefits for the kids too.
I think some time in the future I'd like to move to a more rural area. I had a blast in that environment when I was a kid.