Ridiculous or Reasonable?

I grew up in North California and would like to stay in this area. Unfortunately.. the real estate is extremely expensive here. :(

I saw a new community coming up and on sale. It said "Townhomes" so I went to go take a look.

Stopped by and asked what's open and the cost.
There was a 3 bedroom / 1150 sqft for $750,000 which I thought was not too bad (yea.. isn't it nuts). After looking into units on their map, they were all connected and sharing garages, etc. like a condo, not a townhouse.

So I asked if it's a condo or townhouse and the reply I got was "it's a townhouse style condo" I just blurted out "it's $750k for a condo?!" and the realtor replied "of course it's CUPATINO. GOod educatioN!" I was also told HOA is $450/month. Quite high so I asked if I get a pool or gym and the answer was no, but I do get insurance and I can use the pool across the street.

=( Seeing from one way, it's totally stupid I'm even considering to pay this much for a space in the air. But I felt this way 2 years ago when I was considering a 1 bdrm condo for $350k. That same condo is now worth $500k.

It feels like the longer we (renters) wait, we lose out.

I spend a lot of time saving $5-50 here and there..., but I feel like I'm being ripped off $200-300,000 on real estate. It's frustrating.