Housing Market

I am really getting discouraged here, I am trying to buy a house on my own and I believe I make good money. Almost 70k a year, I am only pre approved to $315,000 ; I search the entire state of NJ and there is absolutely nothing. Does anyone have any advice :( I would be a first time homebuyer , I am mid 20s and I work in Middletown. Trying to stay within 1hr/1.5hrs and it seems IMPOSSIBLE ;/