Is it incumbent upon a Muslim to wish to live in Mecca and the holy places, and is it obligatory for him to love them more than his own country?

Mecca is the dearest land to Allah, and loving it is part of love for Allah, which is among the highest ranks of faith, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "By Allah, you are the best of Allah's lands and the dearest of Allah's lands to Allah. Had I not been expelled from you, I would not have left." A Muslim should love Mecca and the rest of the holy lands more than their love for any other land. However, wishing to live in those lands is not an obligation.