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Can We Please Improve America So Our Kids Move Out Before They Hit 30?
In recent times, adults are living with their parents at an unprecedented rate, the highest in 130 years. While our children may jokingly say they want to stay with us “forever,” deep down, we envision the day their rooms transform into our dream spaces, whether it’s a personal gym, a sewing nook, or an expansive closet. However, the truth is that an increasing number of young adults are still residing in their parents’ homes well into their late twenties and early thirties.
America, can we please get it together so our kids can experience independence before they turn 30?
A glance at the Pew Research Center’s findings reveals a startling statistic: in 2014, for the first time in over a century, adults aged 18 to 34 were more likely to be living with their parents than with a spouse or partner. This trend harks back to a time when young women were expected to remain at home under close watch until they found a suitable partner. How far we’ve come, right?
But let’s get serious. A quick search will show that multiple factors contribute to this situation, primarily financial. Many of us are still grappling with student loans, and with the rising costs of education, it’s no wonder young adults feel the weight of these burdens. Living at home can help them save money while they pay off their debts. With the increasing prevalence of master’s degrees, which don’t come cheap, it’s easy to see why staying at home a bit longer can be appealing.
Even though unemployment rates are the lowest they’ve been in years, many young adults are choosing to stay home longer than previous generations. This could be due to exorbitant rent prices in many urban areas, where it’s often more affordable to buy a house than to rent an apartment.
However, the most significant factor seems to be the shift in the average age of marriage, which has climbed to 27 for women and nearly 30 for men. Pew indicates that this trend is largely driven by a marked decrease in young Americans opting to settle down before turning 35.
So, parents, it’s time to step in and encourage our children to venture out into the world sooner rather than later. My personal fitness studio isn’t going to create itself, after all. One of my kids needs to move out to make way for my aspirations!
Jokes aside, while it’s great for young adults to take their time in finding a partner, we also cherish our own space. Sure, having them home can be beneficial—especially if they’re contributing to household expenses—but it can also be a bit cramped. A friend of mine, Alex, lived with his parents until almost 27, which is young compared to the Pew data indicating this trend extends to 34. Though they loved him, his late-night jam sessions and his knack for devouring groceries in record time led to some inevitable tension. There’s a reason why young birds must eventually leave the nest—it’s part of growing up.
So, kids, we’ll always support you and offer a roof over your heads (cringe), but maybe consider moving out before you hit your 30s? We love you, but we also want our lives back at some point.
For more insights, check out this blog post on home insemination. Also, if you’re looking for an authoritative resource, Make A Mom is a great place to explore your options. And for those curious about pregnancy, Healthline offers excellent information on IVF.
Summary
In recent years, a growing number of young adults are living with their parents longer than ever before, often until their late twenties or early thirties. Economic factors, including student debt and high living costs, contribute to this trend. As the average age of marriage continues to rise, parents are left hoping for an earlier exit. While supporting their children is essential, many parents also wish to reclaim their space and independence.