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No, I’m Not Embarrassed About ‘Still Renting’
I have a serious aversion to popcorn ceilings. That lumpy, dusty texture that shouts, “1983 was a design disaster!” has been a consistent part of my adult life, as every rental within my budget in the neighborhoods I love has come with those ceilings. Lying in bed at night, staring up at the worn ceiling of our current place, I often dream of the day when I’ll own a home again. Someday, I’ll have smooth ceilings, and it will be fantastic.
Until that dream is realized, my partner and I find ourselves among the 37% of Americans who rent their homes. What we thought would be a brief situation has stretched into a much longer chapter. The housing market crash hit right after we purchased our first house, which damaged our credit along with countless others. Right now, renting is our only option, and if I hear one more person say, “But buying is so much cheaper!” I might just lose it. Trust me, I understand the financial logic behind buying a home instead of paying rent, but securing a loan isn’t in the cards for us.
I dislike watching $18,000 vanish each year. Rentals in our area are steep due to the exceptional public school my kids attend. There are cheaper options elsewhere, but the quality of education doesn’t compare. We make it work, though I often think of all the wonderful things we could do with that money—like getting laser treatments on my legs or sending the kids to summer camp. Heck, we could even take a fabulous vacation to Hawaii or treat ourselves to some luxurious services. Instead, we allocate that cash to keeping a roof over our heads.
Our interior doors are scratched from the previous tenants’ dog, and I often worry that visitors assume we did it. Our oven is too small for a standard cookie sheet, but that’s alright; I barely have time to cook as it is, and the last time I tried, I nearly set the place ablaze. I also have a strong dislike for the color beige, which is a common theme in rentals. Mauve, forest green, and wallpaper are also too prevalent for my taste. Admitting to others that we’re renting sometimes feels like a failure; doesn’t the American dream revolve around homeownership? The freedom to renovate and improve your space without fear of losing your deposit?
Despite feeling like we’re doing adulthood wrong at times, I’ve come to realize that renting doesn’t equate to failure. In fact, it can be liberating. Years of living under popcorn ceilings have taught me a thing or two. I used to be ashamed of our situation, but now I’m simply thankful for shelter. Perhaps this shift in perspective is a sign of maturity, or maybe I’ve just stopped worrying about societal expectations. The American dream is evolving, and what once mattered significantly doesn’t hold the same weight anymore.
Renting comes with both pros and cons. For one, my partner and I struggle with home maintenance, so it’s a relief that we’re not responsible for fixing the gutter when a branch falls on it. We’ve been fortunate to have wonderful landlords who appreciate our reliability as tenants. They respond quickly to our needs and, since we take care of the property, they seem eager to do the same for us. Honestly, our kitchen light gets fixed faster by our landlord than it would if my partner were in charge, and when our air conditioner malfunctions, I’m relieved that we won’t be stuck with the repair bill. When our kids discovered termites in the fence post, it was a relief not to have to cover the costs, and when our neighbor suggested splitting the cost of a new fence, I simply directed him to the owner. As a mom responsible for three little humans, it’s nice to say, “I’m not in charge of that.”
Renting isn’t forever. It gives us time to consider what we truly want in a future home, should we decide to buy again. I like to think that navigating these less-than-ideal circumstances—and sometimes struggling to meet rent—is character-building. Most importantly, I recognize our good fortune in having a place to live. In the grand scheme of things, those popcorn ceilings aren’t so bad after all.
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In conclusion, while renting may feel like a setback at times, it can also provide flexibility and relief from the burdens of homeownership. Embrace where you are in life, and remember that having a roof over your head is a privilege.