Eighteen used to be the age that young adults looked forward to for one reason: moving out. However, a recent Pew Research Center analysis of a 2014 census says that for the first time in approximately 130 years, more young adults are living at home than on their own.
People ages 18-34 are more likely to be living with their parents than on their own or with a partner, according to Pew Research Center analysis. An examination of 2014 census data showed there was a major shift in education, employment and marital status, and this is largely due to where people are living.
The Pew Research Center found that in 2014, 32.1 percent of people in this specific age group were living at home with their parents, while 31.6 percent were living with a romantic partner and 36.3 percent were living on their own.
However, the study noted that 1940 was the year with the highest amount of Americans ages 18-34 living with their parents, at approximately 35 percent of this age group.
The analysis of data found that the main factor contributing to more young adults living at home than on their own is due to a decrease in the amount of Americans who settle down before the age of 35 with a romantic partner.
Since 1880, people ages 18-34 have most commonly lived with a significant other, according to the analysis.
Jasmine Garcia is an ASU student living at home and believes that there is no rush to settle down with a romantic partner. While she does have a boyfriend, she will not consider moving in with him for at least a few more years, even if it would save them both money.
“We have our whole life to live together,” Garcia said.
Abbey Colorafi, another ASU student living at home, agrees. Though she has a serious boyfriend, she is still hesitant to cohabitate.
“I don’t like to be financially dependent on someone,” Colorafi said as she expressed her fear of being trapped in a lease agreement after a romantic relationship turns sour.
Fluctuation in wages and employment have also contributed to the higher number of young adults living with their parents, according to Pew Research Center.
While this study found only a small increase in the impact college tuition had on young adults living at home, college students still feel the pressure to live at home due to the financial burden of a higher education.
Colorafi is in the third year of her biology major. With plans to go to medical school, Colorafi sees the benefit in sacrificing a chance to live on her own in order to pursue a career in medicine.
“I have the daunting cost of medical school in the back of my mind when thinking about finances. So, the option to save $10,000 a year, which could go toward medical school, travel, books and housing, sounds more appealing than spending it on a subpar apartment.”
Gabbie Hester is an ASU student who just moved back home after briefly living in an apartment with friends. She appreciates saving money on rent, utilities and food, as well as being surrounded by her supportive family while in college.
“I think that on campus housing is just so extremely expensive that even people who live in state have to live at home, especially people with low income families. I wish I could have lived on campus my freshman year, but my scholarship only covers my tuition.”
According to these students, living at home past the age of 18 is not as bad as it may seem, especially while in school.
“College is expensive and certainly not getting cheaper. In the long run, living at home is totally worth it and you get the added perks of more time with family,” Garcia said. “And free dinner.”
