Figuring Out Your 20s: Housing
The most important things to consider when figuring out housing in your 20s are deciding where you want to live, who you want to live with and making a home wherever you are.
(Grant via Unsplash)
Your housing situation is one of the most critical areas of life in your 20s. Going to college away from home prepared me for the world of housing as a 20-year-old.
Nearly 30% of Gen Z live at home with their parents and it’s generally a better financial move than moving into an apartment. When you consider rent increases, paying utilities and fees, and high inflation rates, it makes sense to live with your parents and save money. I decided not to live with my parents mainly because I found better job opportunities after college that weren't in the same state my family lived in. Experiencing the costs of renting in college made the decision easy. Deciding to live with your parents or move out depends on the pros and cons and what financial decision you're willing to make.
If you decide to move out, it's time to determine if roommates are the way to go. I strongly considered living with a roommate and if this was something I saw for myself right now. I advocate for living with roommates, mainly for financial reasons and if you're not ready to live alone. Living with roommates is all about aligning on your non-negotiables and what you're willing to compromise. I value having my own space and experiencing quiet as much as possible. I'm fortunate to live in a city where a roommate is optional for a decent-sized apartment at an affordable price. However, I'd highly consider living with someone if I lived somewhere like New York City or wanted to save money every month.
Housing comes with so many surprises. Particularly, when you decide to rent, if you move out will influence how much you pay monthly. The summer is generally more expensive, while the fall and winter are cheaper. Living in any downtown or metropolitan city means paying more for little things you wouldn't if you were at home or in a suburban neighborhood. I was shocked when I learned you could easily spend $350 to park your car every month.
The most important things to consider when figuring out housing in your 20s are deciding where you want to live, who you want to live with and making a home wherever you are.