Today, young adults face a housing crunch like no other. Sky-high rents, student loans, and low wages have pushed many to stay under their parents’ roof well into their late 20s or early 30s. But this is NOT happening equally across the country.

Some cities see way more young adults living at home than others. In fact, depending on where you live, the odds of moving out by 30 can be wildly different.

Housing Crisis is the Real Culprit

In 2023, about 18% of U.S. adults aged 25 to 34 were living with at least one parent. That is almost one in five. And here is the twist: More young men (20%) than young women (15%) were still at home.

But it is not all upside. Many admit their social life takes a hit. Dating, privacy, and independence get harder when mom and dad are always around.

California

Vallejo and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura top the charts with a whopping 33% of young adults still living at home. That is one in three!

Why so high? Simple. California’s housing market is brutal. Rent is sky-high, home prices are out of reach, and even decent-paying jobs can’t keep up. For many, moving out just doesn’t make sense financially.

Texas and Florida

Other states with high rates of young adults living with parents include Texas and Florida. Cities like McAllen and Miami follow close behind California in the rankings.

In these states, it is a mix of cultural norms and economic pressure. In some communities, staying home longer is more accepted. Add in low wages and limited affordable housing, and you get more young people staying put.

The Midwest

Cities like Lincoln, Nebraska, and Bloomington, Indiana, have some of the lowest numbers of young adults living with parents, just around 3%.

So, what is different? For starters, the cost of living is much lower. Rent is cheaper, and young adults here can often afford to move out earlier, even on modest incomes. Plus, in many Midwestern towns, independence is seen as a rite of passage.

The South

Southern cities fall in the middle of the pack. Young adults in places like Atlanta or Charlotte are not fleeing the nest as fast as those in the Midwest. But they are not sticking around like their peers in California either.

Incomes stretch further here than in the Northeast or West, but rising housing prices and student loan debt still slow the move-out process. Some stay home to save for a down payment. Others just can’t swing it on their own yet.

Northeast

Young adults in the Northeast are the most likely to live with their parents, second only to the West. Big metro areas like New York and Boston are pricey, competitive, and cramped.

A lot of college grads head to these cities for work, only to realize they can’t afford rent. So they stay in their childhood bedrooms while job-hopping or paying down debt.

Social Life vs. Saving Money

Most young adults who live at home say it helps their wallets. Saving on rent, groceries, and utilities gives them a shot at paying off debt or building a financial cushion.

But there is a trade-off. Living at home often means fewer social freedoms. Hosting friends? Not so easy. Dating? Awkward. And for some, it feels like adulthood is on hold.

Still, many are making it work. Some even set rules with their parents or contribute to household expenses. Sure! It is not ideal. But in many cases, it is the only realistic option.