I agree that home is where you live, not what you have, but there is a historical reason why Americans have that respect of home ownership. Home ownership has always been synonymous with freedom and success. Real estate (properly used) has historically been the best avenue to financial success.
America’s use of home ownership and land ownership was one of its reasons for being the successful nation it has become. A person who owns real estate had a bigger stake in it and therefore took care of it accordingly. So there is a reason why there is respect for home-ownership.
disclaimer: no i am not saying to buy in san diego.
