Okay, I couldn’t resist putting in my 1/2 cent (since the dollar is worth less these days!). There are obviously strong feelings on this subject, and the back and forth is becoming a classic example of how various perspectives manipulate statistics to suit themselves.
My admittedly subjective experience is that family stability and involvement are the BEST indicators of the success of a child. I agree that it is the ABILITY to provide certain economic factors, like homeownership, that are indicative of certain desirable characteristics within a family, not necessarily homeownership itself. We have moved regularly (eight towns in twelve years, including one foreign country) and have rented in seven of those eight towns. Although moving is sometimes a hassle, it has enriched our lives immeasurably. My daughter may not have gone to the same school with the same kids all her life, but she has traveled extensively and learned how to adapt to new situations and new people. Our family dynamic is the constant in our lives, not the four walls around us. The one time that we did own a house was honestly the most stressful living situation because of the burden of caring for the house by myself much of the time. In life I have learned that the only constant is change. The earlier you can accept that, the more free you’ll be.
And as for the concern that a rental could be sold out from under someone, isn’t that what apartments are for? I know sharing walls isn’t always fun, but honestly,is it a MUST to rent a sfh?
