AEE 216: Find Out Why Americans Don't Want to Live at Home

This episode explores the societal expectation in the U.S. that young adults move out of their parents' homes around age 18, contrasting this with cultural norms in other parts of the world. Against this backdrop, the hosts share personal anecdotes; one host, raised in Hawaii, describes a more fluid living situation where proximity to family and high living costs often lead to extended family cohabitation, even during college. More significantly, the discussion pivots to the experience of moving out in the context of high rent in major cities like New York, where financial independence often requires significant sacrifices in living conditions. For instance, one host recounts living in a cramped, shared apartment, highlighting the trade-off between independence and comfortable living. In contrast, the perceived social stigma associated with living at home after college is discussed, with references to reality TV illustrating this cultural bias. Ultimately, the conversation reveals a tension between the American cultural emphasis on independence and the economic realities that often make it difficult for young adults to live independently, particularly in expensive urban areas.