You were also raised in an era that was far more affordable. I am and always have been highly independent. I got my first place when I was 17 and paid $450/mo. That's not even possible where I live anymore.

It's not the same environment for my kids as it was for me. It's just not.

If you look around the world you'll find that the happiest countries are the countries where there is a strong sense of community. I'm happy for you that you learned to be independent through sink or swim - the question is are you actually happy?

A multi-generational home, like the one I live in, provides a safety net, a sense of community and belonging, as well as far greater wealth building potential. Instead of throwing money away on rent, my kids are able to save up to buy their own property - or simply stay living here and amass wealth. Every individual paying for a separate place to live, utilities, internet, etc. is simply wasteful.

The whole "I turned out ok" argument is garbage. Just because it was done that way and you turned out ok doesn't make it the best way.