I'm a Zillennial who built a five-bedroom house with my parents and I don't know why more 30-year-olds aren't doing it

Tue, 04/25/2023 - 16:54

San Diego home of Jonathan C — When Jonathan, 30, moved back in with his parents in 2020, they decided to take things a step further and own a home (pictured) together.
Jonathan C.

In May 2020, my parents and I decided to purchase an empty lot and build a home for the three of us.
As a Mexican-American, living with my parents as an adult is more culturally acceptable.
There were some arguments and tough conversations along the way, but it all worked out.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jonathan C., a 30-year-old elementary school teacher based in San Diego, Calif. According to Zillow, the average value of a San Diego home in May 2020 was about $650,000. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I've lived with my parents on and off for the past 10 years, so in 2020, we decided to make a more permanent joint investment in our living situation.