Market Data
Embracing Renting as the Right Choice for Us
My husband and I once felt the familiar pressure to buy a house, a notion deeply rooted in the American dream. However, we’ve come to realize that renting is not only a viable option but also the best decision for us right now. We love our rental home, and the freedom it offers aligns perfectly with our priorities. It’s not about chasing societal expectations but about what genuinely works for our family. Our journey to this realization wasn’t always easy, but it’s one we’re proud of.
Falling in Love with Our Rental Home
Our story began in February 2021 when we stumbled upon our current home through a Craigslist ad. The photo was far from impressive, but when we walked in, we were captivated by the natural light pouring in through the large bay window and the spacious living area. It was love at first sight. The house, a charming two-bedroom bungalow nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, was double the size of our previous NYC apartment. The attention to detail, from the crown molding to the original hardwood flooring, made it a hidden gem. We knew immediately it was the right place for us, and it quickly won over not just our hearts but also our wallets.
The Joy of Family and Community
A few months after moving in, we celebrated my daughter’s first birthday with both sides of our family. Having the space to bring everyone together was a blessing, and the fact that our relatives could visit easily was an added perk. Shortly after, we discovered we were expecting our second child, and suddenly, the pressure to find a "forever home" crept in. We thought we needed more space and felt like we were falling behind our peers. But as time went on, we realized that this pressure was rooted in societal expectations, not our own needs.
Gratitude for Our Rental Lifestyle
Fast-forward four years, and we’ve found contentment in our rental home. Paying $1,750 a month—significantly less than the average mortgage payment in Asheville, North Carolina—allows us to send our girls to the best private preschools in town. We’ve learned to be intentional about what serves us, regularly reviewing and pruning our priorities to ensure they align with our values. Our focus is on our family’s emotional and physical well-being, and this clarity has brought us peace. The old "American dream" narrative no longer holds sway over us. Renting has given us the freedom to live a life that truly matters.
Rejecting the Rat Race and Embracing Simplicity
We’ve come to reject the pressure to perform in the rat race. Life is too short to compare ourselves to others, and at the end of the day, it’s not about how we measure up but about how we’ve lived. For us, that means prioritizing health, wellness, and relationships. Renting allows us to do just that. We can afford organic and locally sourced meals, enjoy evening walks in our safe neighborhood, and rely on our supportive community. While we may not have the aesthetic of a dream kitchen or bathroom, we have what we need—and that’s enough.
Finding Success in Simplicity
We’ve learned that letting go of societal ideals has made us less stressed and more carefree. The extra mental space has allowed us to focus on what truly matters: our family. We may not have the biggest house or the most luxurious possessions, but we have happy, healthy children and a loving home. To us, that’s success. While some might see our choices as failures, we see them as victories. For us, there’s no greater joy than seeing our family thrive in a home that brings us peace and contentment. And that, we believe, is worth celebrating.
