I have a deep-seated aversion to popcorn ceilings. That uneven, grimy texture that practically shouts, “1983 WAS A DESIGN DISASTER!” has been a constant in my life. Each rental I’ve lived in, within my budget and desired locations, has been marred by those ceilings. As I lie in bed at night, gazing up at the worn surface above, I dream of a day when I’ll finally own my own home again. A home with smooth ceilings—what a delight that will be!
For now, my partner and I are part of the 37% of Americans who rent. What we initially thought would be a short-term situation has turned into a more extended journey. The housing market crashed just after we bought our first home, which devastated our credit—much like it did for many others across the nation. Our current circumstances leave us with no choice but to rent, and if I hear one more person say, “But buying is so much cheaper!” I might just lose my cool. Yes, I’m aware that purchasing a house is often more financially sound than paying rent, but securing a loan is simply not an option for us right now.
Throwing away $18,000 annually in rent feels frustrating. Our area has sky-high rental prices because of the excellent public school my kids attend. Other neighborhoods have cheaper rent, but the education quality just doesn’t compare. So, we make it work. I’d much prefer to spend that money on things like laser treatments for spider veins or summer camps for my kids. With that kind of cash, we could take a vacation in Hawaii or even invest in permanent eyelash extensions—or perhaps treat my husband to some unwanted hair removal. We could stash that money away for the future or even buy a cow, who knows?
Instead, we use our hard-earned money to keep a roof over our heads. Our interior doors bear scratches left by the previous tenants’ dog, and I sometimes worry that visitors think we caused the damage. Our oven, too small for standard cookie sheets, reminds me of my cooking mishaps—like the time I nearly set the kitchen ablaze.
Beige, mauve, and forest green dominate rental spaces, and I detest them all. When I tell people we’re renting, a pang of disappointment hits me; it feels like a setback. Shouldn’t we be homeowners? Isn’t that part of the American dream? Owning something, having the freedom to renovate without worrying about losing a hefty deposit?
Despite feeling like we’re missing the mark on adulthood, I’ve come to understand that renting doesn’t equate to failure. In fact, it can be the opposite. Years spent under those popcorn ceilings have changed my perspective. I used to feel embarrassed about our situation, but now I’m simply thankful for having shelter. Maybe it’s maturity, or perhaps I’ve just stopped caring. The ideals of the American dream are shifting, and what once mattered doesn’t hold the same weight anymore—it’s liberating.
Renting comes with its own set of advantages. My partner and I are notoriously bad at home maintenance, so it’s a relief that we aren’t responsible for fixing the gutters when they get damaged. We’ve had great landlords who appreciated our quiet tenancy and responded promptly to any requests. Our landlord fixed the kitchen light faster than my partner ever could, and when our air conditioning unit failed, it was a huge relief not having to pay for repairs. Even when my boys discovered termites in the fence, that wasn’t our cost to bear. When our neighbor wanted help replacing the backyard fence, I simply directed him to the property owner. As a mother juggling three kids, being able to say, “That’s not my responsibility,” is kind of nice.
Renting isn’t forever. It offers us the chance to really consider what we want in our next home should we decide to buy again. I like to think that living in less-than-perfect places and sometimes struggling with rent builds character. Ultimately, I realize how fortunate we are to have a roof over our heads. In the grand scheme of things, those popcorn ceilings aren’t so terrible.
For more on navigating parenthood, check out our post on home insemination kits at Make A Mom. If you’re curious about your expected arrival date, Intracervical Insemination provides great insights. Additionally, this resource from ASRM is an excellent guide for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while renting may not fit the traditional mold of success, it offers its own set of benefits and opportunities for growth. Embracing this lifestyle has led to a newfound appreciation for the shelter we have and the flexibility to shape our future.