I think it all started with the dawn of the pandemic. This was a massive shift for all of us. For the first time in our lives, we were forced into isolation. The future was uncertain—what would happen to our world, our economy, our lives? To add to the chaos, many people lost their jobs as businesses, especially those reliant on in-person interactions, couldn’t sustain themselves. Those dreams of buying a house? They were put on hold. The immediate concern was survival. We were grateful for the government’s stimulus checks, which helped us push through those tough times, but buying a home was not on the radar.

Fast forward to now, and while the world has returned to some semblance of normalcy, it hasn’t fully recovered. The financial impact of those stimulus checks, as many experts predicted, has been significant. Businesses and individuals alike are still feeling the pinch. Many who lost their jobs did find new ones, but often these positions didn’t pay what they used to. Businesses themselves, having suffered losses, can’t pay employees what they deserve. Add the rapid advancements in technology, and we’re looking at a completely different job market.

With all these factors in play, it makes sense that more people are living in apartments. Think about it—housing prices have skyrocketed. A simple three-bedroom house now costs $500,000, $600,000, or even $700,000, when it used to be $200,000 or $300,000. In Canada, prices can go up to $7 million. In the States, houses can cost a million dollars. For someone earning a steady income, these prices are outrageous.

Look around, and you’ll notice more apartment buildings being constructed than homes. Why? Because people can afford apartment rent more easily than a mortgage. A mortgage might be $5,000 or $6,000, while apartment rent is more manageable. Apartments often come with amenities like gyms, pools, cyber cafes, and more, all designed to attract renters. And people are taking the bait because it’s becoming more affordable.

When you own a house, any damage or repairs come out of your pocket. In an apartment, you call maintenance. Sure, they might not show up immediately, but they will eventually. Complain enough, and they’ll replace your dishwasher, fix your washing machine, or change a light bulb. Maintenance costs are budgeted into the apartment complex’s expenses, not yours.

Given all these benefits, living in an apartment makes sense, especially now. Some people even move into fully furnished Airbnbs because it’s convenient and hassle-free. Many people are getting married and having children in apartments, a significant shift from the traditional route of moving into a house. People are just trying to survive, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

So, if you’re wondering if this is a bad thing or if you’re not working hard enough, let me assure you that the economy is in a completely different state. We’re all adjusting and surviving the best we can. Right now, having a wonderful home and family, even if it’s in an apartment, is perfectly fine. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Enjoy the luxury because, just like before, things will change. The American dream might have a different look now, but that’s okay.