As single women buy homes in unprecedented quantities, and much more frequently than men, Kate Bolick asks if female homeownership is liberating or limiting.
As demographic changes lead to greater numbers of single women purchasing homes, 22% of all homebuyers in 2006 versus 11% in 1981, Bolick wonders if the "ineffable" qualities of homeownership outweigh the risks exposed by the housing crisis.
Bolick claims that, "the housing crisis is our chance to reconsider the centrality of homeownership to the national psyche. Buying a home still works for many people, but it should no longer be taken as the embodiment of the American dream."
In weighing the pros and cons of homeownership versus renting for single women, Bolick finds that, "What most of us look for in a home-a sense of security, safety and comfort-can be found without making such a major and complicated financial investment, one that, as the housing crisis has proved, can too easily end in calamity."
FULL STORY: For Women, Is Home Really So Sweet?
Opinion: Federal Policies That Could Ease the Housing Deficit
The president of Habitat for Humanity has some suggestions for U.S. lawmakers.
Report: Just 7 Percent of Homes for Sale Affordable to Black Households
The affordability crisis continues to impact American households across the board, with 16 percent of listings affordable to the average household.
How the Housing Market is Driving Millennials to Exurbs
As they age and form families, millennials find it increasingly difficult to afford housing in urban areas.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
