Today’s young adults are more focused on financial stability than starting a family. Rising costs of housing, food, and even travel have changed how people in their 20s and 30s approach adulthood. Back in 1975, nearly half of people ages 25 to 34 had already moved out, were working, married, and raising children. Now, fewer than one in four have reached those milestones. Instead, the most common pattern for this age group is living on their own with a job, but not being married or having kids.
Having Kids Later in Life
The average age for a first-time mother in the U.S. has climbed to 27.5 years, the highest ever recorded, based on Census data. In the late 1990s, that number was still under 25. Experts say money is a big factor. Since the 2008 financial crisis, more couples have chosen to wait until their 30s to start families. Allison Gemmill, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, told that it has become increasingly normal and even expected to delay parenthood until careers and finances feel more stable.
Marriage Isn’t a Top Priority Anymore
Marriage, once considered an early milestone, now comes later for most people. The Census Bureau reports that in 2024, the average age for a first marriage was 30.2 years for men and 28.6 years for women. Fifty years ago, it was much younger 23.5 for men and just 21.3 for women. Student debt, high housing costs, and new lifestyles shaped by remote work are all reasons couples aren’t rushing down the aisle. Whether this delay becomes a permanent cultural shift remains to be seen, but it’s clear that marriage is no longer seen as the first step into adulthood.
More Adults Living at Home
Another big change is the number of young adults still living with their parents. With rent prices at record highs and inflation squeezing budgets, many find it harder to move out. The Census Bureau notes that traditional milestones like leaving home or buying a first house now happen much later than in past generations. Still, for many, living at home isn’t a setback. It gives young adults the chance to save money, reduce debt, and prepare for the future.
Gen Z Is Buying Homes Faster Than Expected
Despite tough market conditions, Generation Z those currently ages 13 to 28 is making surprising progress in homeownership. A recent report from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) found that Gen Z already accounts for one in four loans issued to first-time buyers. Research from Redfin also shows that Gen Z is actually buying homes at a faster rate than Millennials and Gen X were at the same age. Even though housing remains expensive and supply is limited, many young buyers are determined not to give up on the dream of owning a home.
A New Version of Adulthood
Adulthood today doesn’t follow the same order it once did. Instead of moving out, marrying, having kids, and buying a house in their 20s, many young adults are first focused on building careers and achieving financial security. While it’s uncertain whether these changes are permanent or just a response to today’s economy, one thing is clear for this generation, adulthood is less about following a set timeline and more about finding independence in their own way.