Money or Independence?

I'm almost 24 and still live with my parents. I commuted to college to save money, so I have never lived away from home before. I got a new job and a nice pay raise recently, and I've been thinking of moving out and getting my own apartment. But my area (NJ, in the NYC metro area) is very expensive, and I have no friends that I could room with and share the rent/bills. So that's a lot of money to spend every month. I have two younger siblings, but they'll be out of the house in the fall. I was almost 100% on moving out before my sister (who lives in close quarters with me, and who was messy, loud and inconsiderate) announced that she's moving across the country to join Americorps. So now I've reconsidered, because she was my main reason for wanting to move. Still, I feel like a baby when people ask me, "Oh, so I hear you're still living at home with Mom and Dad?" Is losing all of that money worth it? Does it make sense to move out just for my own pride? Thoughts, please. Thanks, all! Keep the opinions coming. To the person who asked if I pay rent and utilities ... no, I don't. My folks haven't asked me to, and I'm very fortunate that they don't make me. I pay for my own personal expenses - I own my own car and pay for the insurance/gas/repairs myself. I also pay for my own credit cards (no debt) and a small student loan myself. I also took care of my entire college tuition myself, so that did not cost my parents a dime.

Public Comments

1. no dont move out.. just hang in there..
2. You have to do what's right for you, period. Do not worry about what other people think, it's your life. Saving money now will help you get a better place in the future. As long as your parents agree and you all get along well, there is nothing wrong with living at home. Move out when you are ready.
3. Ok , if you are not Independent, how can you make Money? Hoe ever, money driveds independe; independence to choses by example. Independence is the way to go Plus"Live with your parents untill your kids can susten you".
4. I don't necessarily think it's all about PRIDE. It's about wanting to be independent and making it on your own. It is a great feeling when you know you're financially independent and stable. But hey, if you're not ready to take that step. There's nothing wrong with living with your folks. Luckily, we're still young enough to make mistakes.....GOOD LUCK!
5. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, it sounds as though you're too old to be at home. Most kids get their first 'away from the folks' experiences in college, and you missed that. It's sad, too, because the time you spend at college when you aren't in classes is some of the best. On the other hand, you make a case for the expense... I think if I were you I'd put a cap on the living with mom and dad thing and decide now that you will move out on or before your 25th birthday, roommate or not. It's odd now, but after another year or so it's just gonna be downright weird. And it isn't helping you to learn to deal with life away from mom and dad. P.S. are you paying rent and utilities???? Even if your folks don't ask you to, you should be. It's what adults do.
6. DO what YOU feel is best for YOU! A roomate can be found later by intervies and things. If you decide to stay, then do it because you feel that will be better for you. Do not let other people influence the way you think. The thing is that only you can decide. Personally I would move out, but that is just me, see the thing is that my parents and my little brother drive me crazy (I'm 19); as soon as I save enough, I will move out. Here in Puerto Rico, people tend to live with their parents until they get married. So do not feel preassured to move out just because of what other people tell you.
7. I would say, if it's good with your parents and everyone likes the situation the way it is, stay at home. You are definitely not a leach! Pay off your car and other bills, save like crazy, then take your time finding a place for yourself. By then you may have met another female at work with whom you'd like to share a place. Otherwise, mom and dad probably adore having you at home where you are safe and still under their wings. Forget about what others say. You are one of the lucky ones, but you've also paid your own way. You are doing great. Keep up the good work.
8. I think you should get out of the house. It teaches you things you only think you learn when your living under the roof of mommy and daddy. Like your messy sister is one thing, but a messy roommate without a parent to 'enforce' rules teaches you how to work with people and get over things that you think are a big deal, but not in real life. And paying utilities on your own makes you respect how much it costs to run the dishwasher, fridge, and AC. It doesn't make sense to move out for your own pride as much as it is learning more about who you are. But if you aren't prepared (financially, maturity, or pride) then you're just not ready and you should stay home.