Renting and the American Dream

Sixty-one percent of the American public thinks renters can be just as successful as homeowners at achieving the American Dream, according to a MacArthur Foundation survey. The survey's findings document the growing appeal of renting—despite the fact that most renters still want to become homeowners.

The 54 percent majority of the public says renting has become more appealing over the past few decades. It has become so appealing, in fact, that 45 percent of current homeowners would consider renting in the future. Those most likely to consider renting are young (53% of homeowners aged 18 to 34), highly educated (53% of homeowners with a postgraduate education) and affluent (51% of homeowners with a household income of $75,000 or more).

Source: MacArthur Foundation, MacArthur Housing Matters Survey