In movies and books, Americans are often depicted as adventurous, setting out on their own to far-flung places. But in fact, many Americans prefer to stay much closer to home. According to analysis by The New York Times of a large-scale study, the typical American lives 18 miles from his or her mother. Another interesting finding was that only 20 percent of U.S. adults reside more than a two-hour drive from their parents. The newspaper suggested a number of factors that influence whether or not someone ventures far from home, such as aging parents who need support from their kids, and new parents who can't afford to pay for child care and thus rely on their families. Education and opportunity also come into play. The more education someone has, the more likely they are to move farther from their hometown, since higher-paying jobs might require a relocation to a big city. This is especially true for dual-career marriages. According to the survey, the trend to stay close to home has actually grown in recent decades and is likely to continue, as baby boomers turn to their children for support in their golden years.
Family facts in America:
- Approximately 25 percent of Americans live alone.
- On average, American men get married for the first time at age 29, while for American women, the average age is 27.
- 44 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 have a step-sibling.