The problem that I encounter is that buying a place costs significantly less than renting each month. The place I live has a mortgage of $800 / month and if I were renting, it would cost $1500 / month. So strictly from a cost of living perspective, buying made the most sense. I put 5% down (which isn't a lot on a cheap place) and am saving hundreds of dollars a month not renting. Granted, ownership has its problems... but I'll take them.