Do you believe people are perceived different if they live in an apartment?

I think you may be right. And, I think it is very sad that people stereotype others for where they live and what they have. Your family is probably much richer (in joy and spirit) then those people living in house. Trust me, they have their own share of problems, even if they don't let it show.

Forget being "snobish" and all that.

Not owning a home is a mistake, but I have to make this statement clear.

Those who bought when everyone thought houses were over-priced twenty, thirty years ago, sit on a fortune today.

Those who buy in today's bloated world are taking a big risk.

Average people who earn up to a hundred grand a year simply can't afford mortages of three to five hundred grand.

Best advice for these times:

Do look to own, but make sure you are buying something you can afford, and if that means buying in remote places, well it's still better than renting.

Renting is throwing money out the window.

You don't even get a tax benefit of deducting mortgage interest or real estate taxes.

Average people who base their living on their earnings need to buy modest priced homes, and begin with something small...like a two bedroom home in a nice area. They're out there, and they are priced in the hundred fifty to two hundred thousand dollar range.

The longer you stay and rent, the more you sink and never get out of the "rent rut".

The right home can do wonders for average people...in many ways. Can even make you live healthier.

Conversely, the wrong home can lead you to bankruptcy or ruin your health if it's not in good order.

So, BEWARE, whatever you do.

Many folks are starting to lose homes as the market is deteriorating due to higher interest rates. Those with modest houses are doing okay.

Good luck!

Whether or not you are personally being considered second class because of your apartment is debatable. However, no matter what kind of dwelling you live in, there is a unique perception in the mind of the listener when you reveal it. Think about your own varied reactions to the words "I own (or rent)a 'house,' 'condo,' 'apartment,' 'mobile home,' 'trailer,' 'log cabin,' 'RV,' 'houseboat,' etc., etc." (Keep in mind that any of these might cost the same as any other, depending on size, quality and location, so they are not really economic distinctions.)

Like it or not, we all react differently to words like these, based on our experiences and values. For that reason, your so-called friends may (or may not) automatically associate apartment rental with a lower socio-economic status.

That person doesn't sound like much of a friend to me. You'd be better off without them and their fake sense of charity. A home is a home, no matter the size.

Oh absoultely, there's even a "home owners" section in the restaurant, but you don't get to know about that till you sign the closing papers on your first house.

Where I come from everybody lives in apartments. Heck they have million dollar apts. It all depends on where your from I guess.

You got me convinced brother.

unfortunately yes. but these people are not worth being friends with.