43%. That’s the number of adults in Lakeland (aged 18-34) that are living with their parents, according to new data from STORAGECafé . In fact, the Lakeland-Winter Haven area ranked No. 14 on a list of the top 20 metropolitan cities for multi-generational families.
We asked you via Instagram and Facebook , how old you were when you flew the coop (or didn’t). In reading many of the responses, we noticed that Lakeland seems to have a sort of “boomerang effect.” People returning to the city, or as they’re nicknamed “boomerangs,” are defined as a large number of residents (mainly millennials), that return to the small to medium-sized cities that they previously lived in — whether it be after college or other reasons.
On both our posts, we received a number of responses (80+) on this new stat. Here’s some of what you said:
- “21! Hard choice but definitely worth it!” — @photosbytitus
- “Not my kid. She’s 25, has her own apartment, and is working 3 jobs to make it happen (even with a 4-year degree from FSC). She hasn’t been home since her Freshman year of college. It’s a shame she has to work 3 jobs just to earn enough to live.” —@vamnamaste
- “It’s too expensive to move out! it’s not affordable without (or even with) a roommate that’s in a good neighborhood or big enough. [I’m] a Lakeland native and it’s looking less and less likely to be able to continue living here after moving out. Working full time with other expenses just feels like getting by.” — @backstage_sun
- “My son moved out after graduating high school and has been independent since. He’s 36 gainfully employed and successful. We taught him the value of money EARLY, and to be self-reliant. I’m a PROUD MOM.” — @cindyleepenn4045
- “I moved out when I was 22. I moved back in when I was 50 and took over my parent’s house.” — @taylorthe1andonly
- “I was 19. My boys are now 22 and 20 and they still live at home...but not too much longer...maybe... hopefully...I think.” — @kelly.bak3r
- “When I was 19, came to @seuniversity and never left!” — @theactingmom
P.S. For those interested in the sticker in the original post, you can find it at Sage Sisters . Visit their Instagram page here .
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