I work in the wine industry and my husband is an aviation parts manager. Phil and I rented a small one bedroom for years. The rent kept going up–over 20% within 5 years — forcing us to find a more permanent solution. We found out very quickly that if we wanted to pay for housing, our bills, and save for retirement, that we were priced out of Sonoma County.
Fortunately my mom saw our frustration and realized that she could offer us a solution. We moved in with her and are helping her maintain her house. It’s a multi-generational win that allowed us to remain here in Sonoma County, where we work, and have established friends and community. Without my mom’s offer–we most likely would have been forced to leave the area for a more affordable location.