In today’s fast-paced world, young adults in the United States are hitting major life milestones—such as getting married, having children, buying a home, and retiring—later than their counterparts did 40 years ago. This shift prompts a key question: What is the best age to achieve these milestones? A Pew Research Center survey of 3,600 U.S. adults provides fascinating insights into the ideal ages for these events, revealing diverse perspectives shaped by demographics like age, income, political affiliation, and religious beliefs. In this article, we explore the best ages to get married, have a child, buy a home, and retire, based on public opinion and real-world data.
What Is the Best Age to Get Married?
About half of Americans say there is no best age to get married, while roughly a quarter (23%) think the best age is between 25 and 29. Around one-in-ten say getting married between the ages of 20 and 24 is ideal, and a similar share say ages 30 to 34. On average, Americans say the best age to get married is 26.5.
The share of U.S. adults who are married has decreased over the past five decades, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. A record 25% of 40-year-olds in the U.S. had never been married as of 2021.
What Is the Best Age to Buy a Home?
For many, buying a home is a cornerstone of the American Dream, but when is the right time? Half of Americans say there’s no ideal age, while a third believe ages 25–34 are best. Fewer than 10% recommend 35 or older. The average ideal age is 28.8, with homeowners suggesting a slightly younger age (28.4) than renters (30.0).
In reality, homeownership often comes later. The median age of first-time homebuyers is 38, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Moreover, 62% of Americans ages 18–34 are renters, per recent Census Bureau data, highlighting affordability challenges.
Demographic variations include:
- Democrats suggest slightly later ages (around 29) than Republicans (closer to 28).
- Upper-income households lean toward 29.5, while lower-income ones prefer 28.0.
What is the Best Age to Have a First Child?
Parenthood is another milestone where opinions vary. 40% of Americans say there’s no ideal age to have a first child, but among those who do, 28% point to ages 25–29. Very few believe it’s ideal before age 20 or after 35. The average ideal age is 27.3, closely aligning with the actual median age of first-time mothers in the U.S., which is 27.4, per federal data.
Interestingly, parents recommend a slightly younger age (26.9) than non-parents (27.9). However, a 2024 survey found that nearly half of adults under 50 without kids think it’s unlikely they’ll ever have children, reflecting shifting priorities.
Demographic differences include:
- Women suggest a slightly younger age (27.0) than men (27.6).
- Upper-income households favor 28.7, while lower-income ones choose 26.2.
- Those who prioritize religion recommend 26.4, compared to 28.0 for those who don’t.
What Is the Best Age to Retire?
Retirement marks the culmination of a career, but when is the best time to step back? A third of Americans say there’s no ideal age, but 26% point to ages 65–69, and 20% suggest 60–64. Only 6% recommend 70 or older. The average ideal age is 61.8, though this is younger than the typical age for full Social Security benefits (65–67, depending on birth year).
In practice, 19% of Americans 65 and older were employed in 2023, reflecting a trend toward working longer. Demographic differences include:
- Democrats favor a slightly younger retirement age (61.7) than Republicans (62.3).
- Younger adults (under 30) suggest retiring just before 60, while older adults (65+) prefer 65.0.
- Upper-income households recommend 62.6, compared to 61.2 for lower-income ones.
Why Are Milestones Happening Later?
The delay in reaching these milestones reflects broader societal shifts. Economic challenges, such as rising housing costs and student debt, make homeownership and parenthood less attainable in one’s 20s. Career priorities and the pursuit of higher education also push marriage and family planning later. Additionally, cultural changes, including greater acceptance of diverse life paths, mean fewer Americans feel pressure to hit these milestones by a certain age.
Summary
Deciding the best age to get married, have a child, buy a home, or retire is deeply personal, but insights from the Pew Research Center reveal common preferences. Many Americans favor their late 20s for marriage (26.5), parenthood (27.3), and homeownership (28.8), while the early 60s (61.8) are ideal for retirement. However, real-world trends show these milestones often occur later, driven by economic, cultural, and personal factors. By understanding public opinion and assessing your own readiness, you can chart a path that aligns with your dreams and realities.
Are you ready buy or sell a home in South Florida? We can help! Contact Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today. Also, don’t forget to download the free Florida Home Search App for your smartphone or tablet.
