Susan Parrish positions a cluster of violet petunias in a planter, before placing them next to a sunbed she found on Facebook Marketplace. Her new house is finally starting to feel like home.
For more than a decade, Parrish, 64, navigated various temporary housing options, from a recreational vehicle in Eastern Oregon to a shed without electricity or running water. But she persevered, saving her money until she bought her manufactured home in Woodland last fall.
It’s not her dream home, but her dream was to be a homeowner.
Homeownership has long been revered as the cornerstone of the “American dream.” A 2022 survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of Americans believe homeownership is a greater measure of success than having a family, a prosperous career or a college degree. However, a recent study suggests many Americans believe this dream is unattainable in the current economy.
The Columbian spoke with more than 40 Clark County residents, from first-time homeowners to aspiring homebuyers to real estate experts. The consensus: Clark County residents are still holding onto the idea of homeownership despite its challenges.