<h1>56 Lafalum:Certainly cost of living is a factor in the Northeast, no doubt about it. But I was expected to support myself in the Northeast by my parents (I went to college in Massachusetts and got my first job in New Jersey) who, in their regional ignorance, insisted that I make my own way and if I couldn’t, I was to move to a place where I could. That was the deal. They did not expect me to stick around close to the family. I am surprised by how many kids in New Jersey think that there is no oxygen west of the Delaware or south of the Mason Dixon line. In hard times, you need to be open to moving, more so than when times are good. When you’re young and have no ties, then it’s possible.</h1>
<p>Edit: I’m not criticizing all recent grads who are living with family. I just have noticed that there are large regional differences in opinion about the acceptability of leaving home at a certain age.</p>