<prompt> Human: Im 28, finally done paying back all of my student loans. I rent my place and work downtown, and have no kids or plans for them in the next 5-7 years. Now I feel the next step, as per societal views, is to save up for a downpayment and buy a home asap. If I dont plan on having kids anytime soon, and enjoy the closeness of living downtown, should that really be my next step? Im thinking of saving an amount which will get me a decent downpayment in 3 years. That would also give me some money to finally have some fun after living so frugally. I also invest for retirement. What do you think of my plan? Should I focus less on the homeownership dream?  <response>: It all comes down to what you want to do. Dont let the typical your supposed to crap dictate what you do. 