I’ll be the first to admit that these past few years have truly shaped generations in different ways, and I know I’m not the only one seeking stability. Gen Z is such a special generation — and I don’t say that just because I am a part of it. So why is that? In my opinion, it’s because we stand up for what we believe. Whether it’s work-life balance, sustainability or human rights, we are not shy to call out what we believe is right and simply stand on business.

The drive we have to acknowledge and break stereotypes extends to the issue of housing, too. There’s a misconception that to buy a house, you need to have all your affairs in order, that you’re older, married or considering starting a family. If that’s where you are in life right now, that’s great; however, you don’t need to limit yourself to one view of what homeownership looks like.

In fact, today’s modern manufactured homes offer many options for younger buyers who are looking to start a new chapter in life. So, here are my top five reasons of why investing in a Clayton home is truly an investment in yourself.

1. No one is asking you to break the bank.

It’s no secret that buying a house is expensive, and a huge financial step to take. But the costs of renting have gone up, too. In fact, according to a Redfin survey by Qualtrics, the median rent in the U.S. has increased by 20% since 2019. However, this is where Clayton’s experience in the housing industry comes in. We’ve been helping people open doors to a better life since 1956. And one of the things I love about Clayton is their commitment to affordability.

To highlight that, let’s look at some numbers. According to the Census Bureau, the average sales price of a new house sold in June 2024 was $487,200. For most home buyers, that is simply too expensive. In comparison, the average sales price of a new manufactured home sold in March 2024 was $118,800.

The manufactured and modular homes Clayton builds range in price to fit your budget needs, from under $100,000 to over $200,000, not including the required delivery, installation costs and taxes. Having the opportunity to own a home that fits within your budget also provides the opportunity for stable housing earlier in life, which is a great step toward financial security and can help when you’re trying to build wealth in the future.

2. Independence!

Speaking of renting, whether you’re tired of your landlord raising prices whenever they feel like it or you want a space where you can be creative with decor, play video games without a headset and host friends, freedom is a beautiful thing.

The pandemic brought a lot of instability into our lives, interrupting school, jobs, travel, you name it. But it’s time to start taking back your life, and what better way than with a place to call yours. After all, who wouldn’t want a tranquil space to blast Chappell Roan, be chronically online and break out a journal or two?

A Clayton home is a place where you can truly work on your passions, from hobbies to side hustles. And when you own your own home, you get to make the decisions. Will that extra bedroom be used for another bed, or do you want to turn it into an office or maybe a home gym? It’s in your hands.

Plus, we can’t forget the kids, and by that I mean your pets! Create a space that works best for them, because having a backyard is great for hanging out with friends but even better for your dog to run around in. The versatility of a home is an exciting opportunity to create something that fits with your unique lifestyle.

3. Oh so many styles.

That unique lifestyle should also have its own personal look. I know we all have Pinterest boards about our dream house aesthetic, along with scrolling the endless decor videos on TikTok. This is the chance to create a place that’s perfect for you. As T.I. says, “you can have whatever you like.”

We know that everyone is different and one design does not fit all. Clayton has various home styles, floor plans and features that will match what you’re looking for, from coastal grandma to something a little more sleek and modern.

Maybe you want options like a walk-in shower, a mudroom, a large sitting room to host all your friends and family, or an office for those days you work from home. On Clayton’s Find a Home page, you can filter your search for the features you want.

4. Customizations galore.

In addition to styles, there are also a variety of different new home personalization options to consider, ranging from interior paint colors, cabinets and exterior siding options! Many of our floor plans even offer several different layouts, which can be great if you want to turn an extra bedroom into an art studio or gym.

With these options for your new home, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the home building process. Plus, your home will be move-in ready, with no renovations needed. Imagine saving the money you would invest in a fixer-upper while also saving yourself from reliving the memories you have of holding your dad’s flashlight as a child.

5. Clayton 🤝 the environment

For Gen Z, there is also an expectation that the companies we support will work to reduce their impact on the environment. Clayton continues to invest in each home we build to help meet these expectations. Last July, we launched our eBuilt® homes, which meet DOE Zero Energy Ready Home™ specifications and can reduce homeowners’ annual utility bills by up to 50%*. They include energy-saving features like an ecobee Smart Thermostat®, Lux® low-E windows with argon gas and more.

We also know that when you purchase a Clayton home, you don’t just invest in the home, but also the company. Sustainability is a huge part of Clayton’s values, which is why we partner with organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation to make sure we’re giving back to the environment.

At Clayton, we know how important becoming a homeowner can be, and how much it improves lives. It’s an investment in yourself. And for a generation who stands firmly for what they believe, we can confidentially say we do the same. So do your research, dig around our Studio blog and learn how we do things differently.

*ZERH Logo Use Guidelines (energy.gov).

Trademarks of companies other than Clayton Homes are the property of those other companies.