I went through this when I was 25 (I’m 31 now). I lived in NYC, wanted to own a home, and had too many bad experiences with dating/hookups. I felt like I was ready for a quieter life. Just like you, I wanted to live close to my family. They live a 30-minute drive outside of NYC.

I left NYC to stay with my parents while I looked at homes to buy in their area. After several months I learned that 1) there’s very few good looking gay men in the suburbs and 2) I was way too young to settle down and separate myself from all the great things that come with living in a major city. I later realized that this was a quarter-life crisis.

Months later, my company offered me a promotion which required me to live in NYC. I accepted and moved back to NYC, and have been here since. My mindset about dating, nightlife, etc. is much different now and I’ve been very happy for the last several years of living here again. This is where a young gay person belongs.

I wish I owned a home today, but I’m not ready to commit to one place yet. I would have missed out on everything if I had done that 6 years ago.