State lands along the North Country / Link Trail that run from Canastota towards Cazenovia, along an old rail-bed. On this trail you will explore a fairly deep gorge where the Canastota Creek runs, and walk past the old Canastota Reservoir. Most of the trail runs along an old railroad bed, providing a nice leisurely stroll, with views of the gorge below.
“While homeownership is often touted as the ultimate financial win, I prefer the freedom of my small, affordable city apartment. It allows me to commute via bike or transit and funnel my extra income into both personal and retirement investments. The reality of owning a home—high maintenance costs, expensive heating for a large space, and a likely car-dependent commute—doesn’t appeal to me right now. While I have the capital to buy, I’d rather grow those funds to eventually purchase an off-grid retirement cabin. Despite knowing this is the right path for me, the social media narrative that renting is “shameful” or “throwing money away” is frustratingly persistent.”
The idea that renting is “throwing money away” is a persistent social media myth that ignores the opportunity cost of homeownership. In 2026, renting is often the more strategic financial choice, especially in major U.S. metros where monthly rent remains significantly cheaper than a mortgage. By staying in your inexpensive city apartment and investing your extra cash, you are likely building more wealth than many homeowners.
The Financial Reality of Renting vs. Owning
For many, the “forced savings” of a mortgage is their only path to wealth, but for a disciplined investor, renting can be a superior strategy.
Monthly Savings: In 49 of the 50 largest U.S. metros, renting a starter home is cheaper than buying one, with average monthly savings exceeding $900 in some areas.
Asset Performance: Historically, stocks have generated higher returns than housing—averaging roughly 7.6% annually over the long term compared to 5.4% for home values.
Unrecoverable Costs: While rent is unrecoverable, so are many homeownership costs: mortgage interest, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintenance (typically estimated at 1% of home value annually).
Flexibility & Lifestyle: Renting allows you to avoid the commute-heavy lifestyle of the suburbs, saving on transit costs that often rise faster than inflation.
Homeownership Costs Often Overlooked
Beyond the mortgage, owning a house in 2026 involves several “hidden” financial and personal drains that you are currently avoiding:
Cost Category
Renter Experience
Homeowner Experience
Upfront Capital
Security deposit (refundable)
20% down payment + closing costs
Monthly Payment
Often lower than mortgage in city centers
Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI)
Maintenance
Zero cost; responsibility of landlord
Annual repairs (roof, HVAC, plumbing)
Mobility
Easy to relocate for career or lifestyle
High friction; selling costs (~6% commission)
Insurance
Low-cost renter’s insurance
Skyrocketing premiums for property owners
Countering the “Stigma”
Social media often frames homeownership as the only benchmark of “success,” but modern financial experts view this as a “real estate religion” rather than sound math. Success is not defined by a title deed, but by your net worth and your ability to fund your “Rich Life”—which for you is an off-grid cabin in retirement. If you are using the flexibility of renting to aggressively build financial strength in your investment and retirement accounts, you are not “failing”—you are executing a high-growth strategy that prioritizes long-term goals over social pressure.
I was thinking the other day it’s been six years since I’ve last been out to Woodhull Lake in the Black River Wild Forest It’s a nice, mostly wilderness reservoir that is accessible most of the way by a one lane gravel road.
There are several roadside campsites along the two mile road, mostly very rustic and somewhat overgrown as they are lightly used.
The lake is quiet, especially on weekdays, and often very placid and quite clear.
There is a nice lean-to at Wolf Landing.
And it’s a nice hike back to Remsen Falls on Moose River.
Good fishing on the reservoir, and you might even spot a deer or two.
I’m thinking of getting back up there again this summer..
