It’s all part of a trend that began in the mid-20th Century, said James Hughes, dean emeritus of the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.
“In 1960, about half of all households were married families with children, the ‘Leave it to Beaver’ family,” Hughes said.
As Baby Boomers moved out of their parents’ homes, they started living alone in increasing numbers. About 12 percent of New Jersey adults now live alone, a legacy of that time period.