Thirty six years old and still living with my parents: is that bad?

“I’m in my mid-thirties, have a great job and some money saved up. I still live with my parents though, in a seedy part of town, and while I didn’t mind before, my friends are beginning to complain. They want me to move to my own apartment because they feel I’m too old to be living with my folks. But am I really? 

Our culture doesn’t totally support single girls living on their own. Okay, I know a lot of girls live alone these days but there’s no rule that says I must join the bandwagon. I live rent free, have my meals and other bills taken care of by my folks (I provide money for the bills but they run the errands) and generally live like a small princess at home.

These days, though, everyone is complaining. They say I’m too old to be living at home and need to move out. My folks don’t mind me being there but everyone else I know has an opinion so I’m confused.

Should I get my own apartment and move out? In this economy, does it make sense to walk away from my free room just so I can be seen as independent? What if I lose my job – how will I cope? I don’t even think I’ll feel safe living on my own because many crazy things are happening in town these days, right? Besides, I’m in search of a husband right now and living on my own might narrow my chances, I feel. My friends think my reasons are dumb and won’t let it go. I’m confused.”