It's not that surprising when the house is valued at roughly $1 million. This is in southern California, where that kind of money doesn't get you a mansion either.
Still. $1000 to live with the parents? In the LA area you can get a place with a roommate between $450 - $700 a month, without all the issues or social stigma of living with the parents. It'd be one thing if you were getting a sweet deal ($300-$400 a month, everything included) but paying 1k just to live with the parents seems counter-intuitive.
I could probably pay less by living elsewhere, but $1000 that stays within the family > $500 to some landlord with whom I have no connection. Also, I'd miss out on Mom & Dad's awesome cooking.
True. And why not help your parents out with rent payment, while feeling independent at the same time. kudos (I hate that word, but didn't know what else to say)