I've lived in every one of those options at some point. My wife and I bought our first house almost 3 years ago.

After school, I was never able to live with my family longer than a few weeks. Just needed more space and freedom. Had a little apartment by myself that I enjoyed. Moved in a house with some friends to save some money after that, then moved in with my wife (fiancé at that time) into a small house we rented. Owning a home is nice but has all sorts of headaches attached.