Well I know you have to be financially stable, and everyone here is right about a unique situation. It would be impossible for me to live alone because NYC is extremely expensive (1200+ a month for rent and add other bills). But I do want to live on my own someday because I'm a very independent person. So living with a close friend is a great option but I'll do it when the time is right. Right now, I'm away at college, so I dorm there.