Graduating from college dorms to home ownership

Regarding “Ditching the dorm” [Aug. 21] by Dianne Klein, I am a longtime resident of neighborhoods near the University of Arizona and have plenty of first-hand experience with the problems described.

We had our hands full with the trash, noise and rundown condition of properties that were rented to students, and now we’re experiencing the same things with properties purchased for them.

Case in point: In my neighborhood, a house was purchased by a father for his daughter to live in while she attends the university. To get to and from school, her mother gave her a late-model Jaguar -- which the girl drove until she totaled it. She’s now driving around in a late-model SUV, no doubt given to her by Mommy or Daddy.

We wonder what life will be like after she graduates. My fellow neighbors and I just can’t wait to see what her crash landing in the real world looks like.

MARTHA RETALLICK

Tucson, Ariz.

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I have lived for 16 years in an apartment in a USC residence hall and found Klein’s article about parents who buy condos for their children to use and manage while in college fascinating. I admire these families’ business sense, creativity and the obvious trust between these parents and their children.

However, I question Ian Journey’s parents’ decision to allow their 18-year-old undergraduate son to cohabitate with his girlfriend in the home his parents purchased for them. This is an odd message to send to two young adults who are probably still open to guidance.

JAMES E. MOORE II

Los Angeles