More people in the United States currently live alone than ever before in history, according to New York University professor and Lavin speaker Eric Klinenberg. As the Going Solo author has said before, the impact of this rapidly growing trend is starting to permeate into many different industries (most recently, into the real estate sector). "Luxury homes designed for one—or bachelor and bachelorette pads, as they're often called—may be the hottest thing in the singles scene," a new article in The Wall Street Journal reads. Citing Klinenberg's research as an explanation for this increase, the article profiles several singles living in big cities who are investing large sums of money into their homes for one.

This trend further correlates with Klinenberg's work as it proves that people are not only living alone, but are doing so by choice. Not only that, but these people are embracing their single status—and expect builders and realtors to find them homes that reflect that. Many buildings are being designed or upgraded "with amenities to make the building more social and fun," Klinenberg says. Gyms, dog-walking services, and large mailrooms are among some of the features popping up in many buildings to promote increased social interaction between tenants.

While the article also notes that many of these singles eventually move in with someone, there is a huge demand for single-person dwellings—regardless of how long they stay. What's more, because so many people are looking for solo-dwellings, the resell value almost always ensures a positive return on investment. As Klinenberg details in his books and his keynotes, the rise of single living has broad implications that extend even beyond those who are living alone. It is the biggest demographic shift since the baby boom—and Klinenberg gives audiences the knowledge to take advantage of those changes.