It is an investment, but that doesn’t mean you should treat it like one.It's fucking weird to be like 20 and know that you want to spend the rest of your life in south jersey but good for you I guess.
A primary residence is not an investment. Lot's of people have to move somewhat often, for a bunch of different reasons. Renting offers that flexibility. Sure, some people sell their homes for a sh!t ton more than they bought them for 20+ years ago but who knows...maybe that 20% down payment invested in some fund - rent costs over the years would have netted them more wealth.