What is the American Dream, and has it become harder to achieve in recent years?

Homeownership, often considered key to the American Dream, is difficult to achieve for many families due to rising housing costs. Kingfisher Productions via Getty Images

Few ideas are as central to the nation’s identity as that of the American Dream.

With the 250th birthday of the United States coming up in July 2026, it’s worth stepping back to examine a concept essential to the nation’s self-image.