Why do so many people/investors prefer real estate than stocks?

Why do so many people/investors prefer real estate than stocks? Putting aside the fact that some people feel less exposed to risk which is not necessarily true, when you buy a stock you owe something immaterial. It is also easier to say to your colleagues, friends and family that you just bought a new house than telling them that you just bought $200,000 worth of stocks. However numbers don't lie and stocks have a much stronger power to make you rich over the long term than real estate.