All Under One Roof: Trends in Multigenerational Living

Multigenerational living is becoming increasingly popular, though there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to make it work. Families and builders are finding creative, flexible ways to meet the unique needs of this living arrangement.

Key Takeaways

• There’s no single answer to making multigenerational living work, so homeowners and builders must come up with various solutions.
• The United States is not yet fully prepared to meet the demand for multigenerational living; communities, lawmakers, and builders will need to collaborate.
• Flexibility in space usage and design helps make solutions viable for the long term.

Growing Popularity of Multigenerational Living

Multigenerational living is on the rise in the United States, driven by factors like preserving cultural traditions, sharing expenses and caregiving responsibilities, and combating loneliness. Aging in place is also a popular option as people live longer. In March 2021, 59.7 million U.S. residents lived in multigenerational households, up from 58.4 million in 2019, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of census data.

Different Options for Different Needs

Multigenerational living varies widely from family to family. Some might need just an extra bedroom and bathroom, while others may opt for a freestanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The common factor is the need for proximity to family members.

Despite the demand, the U.S. housing market is not fully equipped to meet the needs of multigenerational living. Jennifer Molinsky from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies notes that only a small percentage of U.S. homes are accessible for people with mobility issues, and other needs such as poor eyesight or hearing loss are also not adequately addressed. Architect Bob Zuber of Morgante Wilson Architects adds that more clients are requesting multigenerational housing solutions to meet their diverse needs.

Creative Solutions

An Addition With Private Access
One client of associate broker Shannon Diiorio sold her home and used the proceeds to build an addition onto her daughter’s home. This addition functions like an apartment with its own entrance, living-dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. This setup works well because the retired widow travels frequently but loves returning home to her family and grandkids.

A Basement Apartment
In Denver, a homeowner transformed a walk-out basement into an apartment for her parents, offering the right balance of proximity and privacy. The space includes universal design features like a microwave at countertop height and insulation to block noise between generations.

A Case for ADUs
Author Sheri Koones highlights the benefits of ADUs in her book, noting their customization options to meet various needs. One example features a porch connecting the main house and ADU, providing a shared space for family members. Another example shows a family preserving a heritage tree by building an ADU linked to the main house by a bridge. In another case, additional living quarters were built above a garage, with amenities like an elevator for easier access.

Built-In Solutions
Builders are also designing homes with multigenerational living in mind. Cruz Companies in Boston is adding three- and four-bedroom homes designed for multigenerational families. In Glenview, Ill., Lexington Homes has sold out a community with homes designed for multigenerational living, including main-level bedrooms and additional rooms upstairs.

Planning for the Future

To ensure homes meet multigenerational needs, real estate professionals and homeowners should look for universal design features. Families should also consider how their needs might change over time. Full approval for construction or remodeling is essential, and communities need to support ADUs and other multigenerational solutions.

Getting involved in local associations and governmental affairs can help push for more flexible, affordable, and accessible housing options. By collaborating with builders, lawmakers, and design experts, we can find more solutions to meet the growing demand for multigenerational living.