UPDATE: The trend of multigenerational living in the United States has skyrocketed, with the number of people living in such arrangements quadrupling from 7% to 18% between 1971 and 2021, according to Pew Research. As housing costs continue to rise, more families are choosing to live together, transforming what was once a last resort into a preferred lifestyle.
This shift comes as many Americans face escalating expenses, prompting a significant move back to family homes. The National Association of Realtors reports increasing interest in properties designed for multigenerational living, with a notable rise in searches for accessory dwelling units, or “granny flats,” in 2025, as confirmed by Zillow.
The financial benefits are clear: families can share rent and mortgage payments, thereby alleviating some of the financial burden. Additionally, this living arrangement reduces childcare costs and long-term care expenses for aging relatives, while also combating social isolation among older adults.
However, a growing population of solo-agers—individuals without children or close family ties—find themselves in a challenging situation. According to Bob Kramer, founder of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, “We have more and more solo-agers who didn’t have children or didn’t get married or basically no longer have a relationship with their children.” For these individuals, community becomes essential to prevent loneliness and isolation.
Intergenerational living is emerging as a promising solution. From shared households to purpose-built intergenerational communities, these setups cater to diverse age groups, fostering connections. For instance, communities like One Flushing in Queens, NY feature 231 apartments, with 66 apartments dedicated to older residents and communal spaces designed to encourage interaction between various age groups.
Despite the advantages, affordability remains a pressing issue. Many middle-income individuals earn too much to qualify for government assistance, yet struggle to afford market-rate housing. Robyn Stone, a senior vice president at LeadingAge, emphasizes the lack of options for modest-income families, stating, “The thing that’s concerning to a lot of us is that we really don’t have a lot of options for modest-income folks.”
While multigenerational living may not appeal to everyone, experts agree there is no universal housing solution. Each demographic—whether boomers, Gen Zers, or others—has unique needs and preferences. As this trend continues to evolve, the conversation around intergenerational living will likely expand, potentially redefining family dynamics in America.
As families navigate these changes, the importance of community and support systems cannot be overstated. If you are part of a multigenerational household or an intergenerational community, share your experiences with us at [email protected].
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we monitor the impact of these trends on American families.
