Multigenerational living is on the rise, and that’s not a new thing. Since 1971, the number of multiple generations living within one household — including adults and children over the age of 25, or grandparents living with grandchildren — has quadrupled. Motivators in the past were primarily tradition, a need for care, or financial necessity. A 2021 survey by Pew Research Center found 28% say it’s an arrangement they’ve always had, 33% are living together for assistance in child or elderly caregiving, 40% cited financial reasons.
However today, we are noticing that an increasing desire to be together, for companionship and shared experiences, is driving relocation. While the great recession in 2007-2008 may have created a financial need, the Covid pandemic spurred an emotional one. Living in the same household is not necessarily the goal, but being in close proximity to family is important.As one client remarks, “Having grandchildren changes everything”. When their daughters put down roots in Westport, they didn’t think twice about moving to be near them, leaving 70 years of life behind. “We continue to miss our friends and family in Michigan, but now we can be a part of every holiday and birthday celebration. We cheer at our grandkids’ soccer games, applaud their ballet recitals, and offer a measure of comfort for bruised feelings or a scraped knee whenever needed. Pulling up roots is hard, but it was definitely the right move for us.”
In the reverse, adult children return “home” to be near family. “My parents have stayed in Westport and we want to be close to family. The town continues to invest in the schools and can’t be beat anywhere in the northeast. Others remark, “The pandemic certainly expedited our desire to move out of the city, but we always knew the suburbs would be the best place to raise a family. There is a reason Fairfield County is referred to as the Gold Coast, and we love having family a short drive away. We settled on Fairfield for its beautiful beaches, top ranked education, lively downtown, great restaurants, and proximity to Metro North for commuting.”
While young adults and active retirees most often seek their own homes (the latter often in condos), the group in the middle often searches for homes with separate living spaces, or even accessory dwelling units, that can comfortably accommodate long visits from relatives, or even permanent residency. The key is to find a floor plan that provides adequate privacy for each generation.
Multiple kitchens, or a kitchenette, are nice to have although many families enjoy the shared experience of cooking and dining together. Multiple prep surfaces come in handy, as do islands that offer some seating. Universal accommodations for older or physically challenged family members such as adjustable lighting and multiple light switches can also be helpful.
Home builders are incorporating this trend into new builds in a variety of ways. Bedrooms with separate exterior access may offer kitchenettes. Multiple primary suites are placed on different levels of the home. “Back” staircases from the main living area lead to secondary quarters. Main floor bedroom suites may include private outdoor space.
Zoning departments are adapting too, with many communities now permitting accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for single family homes. The ability to add an additional 650-1000 square feet, especially as a separate residence is intriguing to many.
The trajectory of life presents multiple, changing real estate needs. Wherever you are on the arc of life, we are here to help guide you towards the right situation for you and your extended family.