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Multigenerational living is becoming increasingly common in today’s housing landscape. Families are choosing to live together for a variety of reasons — from caring for aging parents and supporting adult children to sharing expenses and strengthening family connections. As a result, more homeowners are seeking thoughtfully designed spaces that allow multiple generations to live comfortably under one roof.
The number of Americans living in multigenerational households has steadily increased over the last decade. Three-generation households increased by 271% between 2011 and 2021, and today more than 1 in 4 Americans live in a multigenerational household. Roughly 17% of all home purchases are now multigenerational, the highest share ever recorded.
In fact, a 2024 survey shows that 95% of adults aged 55 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, underscoring the importance of designs that support long-term livability. As this trend continues, home design plays a critical role in supporting both independence and togetherness.
Why Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise
There are many factors driving the growth of multigenerational households. Rising housing costs, longer life expectancy, and the desire to age in place all contribute to this shift. For many families, sharing a home provides practical benefits while allowing loved ones to stay close.
Over a third of buyers (36%) say cost savings are their primary reason for choosing a multigenerational home. When housing costs outpace incomes, sharing a house becomes a logical solution. Shared mortgages and utilities stretch budgets further, and the savings often enable better long-term planning.
The question for most families isn’t whether to live together. It’s about designing a home that lets everyone live well without interfering with each other’s schedules, habits, or privacy needs. A quarter of buyers (25%) purchase with the intention of caring for aging parents; hower most existing homes aren’t designed for that level of mobility and privacy.
Designing a Home that Works Well for Multigenerational Families
Creating a home that works for multiple generations starts with choosing the right layout. The goal is to balance shared spaces with private areas so everyone feels comfortable.
Main-Level Primary Suites
A main-level primary bedroom brings everyday living — kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and living spaces — onto a single level. This layout is especially beneficial for those planning for mobility changes in the years ahead, reducing dependence on stairs while keeping daily life simple and accessible.
Features that support long-term comfort here include an en-suite bath with space to convert to accessible features later, wider doors or the option to widen them, and room for a zero-threshold shower in the future.
This layout works well for families who may host aging parents temporarily or permanently, or for homeowners planning for their own long-term needs.
Dual Primary Suites
Homes with two primary suites — located on opposite ends or different levels — naturally support independence for adult children or aging parents. Each suite typically includes its own bathroom and can feel almost like a private apartment within the home
For many families, the independence that a second suite provides is the deciding factor that makes multigenerational living feel sustainable.
In-Law Suites and Private Living Areas
Adding a dedicated suite with a bedroom and bathroom — and sometimes even a kitchenette or private entrance — helps people feel at home without sacrificing space or privacy. This setup is ideal for long-term stays and promotes harmonious living. Thoughtful details make these suites comfortable for long-term living, such as, a separate thermostat for independent temperature control, soundproofed walls and ceilings, and direct outdoor access when possible.
These spaces allow aging parents or adult children to maintain autonomy while remaining connected to the main household.
Single-Story and Ranch-Style Homes
One-level living remains a top pick for accessibility, ease of movement, and peace of mind. Ranch plans often naturally separate living zones, giving adult children and parents their own comfortable areas without feeling disconnected.The open circulation and wider hallways typical of these homes support walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, and everyday movement.
Families planning to age in place for decades often choose this style for its simplicity and long-term practicality.
Flexible Spaces
Flexible rooms help a home evolve as family needs change making them an important feature of multigenerational home design. Rooms that serve one purpose today — such as a playroom or guest room — may need to function differently in the future. Finished basements, bonus rooms, and adaptable spaces allow the home to evolve along with your family.
Designing these spaces with adaptability in mind (ample outlets, easy access to plumbing, open layouts) makes future transitions easier and more cost-effective.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Bridging the Gap
ADUs have become one of the most practical solutions for multigenerational families. These smaller, self-contained spaces can provide privacy for older family members and later transition into guest houses or home offices.
An ADU typically includes its own entrance, a kitchen or kitchenette, a full bath, and a living/sleeping area. They can be attached to the main home, located above a garage, or built as a detached structure in the backyard. Because they’re separate, they give seniors the best of both worlds: independence and autonomy, with family close enough to support them when needed.
For families, ADUs offer a predictable, one-time investment that is often far more affordable than years of assisted-living fees.Compare the one-time investment of building an ADU (often $100,000 to $360,000) with the ongoing annual costs of assisted living ($70,800) or nursing home care ($111,000 to $128,000). The financial case becomes clear quickly.
Thoughtful Details Make a Difference
Beyond layout, design details can significantly improve comfort and saf
ety for all ages. Features such as wider doorways, step-free entries, and easily accessible bathrooms help make a home more functional now and in the years ahead. These universal design elements benefit everyone — not just older adults.
Building a Home That Grows With You
Multigenerational living is about more than accommodating different ages — it’s about creating a home that supports connection, independence, and long-term comfort. With careful planning and the right design partner, it’s possible to build a home that works beautifully for every stage of life.
- Circulation, Entries & Everyday Movement (allowing for walkers, wheelchair & strollers)
- Wide hallways and doors
- Zero- or low-threshold entranceways
- Open floor plans reduce tight corners and transitions
- Bathrooms – Safety & Privacy
- Ideally each generation has its own bathroom to preserve privacy
- Curbless showers & non-slip flooring to prevent falls
- Wide doorways and space for wheelchairs to turn
- Accessible sinks and lever faucets
- Kitchens
- Multigenerational kitchen are communal areas that need space to accommodate every generation
- Kitchen islands with seating for food prep and wide enough aisles room for mobility devices to pass through or join in
- Other helpful features include: staggered counter heights, separate prep zones, pull-out drawers instead of deep cabinets, touchless or lever faucets, and appliances placed at comfortable heights.
Is a Multigenerational Home Right for Your Family?
Designing for multigenerational living begins with understanding your family’s needs today and anticipating how they may change over time. A few questions can help clarify the right approach:
- Whose mobility or care needs are you planning around today?
- How likely is it that family members will move in or out in the next 5 to10 years?
- Would an ADU give your family the balance of independence and connection you want
- Which privacy or sound concerns matter most?
- Do you need a suite now, or just the ability to add one later?
The best multigenerational homes are the ones that make everyday life easier, calmer, and safer, not just for one person, but for everyone.
If you’re considering building or adapting a home for multigenerational living, outline your must-haves before you start looking at homes. Review floor plans that include main-level suites, dual-suite options, or space for an ADU. Talk with a builder about which accessibility and privacy features will matter most over the next decade.
With thoughtful planning, a home can comfortably and practically support all generations for years to come.
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