Multigenerational Living Reshapes American Housing

The number of Americans living in multigenerational households has surged dramatically over the last half-century. According to Pew Research, the count of people living with two or more adult generations quadrupled between 1971 and 2021, soaring from 7% to 18%.

As the cost of living rises, many families are choosing to merge households to split rent and mortgage payments. This trend also helps save on childcare and long-term care costs for older relatives. However, a growing demographic of 'solo-agers'—older adults without children or spouses—often lacks this option, prompting the development of purpose-built intergenerational communities.

American families are increasingly moving back in together or never separating in the first place. This marks a return to historical norms, as independent living for older adults was almost unheard of before World War II. The shift toward multigenerational living is reflected in real estate trends. The National Association of Realtors found that homebuyers are increasingly selecting properties designed for multiple generations.

Market data supports this shift. Zillow reported a nationwide increase in searches for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), often called granny flats or in-law suites, throughout 2025. The primary driver for this trend is economic efficiency. Families can pool resources to cover housing and care costs while simultaneously reducing social isolation for older members.

While family reunification benefits many, it is not a viable option for everyone. Experts highlight a rising population of solo-agers who do not have family members to rely on. This demographic includes individuals who never married, did not have children, or have become estranged from their families.

Bob Kramer, founder of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, notes that this group is expanding. For these individuals, isolation poses a significant risk. Sara Zeff Geber, a solo-aging consultant, emphasizes that community is a necessity, not a luxury. "The bottom line for solo-agers is that they need community," Geber stated. "However creatively or traditionally they can work that out, that's what they're going to need if they're not going to be lonely and isolated and uncared for in their homes."

To address the needs of solo-agers and cost-conscious families, intergenerational living is evolving beyond traditional family arrangements. This concept involves sharing a home or community with unrelated people of varying ages. Solutions range from cohousing arrangements, where an older homeowner rents to a younger housemate, to purpose-built complexes designed for mixed-age populations.

A major 2024 report highlighted intentional communities such as One Flushing in Queens, New York. This mixed-income complex features 231 apartments, with 66 units reserved for older adults. It also includes a community center where local high schoolers assist seniors with computer skills. Similar nonprofit models in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Illinois pair older adults with foster families. Despite these innovations, Robyn Stone, a senior vice president at LeadingAge, warns that options for modest-income individuals remain limited.

The landscape of American housing is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Driven by economic pressures and demographic shifts, multigenerational households have moved from a historical norm to a modern strategy for survival and connection. While the benefits of shared living—financial savings and emotional support—are clear, the reality is complex.

Experts caution that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. As Robyn Stone of LeadingAge noted, while some prefer traditional family arrangements, others may seek intentional communities as they age. As the population continues to age, the demand for flexible, affordable, and community-oriented housing options will likely continue to grow.