UPDATE: The trend of multigenerational living in the U.S. has surged dramatically, with the number of people living in these households quadrupling from **7%** in **1971** to **18%** in **2021**, according to new data from Pew Research. As rising costs of living force many families to adapt, the shift is becoming a primary housing solution rather than a last resort.
Families are increasingly choosing to live together or remain in the same home, driven by economic pressures. The National Association of Realtors reports a significant rise in homebuyers seeking properties that accommodate multigenerational living. Additionally, Zillow has noted a nationwide increase in searches for accessory dwelling units and in-law suites in **2025**.
This trend is not only about saving money on rent and mortgage payments but also about reducing expenses related to childcare and elder care. Experts emphasize that intergenerational living arrangements can help combat social isolation, particularly for older adults.
“We have more and more solo-agers who didn’t have children or didn’t get married,” said Bob Kramer, founder of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care. Increasingly, older individuals lack family support, making community connections essential.
Sara Zeff Geber, a solo-aging consultant, stated, “The bottom line for solo-agers is that they need community. 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.”
Intergenerational living is emerging as a viable solution, offering various arrangements from shared homes to purpose-built communities. For instance, the **One Flushing** complex in Queens, New York, features **231 apartments**, including **66** reserved for older residents, alongside a community center that fosters connections between generations.
The growing number of intergenerational communities across states like **Oregon**, **Massachusetts**, and **Illinois** showcases the increasing demand for these living arrangements. However, challenges remain, particularly for middle-income individuals who earn too much to qualify for government benefits yet struggle to afford market rates.
“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,” warned Robyn Stone, senior vice president at LeadingAge, an organization representing aging services providers.
While multigenerational living may not suit everyone, experts caution against a one-size-fits-all approach. Different generations have varying needs and preferences. “I don’t think I would want to open my house to anybody if I were living alone,” Stone noted, emphasizing the importance of intention in creating intergenerational communities.
As the landscape of American living continues to evolve, multigenerational arrangements are becoming not just a trend but a necessary adaptation to economic realities. Families are navigating these changes with creativity and resilience, ensuring they are not just living together but thriving together.
If you are part of a multigenerational household or an intergenerational community, your experiences matter. Reach out to share your story at [email protected]. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing trend.
