Could Multigenerational Living Be the Right Move for Your Next Chapter?

When Home Means More Than One Generation

For many adults 55+, the traditional idea of moving into a smaller home or relocating to a retirement community isn't necessarily the answer. Sometimes, the best next chapter means bringing the family closer together. Multigenerational living is becoming an increasingly important housing option for families who want to combine resources, provide support for aging parents, remain close to grandchildren, or simply enjoy more family time. But multigenerational living doesn't have to mean everyone living on top of one another. With the right home—and the right plan—families can create togetherness and independence at the same time.

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WHAT DOES MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING LOOK LIKE?

Multigenerational living can take many forms.

It might mean:

• Parents moving in with their adult children

• Adult children moving back home

• Grandparents living with grandchildren

• Three generations purchasing a home together

• A home with a finished basement or separate living suite

• A property with a guest house or accessory dwelling unit

• Two families purchasing homes in the same neighborhood

• Adult children purchasing a nearby home for their parents

There isn't one right arrangement. The goal is to create a housing situation that works for the people involved and the lives they want to live.

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WHY ARE FAMILIES CONSIDERING THIS OPTION?

For some families, the decision is financial. Housing costs, mortgage rates, property taxes, insurance and everyday expenses can make sharing a home an attractive alternative. For others, it's about family. Parents may want to be closer to their grandchildren. Adult children may want their parents nearby as they age. Grandparents may want to remain actively involved in their grandchildren's lives. And sometimes, families simply realize: “We actually enjoy being together.” Multigenerational living can make it possible to share expenses and responsibilities while creating more opportunities for family connection.

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IT DOESN'T HAVE TO MEAN GIVING UP YOUR PRIVACY

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about multigenerational living. The right property can provide separation within togetherness. When searching for a multigenerational home, consider properties with:

Separate bedrooms and bathrooms

Everyone having their own private space can make a tremendous difference.

A finished basement

A basement with a bedroom, bathroom and living area can function almost like a private apartment.

A guest suite

A separate suite can provide privacy while keeping family members close.

Separate entrances

Having an independent entrance can make a shared home feel much more private.

Multiple living areas

Two living rooms or flexible spaces can allow different generations to have their own routines.

A first-floor bedroom

For older adults, having the ability to live comfortably on the main level can become increasingly important.

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THE FINANCIAL CONVERSATION MATTERS

Before multiple generations purchase or share a home, families should have an honest conversation about money. Who will purchase the property? Who will contribute to the down payment? Who will make the mortgage payments? How will utilities be divided? Who pays for repairs? What happens if someone wants to move? What happens if the home needs to be sold? These aren't uncomfortable questions to avoid. They're important questions to answer before everyone moves in. Depending on the circumstances, families may also want to consult appropriate legal, tax and financial professionals regarding ownership structures, estate planning and financial responsibilities.

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TALK ABOUT EXPECTATIONS BEFORE YOU BUY

Money isn't the only conversation. Families should also discuss everyday life. Who cooks? Who cleans? Who handles maintenance? Who watches the children? What are everyone's expectations regarding privacy? Will family members eat meals together? Are there expectations around caregiving? What happens when someone needs additional assistance? These conversations can help prevent misunderstandings later.

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MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING CAN ALSO BE A REAL ESTATE STRATEGY

From a real estate perspective, the question isn't simply:

“How many bedrooms do we need?”

It is:

“How does this family need the home to function?”

That changes the home search.

A family may need:

• 4–6 bedrooms

• Multiple bathrooms

• A private suite

• Two living spaces

• A large kitchen

• Flexible office space

• First-floor living

• Additional parking

• Outdoor space

• A separate entrance

• A basement or finished bonus area

The right home may look very different from a traditional single-family purchase.

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WHAT IF YOU DON'T WANT EVERYONE UNDER ONE ROOF?

That's okay, too. Multigenerational living doesn't always mean sharing one address. Some families choose to purchase homes close to one another. Imagine having your own home while your parents live five minutes away. You can have dinner together, help with errands and spend time with grandchildren—while everyone still has their own front door. For some families, proximity rather than cohabitation is the perfect compromise.

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THIS IS YOUR NEXT CHAPTER—AND YOU HAVE OPTIONS

At 55+, your next real estate decision doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Maybe you want to downsize. Maybe you want to travel. Maybe you want to remain in your longtime neighborhood. Maybe you want to move closer to family. Or maybe your next chapter involves bringing multiple generations under one roof. There is no single definition of what the next chapter should look like. The important thing is finding a housing solution that supports the life you actually want to live.

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LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT COULD WORK FOR YOUR FAMILY

As a Transition Broker, I help adults 55+ think beyond the traditional buy-or-sell conversation. Sometimes the best solution is a sale. Sometimes it's a purchase. Sometimes it's renovating the home you already own. And sometimes the answer is creating a home where multiple generations can thrive together. If you're considering a move, a family housing transition, multigenerational living or simply want to understand your options, let's start with a conversation. You don't have to know exactly what your next chapter looks like before we begin planning it.

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BOBBI MEYERS, MBA

Real Estate Broker | REALTOR® | SRES®
Transition Broker | Brown Meyers Brokers LLC

Helping adults 55+ navigate real estate decisions with experience, strategy and compassion.

📍 Atlanta & Metro Atlanta
📞 678-438-8675
📧 brownmeyersbrokers@gmail.com
🌐 brownmeyersbrokers.com

Your next chapter is yours to define. Let's find the home solution that fits your life—and your family.