My husband, as a young child, lived in the upper flat over his grandparents. It was a two-family homes, like many in that neighborhood. One of my uncles also raised his family in the two-family home owned by his parents. In each case, there were three generations in one building.
The lifestyle is returning today in the form of Multigeneration Homes, also known as multi-gen or next-gen homes. Do an Internet search on any of those terms and you will find a wealth of ideas related to the concept. With many 25-35-year-olds not moving out and increasing numbers of boomers over 65, that leaves the 40-60-year-olds providing for multiple generations under one roof.
It is estimated that 64-million Americans live in multigeneration homes for reasons of practicality, affordability, quality time with family.
It’s practical because when needed there are additional caregivers either for the older or the younger. It can provide an alternative to assisted living for aging parents. It can provide an alternative to daycare or after-school care for children.
It’s affordable because it allows the sharing of expenses and maintenance. If you’re building, it can be less costly to build one structure than two or to purchase one lot instead of two.
Fostering better family ties, building more memories for children, and having a greater commitment to caregiving are just some of the relational benefits gained in a multigenerational home.
There are many options.