It takes a village: Inside the rise of multigenerational homes

Imagine a home filled with everyone you love, coming together to support one another and create lasting memories. Where grandparents can be there for every milestone, from first steps to graduation. Where finances and chores can be shared across all family members, lessening individual burdens and celebrating the true meaning of community. Multigenerational living, a common practice in many cultures, is making a comeback in the United States.

What is a multigenerational home?

Simply put, it’s a home where two or more generations live together, also referred to as “multi-gen” or “next gen.” Studies by the Pew Research Center show that the number of people living in multigenerational households has quadrupled in the past few decades, and the overwhelming majority say the experience has been positive. Families that share their space report many benefits, including better interpersonal relationships and mental health. As housing costs increase and families seek greater connection, the appeal of living under one roof with loved ones is undeniable. 

Benefits of multigenerational living

When Pew surveyed people living in multi-gen homes, a majority said that their decision was driven by financial considerations. You may know people who struggle with student loan debt, or older folks who need a little extra assistance. In a multigenerational home, bills can be shared across the entire household, easing the financial burden on each member and opening up more opportunities to pay off debt and even save for the future. 

Another benefit of multigenerational homes is that they keep families close, improving health and well-being. Nearly a third of people surveyed by Pew said caregiving, whether of children or elders, was the primary reason they chose a multi-gen living situation. In many cultures, multigenerational living is the norm, not the exception—and the US is finally catching up!

What to look for in a multi-gen home

As with any other home, you’ll want to carefully consider your daily needs, family dynamics, and lifestyle preferences. That’s where the homebuilders at Reed’s Crossing come in, uniquely equipped to help you choose the design that best suits your needs. 

In recent years, the builders at Reed’s Crossing have reported a marked increase in shoppers interested in multi-gen layouts and homes with main floor living. For instance, Stone Bridge Homes NW offers a variety of home plans that include main floor living, which may be perfect for older family members or anyone who prefers a bedroom on the ground floor.  

Additionally, Holt Homes has shared that many homebuyers express interest in flexible layouts. 

Also known as “flex space,” these homes include rooms that are designed to adapt to different needs, such as a home office, den, or extra bedroom. You might like Lennar’s Maple plan, which includes an upstairs loft for privacy, or home plans that are eligible for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) option and include a separate entrance, like the Bridges Series from David Weekley. All of these smart layouts help keep families close while still providing independence.

Amenities for everyone

No matter what your age, accessibility and outdoor space rank high on most homebuying checklists. Part of what’s great about living in a master-planned community, like Reed’s Crossing, is that they are thoughtfully designed for all life stages to enjoy. 

For families with children, Tamarack Elementary School is located right in the community, beloved for its eco-friendly rooftop solar array, its curiosity-inspiring STEAM lab, and its OMSI summer camps.

For active families, Active Wellness Center offers 45,000 square feet of cardio and weight training plus youth programs, studio classes, indoor/outdoor pools, and a therapy whirlpool. 

For health-conscious families, Providence Health Center - Reed’s Crossing is designed with holistic well-being and flexibility of use as the priority, with programs centered around a more personal healthcare experience. And, right next door, The Ackerly at Reed’s Crossing offers a variety of lifestyle options for seniors who want to age in place, with a focus on active living and a communal experience.

Further, the highly anticipated Reed’s Crossing Town Center will include shopping, dining, and more, conveniently located less than a mile from every home in the community. Soon, it’ll be even easier to grab morning coffees or enjoy a meal out with the family when nobody feels like cooking. 

Where to find multi-gen homes for sale

Although these home types are soaring in popularity, they may not be so easy to find in the resale market. So, it’s worth considering new construction if a multi-gen home is important to you. On our website, you can filter homes for sale using the drop-down menus built into this page, so you can easily see all homes with main floor living, flex space, and more. Or, come by for a tour to explore the homes and learn more about our holistic community design—model homes are open every day of the week from 10 am to 6 pm, and we love to show them off!

Looking for a new home in Oregon? Come by for a visit, see what’s for sale, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.