5 Benefits of Living in a Multigenerational Home

By Toll Brothers 3 minute read

Last updated on August 24th, 2022

In recent years, there’s been a steady rise in the number of multigenerational homes in America. Homeowners and their families are discovering new ways to get the most out of home with choices that fit the many facets of their lives. From sharing expenses to sharing chores and everything in between, this lifestyle is proving to be functional and engaging for many Americans looking for space that is as flexible as they are.

We’ve compiled a list of five key benefits of multigenerational living. But, before delving into its benefits, it’s important to first understand what a multigenerational home is. And we should know, as we are one of the nation’s leading providers of new, multigenerational homes.

 

What is a Multigenerational Home

The U.S Census Bureau defines a multigenerational home as a household that consists of more than two adult generations living under the same roof or grandparents living with grandchildren under the age of 25. Put simply, these homes exist somewhere between a single-family home and a multi-family building. Learn more about Toll Brothers’ flexible design options and floor plans here.

Multigenerational homes allow families, either close relatives or extended family, equal space to live harmoniously under one roof. The distinct architectural design and open floor plan concept compliment multigenerational living as it provides a more versatile space where grandparents can spend time with grandchildren in the family room as parents prep for dinner close by in the kitchen.

Communal public spaces such as the great room bring loved ones together, whereas private suites offer secluded privacy. Connecting doors from the suites to the main home provide safety as elderly loved ones advance in age and also provides convenience for daily engagement between family members.

Multigenerational Suites go beyond a sleeping room with a private bath by including a public space separate from the main house, such as a sitting room, separate entrance, and possibly a kitchen to enhance the independence of both families sharing the home.

Living room with contemporary design, white couch and open floor plan
Lusitano Ranch, Las Vegas, Nevada

 

1. Multigenerational Homes Can Share Financial Expenses

Sometimes two isn’t necessarily better than one. Maintaining two households is undeniably costlier and more rigorous than sharing the responsibilities of one. By bringing family members and resources together under one roof, families can collectively address their expenses and allocate finances accordingly.

Indoor to outdoor living great room with dark wood finishes, fireplace and view of the mountains
Sky Meadow at Caramella Ranch, Reno, Nevada

 

2. Multigenerational Households Can Share Homeowner Responsibilities

Distributing chores and age-appropriate responsibilities amongst family members is a tremendous way of ensuring that everyone does their part. For younger, more able-bodied members, physical work such as mowing the lawn or moving furniture is a nice trade-off so that the older generation can focus on less physically demanding tasks.

Great living room with open floor plan, circular lighting fixtures, black wooden beam ceiling and indoor to outdoor living entry
Sterling Grove, Surprise, Arizona

 

3. Living Together as a Family Can Strengthen Relationships

While most families come together on special occasions, multigenerational families have the luxury of seeing each other every day. By living under one roof, these families develop a high level of attachment and closeness. Here’s how:

  • Grandparents serve as role models for their grandchildren through daily interactions, while grandchildren learn to respect and connect with their elders.
  • Grandparents feel more engaged and useful when they can provide help to their children and grandchildren, whether that’s through giving life advice or merely helping a grandchild with homework.
  • Many studies have supported the notion that grandparents regularly have a profound influence on their grandchildren by ushering in a loving atmosphere and healthy relationship.
  • Loneliness is a common social problem for the elderly. The emptiness of their home weighs heavily on them, making them feel disconnected from the rest of their family and community. Through daily activities with family members in a multigenerational home, grandparents experience a better quality of life.
Primary bedroom with accent ceiling and wall, black headboard and chest of drawers with window view to outside greenery
Reserve at Center Square, Eagleville, Pennsylvania

 

4. Multi-gen Homes Ensures Family Safety

Home security is a terrific benefit of multigenerational living. With multiple generations under one roof, a home is rarely ever left unoccupied for long, and living with other family members increases the chances that someone is present to assist elderly family members should they have an accident.

Great living room with floor to ceiling two-story fireplace
Toll Brothers at Macanta, Castle Rock, Colorado

 

5. Flexible Design Options Offer Privacy in Multigenerational Homes

One of the primary trepidations families face when shifting their lifestyle is the fear of losing privacy. With so many heads under one roof, it can feel like there’s no place to turn for solitude. Yet, Toll Brothers’ floor plans are designed to ensure that every family member can have quiet time. Attachments and features, such as separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, allow for complete separation between the generations within the household.

Primary bedroom with bookshelf, indoor to outdoor living entrance and sitting area
Skyline, Rocklin, California

 

One in six Americans currently live in a multigenerational household, and it appears that number is only increasing. If you’re interested in owning a multigenerational home and want more information on floor plans, please visit the Toll Brothers website to find a community near you, or stop by a Toll Brothers community today.

written by

Embracing an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, Toll Brothers currently builds in over 60 markets in 24 states nationwide, and is a publicly owned company with its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TOL). In 2024, Toll Brothers marked 10 years in a row being named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ list.* Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information, visit TollBrothers.com. From Fortune, ©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

  • 43 Comments

    1. Joshua G Smith says:

      There was a study of Italian immigrants that moved to a small town in Massachusetts and lived in multi-generational homes. They found that even tho they ate unhealthy food they lived longer due to a lower stress lifestyle of a living this way. Grandparents are usually useful as babysitters allowing both parents to work without paying for one. They also might clean house and cook.

    2. Armine says:

      I am interested in multi generation homes, and want more details

    3. dale says:

      When you go to the main website, did not see a way to filter for multigenerational homes. Does Toll brothers build these? If so how do you find plans and homes on the main website?

      • Sam M says:

        Hello Dale, please reach out to your local sales team, they will be able to assist in the process of customizing a home with multi-gen features to your families specifications.

    4. Bonnie says:

      Joshua, before you assign babysitting, cooking and cleaning to aging parents it may be wise to wise to consider THEIR desires for their retirement years. Maybe it’s time for YOU to help them.

    5. Albert Khan says:

      Do you have multi generation home options in Las Vegas, NV. Pl. send me the details. Thank you

    6. Sherry says:

      How can I find developements offering multigenerational homes? I curently live in California but would also consider homes in WA, OR, AZ.

      • Andrew Espinoza says:

        Hi Sherry, here are our multigenerational communities:

        In Arizona –
        – Toll Brothers at Adero Canyon
        – Boulder Ranch
        – Sereno Canyon
        – Sterling Grove
        – Toll Brothers at the Meadows
        – The Overlook at FireRock
        – Toll Brothers at Verde River
        – Toll Brothers at Whitewing
        – Whitewing at Whisper Ranch

        In California:
        – Tassajara Hills
        – Iron Oak
        – Borello Ranch Estates
        – Alara at Altair
        – Palomar at Pacific Highlands Ranch
        – Enclave at Yorba Linda

        We hope this helps. I am waiting for word on OR and WA options.

    7. Mohammad Khan says:

      Please send me more information
      If you are offering any floor plans in Austin TX please share them with me
      Thanks

    8. Anh Weinberg says:

      Hello! Could you please send me more information about multigenerational homes in Colorado, more specifically the Denver metro and its suburbs? Thank you.

      • Andrew Espinoza says:

        Hi Anh, I have reached out to my team and will let you know what they have to say. Thanks!

        • Jessica says:

          Any update here on multi-gen homes in Colorado?

          • Toll Brothers says:

            Hi Jessica, we will forward you all relevant information in the near future. We appreciate your patience and interest in our homes!

            • Toll Brothers says:

              Here is a list of our Colorado Communities that offer multi-gen options:

              – Inspiration
              – Vista Point at Southshore
              – Flatiron Meadows
              – Kechter Farm
              – The Timbers
              – Highlands at Parker
              – Regency at Montaine (Opening in September)

              Visit our website and explore our community pages to learn more: https://bit.ly/3jffNIj
              For more information, you can also contact our sales team, listed on every model page.

              If you need anything else, please let us know!

    9. Christine Kang says:

      Hello.

      I am interested in finding out more about multi-family home design and developments. Are there any development in Sacramento and San Diego? One of the developers you listed in the chat was Paloma at Pacific Highland Ranch in San Diego. Looking through the site, there were only single family homes featured? Are the multi family homes in the plans? Are there other multigenerational developments planned in the San Diego area?

    10. Leslie Adams says:

      How can I find developements offering multigenerational homes in Reno?

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi Leslie, we have reached out to our team for more information, and will let you know when they get back to us. Thank you for your interest in our homes!

    11. Christopher J McCalvin says:

      Hi, I’m looking for multi generational developments in the Charlotte area, are there any?

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi Christopher, we have a handful of NC communities that offer multi-gen options:
        – Castleberry (Lake Castleberry, Point at Lake Castleberry, Castleberry Estates & Castleberry Trails)
        – The Pines at Wake Crossing
        – Jordan Point
        – Addison Pond

        You can explore these communities on our website, and reach out to our Online Sales Team for more info here: https://bit.ly/2KcXCH6

        Please let us know if there’s anything else we can help with!

    12. Brian Joseph OConnor says:

      Do you have multigenerational home developments in North Carolina?

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi Brian, we sure do! The following communities over multi-generational home options:
        – Castleberry (Lake Castleberry, Point at Lake Castleberry, Castleberry Estates & Castleberry Trails)
        – The Pines at Wake Crossing
        – Jordan Point
        – Addison Pond

        You can explore these communities on our website here: https://bit.ly/2KcXCH6

        Please let us know if you have any other questions!

    13. Adanna Nwaro says:

      Can I be directed or put in contact with a sales team that can help me buy or build a multi generational home in the DMV area- Maryland and/or Virginia. Thanks

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi Adanna, you can contact Lyndsey Comment & Denise Jacobs, members of our Virginia and Maryland Online Sales Team, at 866-232-1718. They can help assist you in finding the right multi-gen home design for you. Thanks!

    14. CeceBelle says:

      I’m looking into mult-gen homes. I live in Texas but I’m open to other states. Honestly I’m put off by being referred to an agent. Id rather see your floor plans online then decide if I like what I’m seeing because I’m not at a buying phase only researching for now. Please advise.

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi there, we appreciate your interest in building with Toll Brothers! If you are currently researching, we recommend visiting our website and exploring our collection of home designs. We advise using our map feature, here,and filtering by first-floor primary bedrooms to best locate our multi-gen home designs. These models will have layouts that best suit multi-gen living. You can then explore all of the states that have available home designs. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks!

    15. Noelle Sillart says:

      Hi, for Florida and California. Do you guys offer next generational housing options?

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi Noelle, we appreciate your interest in our homes. Yes, we do offer a collection of multi-generational housing options! We encourage you to visit our website, find a community that interests you, and contact our Online Sales Consultants for additional information on available multi-gen options. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

    16. Kay Jain says:

      Hi I’m looking for a floor plan with multigenerational suite available in/near Jacksonville or Ponte Vedra Florida? Thanks

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi Kay, we appreciate your interest in our homes! We encourage you to visit our website and explore our collection of communities located in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra. Once you have a couple of locations in mind, please contact our Online Sales Team for more information on available models with multi-generational suite options. Thanks!

    17. ReJeanne Sylvester says:

      Do you guys build multigenerational homes in Texas?

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi, ReJeanne. Yes, we offer a variety of home designs with multi-gen options in Texas. Do you have a specific area in mind? We can help narrow down your search with that information. Thanks!

    18. Florence Bermudez says:

      Do you build multigenerational homes in South Carolina

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi, Florence. We have a collection of multi-gen options in South Carolina. They are as follows:

        Riverton Pointe – Lowcountry Collection:
        Saltmeadow
        Okatee

        Riverton Pointe – Shoreside Collection:
        Shoal
        Breakwater
        Breakwater Elite

        We hope this helps answer your question. Please let us know if we can assist you with anything else. Thanks!

    19. Kristian says:

      Amazing! 🙂 A family home is more than just a place to live; it’s a haven where love, togetherness, and personal growth flourish.
      https://www.amaialand.com/blog/10_Things_A_Family_Home_Should_Have/

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