If you’re searching for a house that truly fits your family’s lifestyle—with room to grow in the future—a multi-gen home could be exactly what you need. Picture a thoughtfully designed space where older relatives have their own private retreat, young adult children can enjoy independence, and you still have plenty of room to relax, work, and entertain. Today’s multi-generational homes are contemporary residences that provide an ideal balance of privacy, functionality, comfort, and connection. These homes offer flexibility that traditional residences often can’t match, allowing everyone to coexist without feeling crowded or chaotic.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of multi-generational living, what to look for when shopping for a multi-gen home, and a few of our Richmond American floor plans that may fit the bill for your household.
Why is multi-generational living so popular?
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of multi-generational homes has quadrupled since the 1970s, accounting for 18% of all U.S. households as recently as 2021. This trend has become a more common reality due to several contributing factors. Data from the National Association of REALTORS® shows that the primary reasons for this kind of living situation include cost savings, caregiving for elderly relatives, and accommodating children over the age of 18 who may be returning home.
If you’re one of the many people searching for a multi-generational home, you could also be part of what’s called the “Sandwich Generation.” This grouping typically covers middle-aged individuals who are “sandwiched” between aging parents and children of their own. Members of the Sandwich Generation are frequently tasked with taking care of the two generations above and below them, therefore requiring a home that can accommodate all three groups. A multi-gen house takes care of those needs by providing enough space for everyone.
What are the advantages of multi-generational homes?
The benefits of multi-generational living range from the financial to the emotional. With the right home, everyone can live independently, while still benefiting from the strength of family connections. Here are just a few reasons why this type of situation can be so appealing to today’s homebuyers:
- Built-in childcare: If you have young children, multi-generational homes can be a game changer. Grandparents living under the same roof can help with school pickups, babysitting, and daily routines. This arrangement may significantly reduce childcare costs while also strengthening the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Instead of relying solely on daycare providers, you gain trusted, loving support right at home.
- Caring for aging parents: For those of you who want or need to look after your older parents, the added space of a multi-generational home makes it easier (and less costly) to do so. A guest suite, for instance, can allow these aging relatives to have their own living quarters—maintaining their dignity and autonomy—while still being close to the family. Better yet, a main-floor guest suite can eliminate the need for going up and down stairs. Already planning a move with older family members? We have some helpful tips.
- Financial savings: Choosing this type of home can also be fiscally smart for everyone in the family. Consider young adult children, for example. It’s not uncommon for these individuals to choose to move back home after they’ve finished college or started their careers. Additional space in your home can allow them the freedom to live comfortably and relatively independently, while still saving money for future plans. As the parent, you could also benefit from extra help around the house when your older kids are living under the same roof as you.
- Increased family bonding: One of the most meaningful benefits of multi-generational homes is the opportunity for deeper connection. Shared meals, day-to-day interactions, and family game nights can become part of your household routine, and may help strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.
- Versatility for hosting and entertaining: Homes with multi-gen features can benefit smaller families as well. If your household is more traditional (just parents and school-age children, for instance), you could use the additional space to host friends, out-of-town relatives, and other visitors. Or, for added flexibility, you may turn a guest suite into a private office, hobby room, or home gym.
What do multi-generational homes include?
This type of house can take on many different forms, but the common throughline for multi-generational homes is that they offer versatile and generous spaces where all household members can live comfortably. If you’re searching for a home that checks that box, you’ll want to pay close attention to layout and functionality, considering features such as:
- Main-level living quarters
- Private bathrooms
- Separate exterior entrances
- Kitchenettes or beverage bars
- Convenient laundry access
- And more
At Richmond American, we’re proud to offer an inspired array of floor plans designed with the modern household in mind. These plans boast functional layouts that can include spacious shared living areas, versatile finished basements, and other useful features. Some also showcase a Modern Living™ guest suite on their main floor. This suite has its own bedroom and bathroom and, depending on the floor plan and community, may also offer a laundry closet, a living room with a kitchenette or beverage bar, and a private exterior entry.
Curious about our available options for multi-generational homes? Let’s check out three of our most popular floor plans that fit the bill:
The Darius plan
Typical specs:
- Single story
- 3 to 6 bedrooms
- 3.5 to 5.5 bathrooms
- Approx. 2,820 to 2,920 sq. ft.
- 3-car garage
The Darius offers generous living spaces, perfect for housing multiple generations. These include an impressive great room, a well-appointed kitchen with a convenient center island, and an inviting dining nook. Additionally, this home may be built with a study or a formal dining room, depending on the community. The highlight of the Darius plan, however, is its Modern LivingTM guest suite. This exciting feature may come with a private exterior entry, a living room, a kitchenette, and a bedroom with a walk-in closet and attached bath.
See where we’re building the Darius plan.
The Emerald plan
Typical specs:
- Single story
- 3 to 5 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- Approx. 2,080 to 2,260 sq. ft.
- 2- to 3-car garage
The elegant Emerald plan has a lot to offer you and your family. You’ll particularly enjoy the relaxing great room with center-meet sliding glass doors and a thoughtfully designed kitchen boasting a center island. The spacious Modern Living™ guest suite showcases an ideal blend of comfort and privacy and may include a living room, a laundry closet, and a bedroom with an attached bath.
See where we’re building the Emerald plan.
The Pinecrest plan
Typical specs:
- Single story
- 3 to 5 bedrooms
- 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms
- Approx. 2,390 to 2,500 sq. ft.
- 3-car garage
The single-story Pinecrest plan was built to impress. Between its expansive great room, beautifully appointed kitchen, elegant study, and tranquil covered patio, this home offers you plenty of space to live, work, and entertain. Young adult children and elderly relatives alike are sure to appreciate the Pinecrest’s Modern Living™ guest suite. This convenient space boasts a living room, a bedroom with a walk-in closet, a private bath, and, in select regions, may feature a laundry closet and/or a kitchenette.
See where we’re building the Pinecrest plan.
You may also be interested in these other Modern Living™ floor plans:
How can you find listings with a Modern Living™ guest suite?
When looking for a home that fits your multi-generational needs, the search filters on our website can be an excellent tool. By selecting the Modern Living™ option under the Sort/Filter menu, you can easily narrow down available listings that feature a guest suite and other relevant features. This will allow you to find homes that offer the ideal layout for your family situation.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for on our site or you’d like further assistance in finding the perfect floor plan, our New Home Specialists are happy to help! They can pinpoint or plans and listings that offer a layout and features suitable for a multi-generational household. Get in touch today by calling 888.799.8322 or starting a chat online.
Have a specific design vision?
Showcase your style by personalizing one of our multi-generational homes! Depending on the community, you may have the opportunity to choose from hundreds of fixture and finish options to create a look that’s uniquely your own. Just select your homesite, decide on the floor plan, and start personalizing with your choice of countertops, cabinetry, flooring, and more. Then, enjoy a home that not only complements your lifestyle, but your personal style as well!
The bottom line: The future of multi-generational homes
The shift toward multi-generational living will likely continue as more families look for ways to save money and stay connected with their loved ones. Our homes with Modern Living™ guest suites and other multi-gen features offer the perfect solution when you’re in need of more space, more privacy, and a flexible layout. Whether you’re caring for aging parents, welcoming adult children back home, or simply planning for what the future may bring, choosing a multi-generational home can provide comfort, stability, and peace of mind.
