(Evgeny Atamanenko / Shutterstock.com)
There are so many ways to live at home. For many people, the traditional route is to leave home during or after college after getting a job. It’s a freedom-filled path for people across the world.
However, there’s been a rise in multigenerational homes — households where at least two adult generations reside under one roof, according to Good Housekeeping. Each multigenerational home is also unique.
The Rise of Multigenerational Living
Multigenerational households can take different forms. In some, grandparents may live with their children and grandchildren, while in others adult children stay with their parents. While many of these homes share living spaces, some may be designed with separate common areas.
Multigenerational living isn't new and has been commonplace throughout history, though it became less popular in the 20th century. That may have been due to an increase in assisted living facilities and the more affordable independent living.
The trend is now coming back due to a rise in housing costs, longer life expectancies, and a cultural shift after the COVID-19 pandemic. “With high interest rates, low housing inventory and shifts in how people live resulting from COVID-19, we're seeing more people choosing to live in multigenerational homes,” Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi tells Good Housekeeping.
The Perks of Multigenerational Living
One of the biggest reasons families are choosing multigenerational homes is the potential to save money. The decision can allow families to share the financial load, including living expenses, mortgage payments, rent, property taxes, utility bills, and maintenance costs. It can also include childcare from grandparents and care for aging loved ones from younger generations.
The benefits go beyond finances. Multigenerational homes also strengthen family bonds and give families the chance to live more flexible lives, Business Insider reports. Katie Bunton is a 33-year-old content creator and mom who lives in Byron Bay, Australia. Her family moved in with her mother-in-law after her husband lost his job.
With her husband taking a break from corporate life, the change was an opportunity for Bunton to increase her hours of content creation and focus on creating her own business. The move also strengthened family bonds. She said her kids loved seeing their grandmother after school. For her mother-in-law, having her grandkids and 40-year-old son around has also been a dream.
Modern Living Undergoes a Heartwarming Shift
As more families embrace the warmth and support that come from multigenerational homes, this age-old tradition is proving to be a source of strength in modern life.
Whether it's sharing joy and unforgettable moments across generations, supporting each other through life’s changes, or building communities through family units, multigenerational living is more than a trend. It’s a touching reminder that we're better together.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
7 Benefits of Spending Time With Family
The Skills You Need for Happier Relationships With Family
Bridging Generations: The Surprising Benefits of Grandparent-Grandchild Connections
