Northern Virginia families are reimagining what “home” means and, increasingly, are blending generations under one roof to create spaces where grandparents, parents and children live together and thrive. For many, this arrangement isn’t just practical, it’s rewarding. With rising housing costs, shifting caregiving needs and a renewed focus on family connection, multigenerational living is both a necessity and an opportunity. And it offers a host of benefits that extend beyond saving money. In this post we’ll explore some of the benefits of multigenerational living.
Why More Households are Choosing Multigenerational Living
Multigenerational living is when two or more adult generations share a single household. Sometimes it includes grandparents, parents and children. Other times, it may be siblings or adult children moving back in with parents. This arrangement helps to reduce living expenses, and pooling resources means that food, utilities, transportation and caregiving costs are shared among family members.
According to Pew Research, nearly 59.7 Americans—about 1 in 5—live in multigenerational households as of 2021. That number has more than doubled since 1971, reflecting the nation’s changing needs and values. This rising trend highlights the priority shift: families are valuing culture, caregiving, financial security and emotional support in ways the traditional single-family home often cannot provide.
“Northern Virginia families want a lifestyle that balances financial sense with family connection,” says Jim Baker, General Manager and Director of Design and Schroeder Design Build. “The modern home is not about square footage—it’s about how well it can support the needs of multiple generations living together.”
8 Key Benefits of Multigenerational Living
Sharing a home with multiple generations comes with challenges, but the benefits often outweigh them. Families report improvements in finances, emotional well-being and daily convenience, as well as stronger cultural ties and deeper relationships.
Here are the top eight benefits of multigenerational living:
1. Financial Benefits: Save More as One Household
For most families, finances are the primary motivator. Roughly 40% of adults cite financial reasons as the main driver behind choosing a multigenerational household, with another 28% citing it as a minor reason.
Pooling income means fewer individual financial burdens and a smaller likelihood of living in poverty. In a multigenerational household, one adult may cover the mortgage while others contribute toward utilities, groceries or child care. This collaboration allows family members to save for education, invest, or build retirement funds.
“When family members share expenses, they create breathing room in their budgets. And in Northern Virginia, where housing costs are high, this can be the difference between struggling and thriving,” Baker stresses.
2. Emotional Support: Strengthening Family Bonds Under One Roof
Living with multiple generations fosters closeness and resilience. Nearly 79% of people in multigenerational households say it strengthens family bonds while offering a built-in support system. Grandparents and grandchildren spend more time together forging lasting memories. Parents benefit from an immediate support system, and adult siblings can lean on each other in stressful times.
3. Older Adult Care: Supporting Grandparents at Home
Caregiving needs are a major factor, with 25% of families citing it as their primary reason for multigenerational living. Older adults benefit from daily interaction and immediate assistance, while younger generations gain peace of mind knowing loved ones are nearby.
For many seniors, this is not a short-term solution. More than 40% of adults aged 40 and older see multigenerational living as a long-term, permanent arrangement.
“Families want to keep their parents close, not only for safety, but for dignity. With thoughtful remodeling, we can make sure older adults maintain independence while still being part of the household,” Baker explains.
4. Child Care: More Helping Hands for Families with Children
Child care is another motivator, cited by 12% of families. With grandparents or other relatives in the home, parents can access trusted, around-the-clock support.
Children also thrive in multigenerational households. They gain empathy and social skills by interacting daily with relatives of different generations, perspectives and life experiences. They often develop a deeper understanding of family and community and learn compassion and patience in a very natural way—leading to increased mental health as well.
5. Preparing Young Adults for Life and Independence
High housing costs and extended education mean many young adults remain at home longer.
Nearly 1 in 3 adults aged 25-29 live in multigenerational households today. This arrangement allows them to save money, build credit and gain work experience without the full burden of rent or a mortgage. Many contribute to household tasks or shared expenses, with the financial benefits of reduced or no rent, preparing them for independence while easing financial strain on parents.
6. Better Social and Mental Health for All Generations
Multigenerational living combats loneliness and isolation. Younger older adults (aged 60-75 years) benefit from daily interaction, while parents and children gain emotional stability from a built-in support system. Research even shows that children raised in multigenerational households demonstrate higher cognitive functioning compared to peers from two-parent households. For older adults, helping with childcare or household responsibilities often brings renewed purpose.
“One of the most overlooked benefits of multigenerational living is mental health. Connection is powerful, and when we design homes that facilitate togetherness, the emotional rewards are tremendous,” Baker says.
7. Shared Responsibilities Strengthen Household Cooperation
Cooking, cleaning, yard work and errands can be divided based on individual strengths. Instead of one person shouldering every task, responsibilities are shared. When everyone contributes to household upkeep, this eases stress, creates harmony and fosters coordination.
8. Shared Expenses Lighten Financial Burdens Across the Family
Mortgage payments, groceries and utilities become more manageable and reduce individual financial strain when divided. Families free up funds for vacations, retirement savings or educational opportunities.
“Sharing expenses is a tangible reminder that we’re in this together,” Baker says. “When each generation contributes, the whole household benefits.”
How Whole House Remodeling Solves Multigenerational Living Challenges
Of course, multigenerational living isn’t without challenges. Overcrowding, lack of privacy and accessibility needs can cause friction. That’s where remodeling becomes essential.
“A well-designed remodel takes a multigenerational house and transforms it into a home where all generations feel comfortable and respected,” Baker explains. “It’s all about balance—creating both togetherness and independence.”
Here are four ways remodeling can ease multigenerational living challenges:
1. Maximize Space to Prevent Overcrowding in Multigenerational Homes
Adding new rooms, finishing basements or reconfiguring layouts expands livable space. Open-concept designs improve traffic flow, especially in kitchens and living areas that multiple people use daily.
In this Northern Virginia kitchen remodeling project, an open layout between the kitchen and flex/dining area made a high-traffic zone feel airy and functional.
2. Create Privacy for All Family Members with Thoughtful Remodeling
Privacy is essential for healthy relationships and well-being in multigenerational homes. Separate entrances, in-law suites or additional bathrooms can go a long way in allowing family members to maintain independence in separate spaces while sharing the same address.
This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen and living room that allows for casual family living and easy entertaining.
3. Design Accessible Living Spaces for Greater Independence
Accessibility upgrades such as wider doorways, step-free entries, roll-in showers and grab bars help aging family members live independently.
This whole house remodeling project features both a walk-in tub and roll-in shower, along with other accessibility enhancements, giving the residents confidence and safety.
4. Build Communal Spaces that Support Multigenerational Life
Shared or communal areas like kitchens, living rooms and outdoor decks should be flexible and welcoming. These spaces encourage multigenerational family gatherings while adapting to evolving needs.
In this well-loved remodeling project, we transformed the living room into a formal dining space and added a new living room that opened to the deck. Nearly floor-to-ceiling windows maximize natural light and backyard views, improving the flow and creating a space that works beautifully for gatherings.
Contact Schroeder Design Build to Remodel Your Home for Multigenerational Living
“Our goal is always to design homes that evolve with families. Multigenerational living isn’t a trend—it’s a lifestyle shift. With the right design, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to live,” Baker emphasizes.
A thoughtfully-designed remodel can make multigenerational living not only possible but enjoyable. By expanding space, improving privacy and incorporating accessible features, you can create a home that enhances the lives of everyone under your roof.
Schroeder Design Build has decades of experience helping Northern Virginia families remodel their homes to meet changing needs. If you’re considering a remodel to support multiple generations, contact us today. We’ll help you design a home that welcomes every generation with comfort, beauty and functionality.
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