The Surprising Rise of Multigenerational Living in US Cities

Urban America is witnessing a resurgence of a living arrangement many thought was fading away: multigenerational households. More families are bringing grandparents, parents, and children together under one roof. What is fueling this trend, and how is it reshaping the cultural and social fabric of cities? This article dives deep into the factors driving multigenerational living’s comeback and the implications for America’s urban landscapes.

What Does Multigenerational Living Mean?

A multigenerational household typically includes two or more adult generations living together, often alongside children. This can range from grandparents cohabiting with parents and grandchildren, to adult siblings or cousins residing in the same home. While common in many cultures abroad, such living arrangements diminished in the US throughout the 20th century as nuclear family living became the norm.

However, according to Pew Research Center, about 20% of Americans lived in multigenerational households as of 2016—the highest level recorded since 1950. This rise is even more pronounced in cities, which have complex housing markets and diverse populations.

Why Are Multigenerational Households Increasing in Cities?

Economic Pressures and Housing Affordability

Housing costs in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles have soared, making single-family homeownership or even renting separate apartments difficult for many. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a worker earning minimum wage in 2023 could afford less than half the rental units at fair market rent in most major cities.

Pooling resources by living multigenerationally helps families share mortgage payments, utilities, and childcare responsibilities—making urban life financially sustainable. For example, in a 2022 study by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, nearly 30% of multigenerational households cited economic necessity as a key reason for their living arrangement.

Cultural Norms and Immigrant Communities

Multigenerational living remains a core cultural practice for many immigrant populations, including Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities who often prioritize close family ties and caregiving roles. In Los Angeles, where more than half of residents are foreign-born or children of immigrants, multigenerational households have traditionally provided a social safety net.

Dr. Maria Lopez, a sociologist at the University of California, explains, "In many cultures, elders are valued as integral to family life—not isolated in senior housing. This strengthens emotional support and preserves cultural heritage."

Aging Population and Caregiving

As America’s population ages, the need for older adults to live with family increases. According to the US Census Bureau, by 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older. Urban families often prefer aging-in-place arrangements where elderly parents or grandparents live with adult children, offering mutual caregiving benefits.

This configuration provides practical advantages such as shared transport to medical appointments and reduces the risk of social isolation that many elders face when living alone.

COVID-19 Pandemic Accelerated Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the appeal of multigenerational living by underscoring the value of family support during crises. Job losses and school closures led many younger adults and children to return to parents’ homes. Simultaneously, seniors sought the companionship and protection of family members, transforming previously independent households into larger, collaborative units.

A 2021 survey by the Urban Institute found that 13% of American adults had changed their living arrangements during the pandemic, with many noting multigenerational cohabitation as a coping strategy.

Impacts on Urban Living and Culture

Architectural Adaptations and Housing Design

Cities are responding to the rise of multigenerational families through modified housing designs. Developers increasingly offer larger, flexible units with accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—such as granny flats—that allow privacy within shared property.

For example, Seattle enacted legislation to ease ADU construction to accommodate these changing household dynamics. This points to a potential urban planning shift toward homes that accommodate more than nuclear families.

Social and Emotional Benefits

Multigenerational homes provide emotional resilience. Shared caregiving responsibilities reduce burnout and loneliness while enhancing intergenerational understanding. Research published in the Journal of Family Psychology identifies that youths in multigenerational households often benefit from multiple role models and support networks, improving mental health outcomes.

Challenges to Navigate

Despite benefits, multigenerational living can present challenges such as privacy concerns, intergenerational conflicts, and complex household management. Financial burdens can also concentrate when economic hardships span multiple generations.

Families employing clear communication and establishing boundaries tend to navigate these challenges more successfully.

Real Stories: Families Thriving in Multigenerational Arrangements

Maria Carlos from Washington D.C. shares her experience: "After my mother lost her job, we moved her into our home. Sharing space wasn't always easy, but pooling our resources and caring for each other helped all of us survive tough times."

Likewise, in Chicago, the Nguyen family has a home designed with separate entrances and shared communal areas to allow grandparents their independence while staying involved.

Conclusion: A Permanent Urban Shift?

The rise of multigenerational living in US cities is a powerful response to economic realities, cultural values, demographic changes, and recent global challenges. Far from a temporary phase, this trend is reshaping housing markets, urban planning, and family dynamics.

Understanding and embracing multigenerational living can foster stronger family bonds, economic stability, and vibrant urban communities. Policymakers, developers, and social services must recognize this shift to support diverse household needs and unlock the potential that living together across generations can offer.

In a society often celebrated for independence, the surprising rise of multigenerational households reminds us that family unity remains a cornerstone of urban life and resilience.