Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise-Rules Every Family Needs First

For decades, the American dream centered on independence. Increasingly, however, families are choosing a different path.

Nearly 60 million Americans now live in multigenerational households, embracing a lifestyle that combines financial practicality with built-in support and connection.

For Juli Ford, the appeal goes far beyond saving money. The founder of Home After 50 told Newsweek that multigenerational living creates a level of security, support and community that many families struggle to find elsewhere.

As a licensed real estate broker and certified senior adviser, multigenerational living is also deeply personal for Ford, 57. For over 11 years, she has lived with her husband, children and her mom in Massachusetts-and she would not have it any other way.

“We’ve been culturally trained to see independence as the goal, but I’ve also watched what happens when families choose interdependence on their own terms,” Ford said. “It’s not a step backward. It’s often the most forward-looking, financially savvy, and emotionally rich choice a family can make.”

Of course, multigenerational living is not without its complications, which is why Ford has five golden rules everyone should know before giving it a go.

1. Talk About Money Before Anything Else

Before anyone moves in, Ford said that families need a clear financial plan. Everyone should understand who is contributing to the purchase, who pays monthly expenses and what happens if circumstances change.

“Families who skip this conversation end up having it anyway, just with a lot more tension. Write it down and have an attorney review it,” Ford said.

Of all the issues she sees, finances create the most friction. Parenting styles, schedules and privacy concerns can usually be managed, but money disputes often become the biggest source of conflict.

She also recommends consulting an estate-planning attorney before buying a home together so ownership, inheritance and contingency plans are clearly documented.

2. Design for Privacy First, Togetherness Second

Shared living works best when everyone has space to retreat.

Ford said that many families focus on communal areas while overlooking private spaces, creating tension over time.

“A door that locks is worth more than a beautiful shared living room,” Ford said.

“Separate entrances, separate bathrooms, private outdoor space wherever possible makes togetherness sustainable.”

3. Build an Exit Strategy From the Beginning

It may feel uncomfortable, but Ford said that families should discuss what happens if someone wants to move out or the arrangement no longer works.

Having those conversations upfront protects relationships later.

It is not emotional attachment that fixes problems, “clarity does,” Ford added.

4. Choose the Right Home, Not Just the One You Love

“A multigenerational home should work practically, not just aesthetically. Think about accessibility now and in 10 years, about whether the layout accommodates noise, different schedules, multiple cooks,” Ford said.

Do not pick a home based on the latest trends or style, pick the one that feels best for the entire family. If you want it to be your home forever, consider whether it can adapt as people's needs change.

5. Hold Regular Family Meetings

Communication remains essential even when things appear to be running smoothly.

Thriving in a multigenerational home requires long-term work and effective communication from everyone. Ford encourages regular family check-ins to discuss what’s working, what isn’t and any concerns before resentment has a chance to build.

“Living together well is not a set-it-and-forget-it arrangement,” she said.

Don't Romanticize It

While living together can be wonderful, it is also a significant legal and financial decision. Families should be aware of what they are getting into and ensure there is no unresolved tension.

“Families who go into it purely on love and optimism sometimes find themselves in very complicated situations later,” she said.

For Ford, however, the benefits have been substantial. Sharing a home helped her family afford a larger property, stretch her mother’s retirement savings and pay for her children’s college education. Just as importantly, she says, it strengthened the bond between generations.

“My children really know my mom, and she really knows them,” Ford said. “As she ages, we’re still deeply involved in her care.”

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 9:02 AM.