September 2, 2026 · By Diane Taylor

Multigenerational Living: Buying One Home for the Whole Family

More families are choosing one home for several generations. Here is what to look for in the layout, the neighborhood, and the plan so the whole household can thrive.

A warm family living room with a large sectional sofa and a dining table beyond

Aging parents moving in, adult children returning, or grandchildren growing up under one roof, multigenerational households are one of the fastest-growing home buying patterns in California. One home replaces two, which changes the budget, the layout list, and the neighborhood criteria. Here is how to shop for a house that houses everyone well.

Define the new normal together

Before touring homes, each generation should write down what daily life needs: quiet hours, cooking habits, mobility needs, work and school schedules. A two-story house is fine for some families and a nonstarter for others. Agree on the nonnegotiables first, then let the Realtor translate them into house features.

The layout checklist that matters

A bedroom and full bath on the main level for aging parents or reduced mobility
Two distinct living areas so different generations are not always on top of each other
A kitchen that handles bigger family meals and multiple cooks
Space for a home office or study, because remote work and school happen here now
Parking for every driver in the household, plus guest space
A private entrance or in-law suite option, a growing feature in newer Elk Grove builds

Where you buy matters as much as what you buy

Multigenerational families live in the neighborhood, not just the house. Drive the routes: schools, parks, senior services, grocery stores, and medical appointments. South Sacramento and Elk Grove both offer the mix of established neighborhoods and newer communities with single-level and flex-space floor plans that fit extended households.

Plan for the next ten years, not just today

The ideal multigenerational home works when the kids are small, when the parents need more help, and when circumstances shift again. Rooms that can serve as bedroom, office, or nursery keep the home flexible as the household changes. Buying with that flexibility in mind protects the investment better than any single floor plan.

Diane regularly helps families combine households, whether parents are buying for adult children or adult children are buying for parents. Tell her who is moving in and what everyone needs, and she will focus the search from day one.