Room to Grow: How Multigenerational Housing Is Shaping New York Homes
As summer winds down and families prepare for another school year, routines shift, and buyers are eager to move into new homes before school starts. For many New Yorkers, this means rethinking what the family unit looks like.
In a market where space comes at a premium and demand is at an all-time high, multigenerational housing is an increasingly viable option for families.
Making Room for Every Generation
Multigenerational housing refers to households where two or more generations of a family live together. This could mean grandparents moving in with their adult children, young adults returning home, or multiple generations sharing a property while maintaining separate living spaces.
In NYC specifically, limited housing stock makes multigenerational living a common affordable living option. As of 2025, one in three older New Yorkers lives with an adult child. The city also says that most of these families moved into their current home together. The city also says that most of these families moved into their current home together.
For families with school-age children, the right setup can make back-to-school routines easier. New York’s diverse housing market offers options for multigenerational living, from two-family homes with separate spaces to larger single-family homes or apartments. Homework space, shared transportation, and access to schools, parks, and public transit can also make a difference when everyone’s schedules are in motion.
A New Option for NYC Homeowners
Recent NYC zoning changes have created additional possibilities for multigenerational families. Qualifying one- and two-family homeowners may be able to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): a separate living space of up to 800 square feet on the same property.
An ADU can give grandparents, adult children, or other family members more independence while keeping everyone close. Depending on the property, it may be an attached or detached space, basement, attic, or another permitted configuration. Not every property qualifies, so homeowners should review applicable zoning and building requirements before making plans.
Thinking Beyond the School Year
For families considering a move, multigenerational housing is about more than having enough bedrooms. It’s about finding a home that can adapt as children grow, parents age, and family needs change.
This back-to-school season, families may be checking off more than school supplies. They may also be thinking about what they need from home for years and generations to come.
Looking for a home that fits your family’s needs today and in the future? Explore available properties and find a place to call home.