Homes for the nuclear family? Step to the side (or step inside) to instead take a look at intergenerational housing communities. A growing trend, this form of housing can take many shapes and can offer advantages for everyone involved, including extra support for children and companionship for seniors who might otherwise be isolated. Often, there is some kind of exchange. For example, in the New Life Village intergenerational community in Florida, older adults pay reduced housing rates and lend a helping hand to kids from the foster care system. These communities provide different age groups the benefits of companionship and support. For additional info on the opportunities for, and value of, intergenerational relationships and housing, take a look at this recent agebuzz post. 

Housing can also be expensive, leading many families to seek out less expensive living arrangements together. As an example, check out this recent MarketPlace story of one family who turned to an accessory dwelling unit (in this case, a small residence in the backyard of their home), which allowed their daughter and son-in-law to live affordably on the same property. 

This desire and need for multi-generational housing are also spurring on creativity in the architectural design arena.  A recent article in The New York Times takes a look at key elements of designs for families sharing a residence. In one Amsterdam home, for example, two apartments are connected with the main staircase. When designing a multigenerational home, architects need to balance privacy and interdependence and, as families age and evolve, spaces need to anticipate changes for the future. Think this trend may be in your future? Pull out your floor plans and learn more about the options and challenges here.