Meeting the Housing Needs of Multiple Generations

As more families in the Fort Bliss/El Paso area choose to live together, the housing stock needs to adapt to meet their changing needs. While multigenerational living was initially seen as a temporary phenomenon during COVID, it has since become a longer-term trend. According to Pew Research, the number of people living in multigenerational homes has steadily increased since 1971, and currently stands at 18%. The main drivers behind this trend are economic factors and cultural Background.

The rise of multigenerational living has significant implications for both the sale and rental of existing homes, as well as future housing development. Urban Land Institute experts noted that such living situations are becoming more common, and many people prefer multigenerational living. Particularly, as rent pressures increase, the trend is expected to continue.

However, to truly meet the needs of the population, multigenerational housing needs to meet three essential standards: accessibility, adaptability, and affordability. But what if communities could be restructured to foster multigenerational living as a solution to the home affordability crisis? The changing nature of family structures in the region calls for a shift in housing development strategies, and a focus on creating homes that can accommodate multiple generations.

Accessibility as the First Standard for Multigenerational Housing

Developing a community that can support people of all ages is essential to the growing trend of multigenerational living, according to experts in the field. There is a need for accessory dwelling units, senior living spaces, and adaptable single-family homes to create a successful multigenerational community. There is currently a missing link in focusing on the needs of the aging population, which will become increasingly important as the U.S. population ages. Therefore, developers must consider the unique needs of both younger and older residents to ensure that the community is built to suit both. Communities must be designed to cater to a range of transportation options, including public transportation, and be located in accessible areas close to downtown cores. Demographics, socioeconomics, and location must all be taken into consideration when designing a community catered to multigenerational living.

Creating More Adaptable Spaces for Multigenerational Living

Creating a multigenerational community in the El Paso area requires adaptable housing structures and designs that can change over time. As families grow and age, their needs for housing will also change. Perhaps one solution is to create more versatile single-family homes that include a core dwelling for the main family, a wing for grandparents, and a third unit over the garage for boomerang kids or to rent out. The homes can also include a shared courtyard for communal gatherings.

In addition to adaptable housing typologies, neighborhoods should also be designed to provide accessibility to grocery stores, offices, and shopping. The challenge lies in making sure that the community remains adaptable as residents age and their needs shift. This includes making sure that office, retail, and warehouse spaces can be repurposed to meet changing needs. With adaptable housing structures and a flexible community design, El Paso can create multigenerational communities that meet the needs of all residents.

Ensuring Affordability: A Key Element of Multigenerational Communities

Multigenerational communities in El Paso and the borderland rely on workers such as child care providers, home health aides, housekeepers, and grocery store employees. However, these jobs often pay lower wages that cannot cover the cost of living. Research has found that even child care providers and home health aides cannot afford to rent a one-bedroom apartment on the median wage across the country.

Seniors also face affordability challenges, with 10 million adults aged 65 and older experiencing housing cost burdens as of 2019. To make multigenerational living an affordable option, communities need to reintroduce missing housing types and address zoning barriers.

Moreover, builders and developers need incentives to construct affordable units that benefit both them and end-users. The use of technology should also extend beyond the home and into the community itself, and infrastructure must be adaptable over time to reduce costs. Thus, a comprehensive, multi-solution strategy is essential to achieve affordability and make multigenerational living feasible in El Paso and the borderland.

Source: National Association of Realtors