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Ruth Brewer
Ruth Brewer
Keller Williams
Family Guide

Multigenerational Living in Northern California: Your Guide to Bringing Family Together

Multigenerational family enjoying time together on a spacious backyard patio of a Northern California home
Ruth Brewer
Ruth Brewer
Ruth Brewer · DRE #02193665

More and more families in Northern California are choosing to live together, not out of necessity, but out of intention. Whether it's adult children helping aging parents stay close, grandparents wanting to be part of their grandchildren's daily lives, or simply a family that works better under one roof, multigenerational living is one of the fastest-growing housing trends in the region. If this is something you're considering, here's what you should know about how it works and where to find the right home for your family.

Why Multigenerational Living Is Growing

The reasons are personal and practical. Housing costs in California have made shared living more appealing, but that's only part of the story. Many of my clients tell me they want to be closer to family, to help with grandchildren after school, to support an aging parent, or simply to share daily life with the people who matter most. In a culture that often celebrates independence, multigenerational families are rediscovering the benefits of connection, shared resources, and mutual support.

Northern California is especially well-suited for this lifestyle. Communities like Sacramento, Lincoln, Yuba City, Plumas Lake, and Wheatland offer the space, affordability, and neighborhood character that make multigenerational living not just possible, but enjoyable.

What to Look for in a Multigenerational Home

The right home for a multigenerational family depends on your specific needs, but there are a few features that tend to matter most:

  • Separate living spaces, A home with a guest suite, in-law unit, or casita gives everyone privacy while keeping family close. Many newer homes in Lincoln and Plumas Lake are being built with these features in mind.
  • Primary suite on the main floor, For aging parents or family members with mobility considerations, a first-floor bedroom with an accessible bathroom eliminates the daily challenge of stairs.
  • Multiple entry points, A separate entrance for a guest suite or ADU allows family members to come and go independently, preserving autonomy without sacrificing closeness.
  • Flexible common areas, Open kitchens, family rooms, and outdoor spaces that accommodate gatherings of all sizes make shared living feel natural rather than cramped.

ADUs: A Game-Changer for Multigenerational Families

California has made it significantly easier to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and this is one of the most exciting developments for multigenerational families. An ADU, sometimes called a granny flat, in-law suite, or casita, is a secondary living space on the same property as your primary home. It can be attached (like a converted garage or basement) or detached (a standalone structure in the backyard).

Recent California legislation has expanded what's possible:

  • SB 543 (effective 2026) requires faster ADU approval within 60 days and allows some ADUs to be sold separately.
  • SB 1211 (2025) allows multifamily properties to build up to 8 detached ADUs, a major expansion from previous limits.
  • AB 2533 (2025) legalizes unpermitted ADUs built before January 2020, making it easier to bring existing units up to code.
  • Junior ADUs (JADUs), up to 500 square feet within an existing home, require no separate utilities and are perfect for a parent or adult child who wants a private space within the main house.

If you're buying a home with the idea of adding an ADU, Sacramento, Yuba City, and Wheatland all have property sizes that accommodate backyard units comfortably. The key is working with a real estate agent who understands both the housing market and the ADU process.

New Construction Options

Several builders in the Northern California region now offer multigenerational floor plans. HiLine Homes, for example, specializes in designs with dual primary suites, secondary kitchens, and private entries, features that make multigenerational living work seamlessly. Builders like Discovery Homes and Toll Brothers also offer new-construction homes with first-floor suites and multi-gen casitas.

Plumas Lake and Lincoln are two communities where new construction is readily available, and where these multigenerational floor plans are increasingly common. If you're building or buying new, this is one of the most straightforward ways to get a home designed for your family's specific needs.

Is Multigenerational Living Right for Your Family?

It's not for everyone, but for families who choose it intentionally, the benefits can be tremendous, financial savings, closer relationships, shared responsibilities, and the kind of daily connection that phone calls and weekend visits can't quite replicate.

I've helped several families navigate this exact decision, and I understand the unique dynamics involved. Whether you're looking for a home with an existing in-law suite, exploring the ADU process, or shopping for new construction with multigenerational floor plans, I can help you find the right fit.

If you'd like to talk through your family's situation, I'm here to help. You can schedule a free consultation or get in touch directly. For more on the communities I serve, visit my Neighborhood Guides, or read about new construction options in Northern California and moving closer to family.

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