Across the country, multigenerational living is no longer the exception. It is becoming part of the housing landscape in communities large and small.

A recent analysis from the National Association of Realtors® highlights how this trend continues to expand nationwide. Some metro areas stand out more than others. Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario, CA leads the way, with nearly 9 percent of households living in multigenerational homes in 2024. That is a significant share and a clear signal that families are choosing to live together across generations for financial, cultural, and caregiving reasons.

Use the interactive map below to explore New Mexico and metros across the nation.

What does this look like closer to home?

Albuquerque’s Multigenerational Shift

In the Albuquerque metro area, multigenerational households are steadily increasing.

• Share in 2014: 3.6%
• Share in 2024: 4.5%
• Ten-year change: +4.5%

While Albuquerque does not top the national list, the upward movement is meaningful. Nearly one in twenty households in the metro now includes multiple generations under one roof. That growth reflects broader national patterns while also speaking to local realities.

Rising housing costs, higher interest rates, student loan burdens, and childcare expenses all play a role. Add in caregiving for aging parents and strong family ties, and it makes sense why more families are choosing to combine households.

Meeting the Needs of Multigenerational Households

Multigenerational living reshapes what buyers are looking for.

• Today’s households may prioritize:
• Separate living spaces or casitas
• Homes with multiple primary suites
• Flexible floor plans
• Larger kitchens and gathering areas
• Properties with room for accessory dwelling units

For brokers working in the Albuquerque market, understanding this shift is critical. A growing segment of buyers is not just purchasing for themselves. They are purchasing for parents, adult children, or extended family members.

That changes how we talk about value, layout, location, and long-term planning.

A Cultural and Economic Story

Nationwide, multigenerational households are often rooted in culture and community. In many communities, living together is a tradition. In others, it is an economic strategy. Sometimes, it is both.

Albuquerque’s growth in this category reflects its unique mix of heritage, affordability pressures, and strong family networks. The city has long valued close-knit households. Now, housing data shows that preference translates into measurable trends.

Looking Ahead

If economic pressures continue and housing supply remains tight, multigenerational living will likely grow further. Builders may respond with more flexible designs. Local zoning conversations may include accessory dwelling units and density considerations. Buyers may approach homeownership with a longer, more family-centered horizon.

For Albuquerque, the numbers tell a clear story. The trend is not dramatic, but it is steady. Families are adapting. Housing choices are evolving. And the definition of “home” is expanding.

Understanding that shift helps us better serve clients and better anticipate where the market is headed next.