Architectural Legacy on LBI

Is generational living at the shore a growing trend or is it a concept that’s been here all along?

For Long Beach Island, NJ, the short answer to both questions is yes.

Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist, for NAR (National Association of Realtors) defines generational or multi-living households as homes where multiple generations, parents, children, grandparents, live together under one roof.

It’s a trend she said that’s growing nationwide. The drivers for it are a mix of affordability, adult children moving back home, and the need to care for aging parents.

“We’re seeing a clear rise in multi-generational living nationally,” Lautz said. “About 14% of buyers today are purchasing homes to accommodate multiple generations, and that share is even higher among Gen X.”

Lutz noted one reason the trend for generational living is growing, in high cost or second home markets, is affordability.

“In places like shore communities pooling resources across generations can make these properties more attainable,” Lautz said. “Purchasing a vacation home and sharing equity gained is a way for young adult children to enter the housing market as some may see this kind of homeownership out of reach.

Another major reason for generational shore living she said is a desire for closer family ties.

“A key driver among older buyers is the desire to be closer to family and friends.” Lautz said. ‘Especially in places like shore communities, that can naturally align with homes designed to bring multiple generations together, now and in the future.

Kevin Bergin, Branch Manager for Beach House Group, Serhant believes generational living on Long Beach Island, NJ, is not a trend.

“Just about every house here on LBI has fallen into that category of generational living,” he said. “Houses here are built for multi generations. I think what you’re describing is just a house at the shore that Mr. and Mrs. Jones buy for the kids and grandkids to come and use now and later. Until they don’t.”

Cass Thurston, owner of Cass Thurston Interiors in Harvey Cedars, NJ defines generational living as families who are using homes now while keeping an eye on future generations of family to come.

“Generational homes are popular at the Jersey shore especially with new construction in 2026,” she said. “They cater to multigenerational families and provide space and amenities for everyone to enjoy now and later on in the future.”

She believes the appeal of generational living is a desire on the part of homeowners for closer family bonds. Homes that are built to accommodate parents, children and grandchildren require flexible floor plans and designs that meet the ever-changing demands of an extended family.  

Thurston believes multigenerational home design requires two things.

“First, the design needs to look good,” she said. “And then it needs to work for the people who already live there.”

Thurston said she has noticed how some new home builders will opt to involve their parents and their children in the design process of the home to build for the future. “They want the house to be a place for everyone to come together,” Thurston said. “I enjoy involving everyone in the design process because my goal is to make sure I design something everyone is going to enjoy.”

Thurston noted that certain design features are paramount in the minds of multigenerational homeowners who are building their nest for the future.

“Shared common areas inside, spaces where families can congregate, open space concepts are the most important,” Thurston said. “They want areas where they can all feel connected.

What I can see during the floor stage plans, what we tend to make the most revisions with are common areas. It’s less about the bedrooms. We’re reducing the size of them to be able to add a secondary family room, a place where the kids can just go in, sit on a huge sectional and when it’s movie time, they shut the door.  For kids in college these rooms become hang out spots.”

Thurston pointed out that luxurious space outdoors is also important since homeowners tend to regard it as an extension of their indoor living space. “Outdoor kitchens are important since homeowners now want their families to enjoy the outside as well as the inside,” Thurston said. “Indoor common areas that lead out to decks are being prioritized.”

Indoor kitchens, however, are not the primary focus and often end up being reduced in size to accommodate space for bigger family rooms, living areas and bigger dining areas. They want the space on the deck to grill outdoors rather than cook inside.

 “Clients come down here and they say, we don’t cook. We don’t need a huge kitchen. It’s a second home and we’re here to vacation, go out, enjoy the restaurants down here,” she said.

Thurston has noticed bedrooms are also getting smaller. “The physical space of bedrooms in a generational home is smaller when you compare them to primary residences,” she said. “Down here people say as long as I have a king bed, two nightstands and a dresser that’s fine.”

An emphasis on easy maintenance is paramount when designing a home for generational living.

” We always emphasize performance and durability especially when it comes to fabrics and flooring,” she said. “Salt air and humidity destroy fabrics, so we always use performance fabrics. Flooring is usually engineered hard wood. I’ve also been using a lot more vinyl now because it’s a nicer quality. If you pick the right one, it can look nice. The idea to keep in mind is what will look good in 20 years.”

With that in mind Thurston also said that if a generational home is going to look good for many years to come, its owners need to think timeless, not trendy when it comes to decorating touches.

“By timeless I mean softer colors, neutral palettes,” she said. “Accent pieces you can play around with. You can be a little bolder choosing them because you can always switch them out. But rarely do we do something super trendy with tile or flooring because that is more costly later to replace or demo. The preference for kitchen cabinetry is pretty much white, and for here that is timeless.”

As the saying goes, life is short, buy a beach house. For now, and for later.

Contact Information

National Association of Realtors

National Association of REALTORS®

Kevin Bergin

Branch Manager 

Beach House Group l SERHANT 

609-709-7356

Cass Thurston Interiors

Long Beach Island Coastal Interior Design | Cass Thurston Interiors