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The new American household: 3 generations, 1 roof
http://money.cnn.com ^ | 4/9/2012 | Les Christie

Posted on 04/09/2012 1:29:14 PM PDT by dragnet2

As the economy continues to take a toll on consumers' finances, a growing number of people are discovering that becoming roommates with mom and dad, or a 20- or 30-something son or daughter, helps to ease some of the financial pain in tough times.

As of 2010, 4.4 million U.S. homes held three generations or more under one roof, a 15% increase from 3.8 million households two years earlier, according to the latest data available from the Census Bureau.

For multi-generational households, there is typically a nice payoff. Not only do they save money, but they are better able to avoid financial hardship.

"It's such an advantage to have multiple wage earners in the same household when the economy is still struggling." ... the multi-generational housing trend is one he expects will continue.

Census reported that "doubled up households," those including at least one extra adult who is not enrolled in school and isn't a spouse or partner, grew 10.7% to 21.8 million households in spring 2011, up from 19.7 million households four years earlier.

Many of those homes included adult children who flew back to the nest after being unable to find work. The number of 25- to 34-year olds living with their folks jumped by more than 25% between 2007 and 2001, Census reported.

Builders take note. "The recession caused doubling up to save money -- and the story is still unfolding,"

The long-term impact, he said, is that more families will want bigger homes with more bedrooms to accommodate their extended families.

In fact, so many relatives are already moving in with one another that builders are starting to construct homes to accommodate them.

Home builder Toll Brothers has started incorporating multi-generational living arrangements directly into its designs... Previously, such accommodations were offered only as custom options.

(Excerpt) Read more at money.cnn.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 2010census; family; housing; trends
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In fact, so many relatives are already moving in with one another that builders are starting to construct homes to accommodate them.
1 posted on 04/09/2012 1:29:17 PM PDT by dragnet2
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To: dragnet2

This is nothing new to friends of mine from Europe and Asia.


2 posted on 04/09/2012 1:30:48 PM PDT by Army Air Corps (Four Fried Chickens and a Coke)
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To: All

We know of 4 families that now have extended family living with them.

You knew this was coming in a big way.

I see no problem as long as everyone contributes and helps out. It’s reaching a point where in most cases, there is no longer a choice.


3 posted on 04/09/2012 1:31:16 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: dragnet2

The US is turning into a poor country. We are soon going to look like China or Korea from 25+ years ago.


4 posted on 04/09/2012 1:32:43 PM PDT by GeronL (The Right to Life came before the Right to Pursue Happiness)
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To: dragnet2

New? New??? When was it ever NOT like that, except maybe for the briefest period of time after, say, 1960?

Sheesh, the news “media” is getting lamer and lamer.


5 posted on 04/09/2012 1:32:50 PM PDT by Larry Lucido
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To: dragnet2
You knew this was coming in a big way.

Coming??? It always was!

Yeah, things suck, but this isn't an indicator of it.

6 posted on 04/09/2012 1:34:31 PM PDT by Larry Lucido
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To: Kartographer

Back to the future - or would that be ‘Forward to the past’??

Prepper Ping....


7 posted on 04/09/2012 1:35:09 PM PDT by Uncle Ike (Rope is cheap, and there are lots of trees...)
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To: dragnet2

The not-quite-as-new American household: 3 generations, 1 welfare check, 1 public housing rat hole, 4 grams of crack, 15 bottles of malt liquor, 2 AK-47’s, 5 outstanding warrants, 27 stolen lottery tickets, 0 live at home fathers, 5 pairs of $200 designer sneakers...

...and a partridge in a pear tree.


8 posted on 04/09/2012 1:35:58 PM PDT by MarineDad (Wherever mosques and JDAM's meet, civilization benefits)
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To: Army Air Corps

You bet, and it’s now here.

These number below tell the story.

As of 2010, 4.4 million U.S. homes held three generations or more under one roof, a 15% increase from 3.8 million households two years earlier.

I know of people who’ve redesigned their homes, doing the work themselves, to accommodate family.

Times are tough, and it’s going to get tougher.


9 posted on 04/09/2012 1:36:04 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: Larry Lucido

Try reading Larry.

This and other sources say this trend is rapidly *growing*, and we’ve seen this among friends just within the past two years or so.


10 posted on 04/09/2012 1:38:33 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: Uncle Ike

Back to the past and this is not the only such changes we are going to be seeing. Hand me downs, scenod-hand stores, actually mending things instead of just throwing them away, eating at home.....


11 posted on 04/09/2012 1:39:28 PM PDT by Kartographer ("We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.")
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To: Uncle Ike

Back to the past and this is not the only such changes we are going to be seeing. Hand me downs, scenod-hand stores, actually mending things instead of just throwing them away, eating at home.....


12 posted on 04/09/2012 1:39:55 PM PDT by Kartographer ("We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.")
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To: dragnet2

A return to the pre-WW-II culture of “The Waltons.”


13 posted on 04/09/2012 1:41:29 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
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To: MarineDad

You seem totally detached from reality, suggesting this is only happening to those living in the ghetto.

Trust me, this is happening everywhere, including your neighborhood.


14 posted on 04/09/2012 1:42:36 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: dragnet2

Yep. It is a survival mechanism in tough times. Those times are here. See, Obama is bringing America together! / sarc


15 posted on 04/09/2012 1:44:05 PM PDT by Army Air Corps (Four Fried Chickens and a Coke)
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To: dragnet2

If I built such a house I would put in one kitchen and one or two mini-kitchens so say grandma and grandpa can cook their own stuff sometimes. Or maybe grandma likes her own space so she cooks some great old timey stuff in her mini-kitchen and brings it down for all to eat. Or can make cookies in her own oven for the grandchildren.

Obviously bathrooms are another thing you’ll need at least three of


16 posted on 04/09/2012 1:46:27 PM PDT by dennisw (A nation of sheep breeds a government of Democrat wolves!)
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To: dragnet2
Less people vying for homes and apts but rents aren't going down. Less people using gasoline but prices are going up. Strange times.
17 posted on 04/09/2012 1:46:41 PM PDT by TalBlack ( Evil doesn't have a day job.)
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To: Army Air Corps

We’re all becoming more equal under 0bama!


18 posted on 04/09/2012 1:47:07 PM PDT by Uncle Miltie (FOCUS ON FACTS: 0bamaCare Hated. Worst Recovery. Failed Stimulus. Worst Deficits.)
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To: dragnet2

This used to be the norm


19 posted on 04/09/2012 1:47:22 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: MarineDad
The not-quite-as-new American household: 3 generations, 1 welfare check, 1 public housing rat hole, 4 grams of crack, 15 bottles of malt liquor, 2 AK-47’s, 5 outstanding warrants, 27 stolen lottery tickets, 0 live at home fathers, 5 pairs of $200 designer sneakers... ...and a partridge in a pear tree.

Maybe elsewhere, but with two bedroom apartments going for $2000/mo and up around here, we have three generations, no welfare checks, no public housing, no crack, no alcohol, an undisclosed number of (legal) firearms, no wants nor warrants, paid-for lottery tickets, dads at home when they aren't working, and mmostly workboots, (no designer sneakers).

The trees are out back, and bear fruit in a good year--no partridge, though.

It isn't as bad as it has been, one daughter got a job which provides housing for her and the rest of her family.

Fixed income renters were hit hardest by the boom here (elderly, retired). Those who owned their homes have often sold for multiples of what they would have received in a 'normal' market, or are renting and living off the rent money elsewhere...

It isn't always a 'subsidized' situation, and I expect there will be more before there is less.

20 posted on 04/09/2012 1:47:33 PM PDT by Smokin' Joe (How often God must weep at humans' folly. Stand fast. God knows what He is doing)
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