Moving Closer to Grandchildren: A Guide to Multigenerational Living in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties

One of the most common reasons I hear from clients who are leaving a larger home is that they want to be closer to family, especially grandchildren. Multigenerational living is one of the fastest-growing ways to make that happen, and Florida is one of the places where it works well. Here is how moving closer to family actually works in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties, from shared homes to separate casitas to 55-plus communities just down the road.

How common is multigenerational living right now?

It is more common than many people assume. Roughly 4 million homes across the country now house multiple generations, and multigenerational listings make up a notable share of the market. On the family side, about one in four grandparents lived with a grandchild at some point in the past year, and many more live close enough to see them regularly. In Florida, which has one of the highest shares of older residents in the country, the pull toward family is especially strong.

What is an accessory dwelling unit, and can you build one in Florida?

An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a separate living space on the same property as the main home, often over a garage or as a freestanding unit. Florida's Senate Bill 184, which took effect in July 2025, gave nearly every single-family residential lot in the state the right to add at least one ADU, which opened the door for many families. The appeal for grandparents is independence plus proximity: your own entrance and kitchen, but family steps away. In some cases an ADU can also generate rental income of roughly $1,200 to $2,500 a month if it is ever unused.

What home features matter most for multigenerational living?

The single most important feature is a private exterior entrance, so everyone can come and go without walking through each other's living space. Beyond that, look for an attached in-law or guest suite with its own bathroom and a kitchenette, a dual-primary-suite floor plan where two owners' suites sit on opposite sides of the home, or a connected casita with a small porch. Separate laundry, sound separation between the suites, step-free entries, and wider doorways all make a shared home feel like two homes. Several national builders, including Lennar with its Next Gen line, D.R. Horton with MultiGen, and Toll Brothers, build these floor plans ready-made.

What if you want close by, but not under the same roof?

Many grandparents find the sweet spot is living near family without sharing a house. Master-planned communities like those in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas often place active-adult neighborhoods close to family-friendly villages, so you get the privacy and amenities of a 55-plus community while still being minutes from grandchildren. New construction across Manatee and Sarasota Counties has leaned into this mix of age-qualified and family neighborhoods in the same master plan, which is one reason the region draws so many relocating grandparents.

Is multigenerational living right for you?

It comes down to how much togetherness you want. If you love being part of daily routines and want a hand in raising the next generation, a casita or dual-suite home can be ideal. If you value your own space and routine more, an age-qualified community near family gives you both. There is no wrong answer, only the version that fits how your family actually lives, which is why I start every conversation by listening rather than prescribing.

With over 30 years in real estate, mortgage, and business ownership, I have guided many families through the transition of moving closer to one another across Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties. If you want to see the kind of neighborhoods that support this lifestyle, start with my guide to Lakewood Ranch 55-plus communities and my aging in place guide.

I'm Kim Donahue, a REALTOR® with Medway Realty, licensed in Florida as SL3352997, and I would be glad to help you find the right setup for your family.

Want to explore moving closer to family in Florida? Let's look at the options together, at whatever pace you need. Reach me at (941) 724-2587 or through my contact page. I've got your back.