Multigenerational Living in Davie FL: Homes for Extended Families

More families than ever are choosing to live under one roof — and in South Florida, that trend is especially pronounced. Multigenerational living — where adult children, aging parents, or extended family members share a single home — has become one of the fastest-growing housing preferences in the region. Davie, Florida, with its larger lot sizes, diverse housing stock, and family-oriented neighborhoods, is uniquely positioned to meet this demand. As a Davie-based Realtor who has helped multigenerational families find the right home for over 24 years, I have seen firsthand how the right floor plan can transform daily life for everyone involved.

Why Multigenerational Living Is Growing in South Florida

According to recent data from the Pew Research Center, approximately 26% of adults ages 25 to 34 in South Florida still live with their parents — well above the 18% national average. Nationally, nearly 4 million U.S. homes now house multiple generations, and multigenerational listings make up over 6% of the market. In Florida metros, that share meets or exceeds the national average.

Several factors are driving this trend in Broward County. Rising home prices and interest rates have made it harder for younger adults to buy homes on their own. Cultural traditions in many South Florida communities naturally favor extended-family households. And aging parents increasingly prefer to live close to adult children rather than move into senior living facilities.

Whatever the reason, the demand for homes that can comfortably accommodate multiple generations is higher than I have seen in my entire career — and Davie is one of the best places in Broward County to find a home that works for an extended family.

What Makes Davie Ideal for Multigenerational Living

Davie stands out from other Broward County suburbs for several reasons that matter to multigenerational buyers:

• • Larger lot sizes: Davie is known for half-acre to multi-acre lots that provide the physical space to add square footage, build a detached guest house, or accommodate separate living areas on a single property.
• • Diverse housing stock: From ranch-style homes with wide single-story layouts to two-story estate homes with dual primary bedrooms, Davie's real estate market offers more floor plan variety than most Broward cities.
• • New construction with multigenerational features: Several new-home communities in Davie are now building homes with purpose-designed in-law suites, separate entrances, and flexible floor plans.
• • Zoning flexibility: Certain areas of Davie permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs), detached guest houses, and additional structures that can serve as independent living quarters.
• • Proximity to everything: Davie's central location means adult children can commute to jobs in Fort Lauderdale or Miami while aging parents have access to top-tier healthcare within 15 minutes.

Popular Multigenerational Home Features in Davie

When I work with multigenerational buyers, certain floor plan features come up again and again. Here is what to look for when shopping for a home that needs to work for multiple generations:

In-Law Suites

An in-law suite is a separate bedroom with its own bathroom, often located on the ground floor or in a separate wing of the home. The best in-law suites include a private entrance, a small kitchenette or wet bar, and enough square footage to function as a mini-apartment. In Davie, many homes built in the 2000s and later include purposeful in-law-suite layouts, especially in neighborhoods west of University Drive.

Casitas and Detached Guest Houses

The casita — a detached guest house — is a South Florida tradition, and Davie has some of the best examples in the region. A well-built casita provides genuine independence for an aging parent or adult child while keeping them on the same property. Casitas typically include a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and sometimes a full kitchen. On Davie's larger acreage properties, a detached guest house can feel like a completely separate residence while still sharing utilities, insurance, and property taxes.

Dual Primary Bedrooms

An increasing number of new and resale homes in Davie feature two primary bedroom suites — one on the first floor and one on the second floor, or at opposite ends of the home. This layout is ideal for families where adult children live with aging parents, or where two generations need equal privacy and comfort. Both bedrooms typically include en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets.

Universal Design Elements

For families caring for aging parents, universal design features are critical. Wider doorways (36 inches or more), step-free entrances, zero-threshold showers, lever-style door handles, and single-story floor plans make a home accessible and safe for seniors. Many newer Davie homes include these features as standard or optional upgrades, and retrofitting an existing home is often more affordable than families expect.

New Construction Communities with Multigenerational Floor Plans

Homebuilders have taken notice of the multigenerational trend, and several new communities in Davie now offer floor plans designed for extended families:

• • Marigold (Pulte Homes): A new Davie community with floor plans that include private in-law suites with separate entrances and full bathrooms.
• • Turnberry Estates: Luxury estate homes on larger lots with flexible bonus rooms that can be configured as independent living quarters.
• • Crescent Ridge (Lennar): New construction with dual-primary-bedroom options and flex spaces designed for multigenerational use.
• • Zona West: A gated community with larger lot sizes that accommodate detached structures and guest house additions.

Financial Considerations for Multigenerational Buyers

Multigenerational buying often makes strong financial sense, but there are a few things to plan for carefully:

Mortgage qualification: Lenders may allow multiple family members' incomes to be considered for a single mortgage, which can increase buying power significantly. However, the rules vary by loan type. FHA loans have specific guidelines about who can be on the mortgage and who can live in the home. A good lender experienced with multigenerational buyers is essential.

Property taxes: Florida's homestead exemption applies to primary residences. If a parent and adult child both live in the home, only one homestead exemption applies. But the overall tax burden is still lower than owning two separate homes, and shared utility and maintenance costs reduce the monthly carrying costs for everyone.

Insurance: A single homeowners insurance policy for one larger home is almost always less expensive than two separate policies for two homes. This is especially relevant in Florida, where insurance premiums have risen significantly in recent years.

Best Davie Neighborhoods for Multigenerational Living

Based on my experience working with multigenerational buyers, these neighborhoods in Davie tend to offer the best combination of space, floor plan options, and location:

• • Western Davie acreage properties: The largest lots in town, offering the most flexibility for detached guest houses, ADUs, and multi-structure living.
• • Pine Island Ridge: A gated community with larger single-family homes that often include first-floor primary suites and bonus rooms.
• • Neighborhoods near Nova Southeastern University: Many homes in this area were built with flex spaces and in-law-suite configurations to accommodate NSU faculty and multigenerational households.
• • Equestrian zoned properties: The larger minimum lot sizes in equestrian zones (often 1 acre or more) provide the land needed for multi-structure living arrangements.

The Bottom Line

Multigenerational living is not a passing trend in South Florida — it is a lasting shift in how families approach housing, and Davie is one of the best-positioned communities to support it. With larger lots, diverse housing stock, new construction designed for extended families, and a central location that works for multiple commutes and life stages, Davie offers real advantages for families who want to live together without sacrificing privacy or quality of life.

If you are considering a multigenerational move to Davie, the key is finding the right floor plan on the right lot. I have helped many families navigate these decisions, and I can help you identify the neighborhoods and home styles that will work best for your specific situation.