As housing needs evolve, more Toronto families are considering multigenerational living. Whether you’re supporting aging parents, consolidating expenses, or building stronger family ties, moving with parents is becoming a strategic choice. Especially in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where space and affordability can be a challenge, this transition offers a unique opportunity to create a supportive home environment that works for everyone involved.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to consider when moving with parents: choosing the right home, understanding key neighbourhood features, planning your space, and managing the emotional and logistical aspects of the transition. Whether you’re already living together or planning your first multigenerational move, this post will provide valuable direction.
Why More Families Are Moving With Parents
Across the GTA, multigenerational living is on the rise. It’s not just a cultural shift but a practical one. Shared living can reduce costs, increase convenience, and improve family support. In Toronto’s competitive real estate market, moving with parents allows families to pool resources to afford homes in desirable areas like Riverdale, Chaplin Estates, or The Beaches.
According to Statistics Canada, 2.9% of households in Canada are now multigenerational. For many families, moving with parents has become a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix. With aging parents seeking proximity to family and younger families seeking help with child care, the benefits go far beyond economics.
What to Look For in a Multigenerational Home
When moving with parents, the home itself needs to work for multiple generations with differing needs. Look for homes with features like:
- Separate entrances
- Finished basements or in-law suites
- Multiple bathrooms
- Main-floor bedrooms for accessibility
- Dual living spaces
Start your search by exploring local listings to find properties across neighbourhoods like Leaside, Agincourt, or Willowdale that already offer these features. Whether you’re interested in a classic detached home in High Park or a modernized bungalow in East York, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly options.
If a home doesn’t already offer the perfect layout, renovations can go a long way. For insights on which upgrades add both comfort and value you can refer to this guide on home improvements that have the highest ROI. Finishing a basement or converting a garage may offer the privacy your parents need while keeping the family close.
The Emotional Side of Moving With Parents
Multigenerational living isn’t just about logistics. There’s a deep emotional component to moving with parents. You’re not just sharing a roof. You’re sharing traditions, routines, and daily experiences.
The Emotional Side of Upsizing Your Family Home explores how important it is to prepare mentally and emotionally. Family meetings, clear communication, and ongoing empathy are essential to a smooth transition.
You may be excited about your new living arrangement, but your parents could be feeling a loss of independence or privacy. This is especially true if they’re leaving a long-time home. Taking the time to acknowledge these emotions builds stronger bonds and eases the adjustment for everyone.
Choosing the Right Neighbourhood for Everyone
Moving with parents means factoring in the preferences and needs of three generations, not just your own. Some neighbourhoods shine because of their access to health care, green space, and local amenities.
Neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles and Mount Pleasant East strike a great balance. They offer transit access, walkable streets, and proximity to both parks and hospitals. If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere with larger homes, Humber Village and Yorkdale-Glen Park are also strong contenders.
If pets are part of the family, consider Pet-Friendly Neighbourhoods in the GTA like The Annex or Seaton Village. Access to parks and trails is essential for both pets and aging family members.
Planning for Privacy and Shared Space
Design is key when moving with parents. You need to create shared areas for connection and private spaces for alone time. Kitchens, laundry rooms, and living rooms may need to be enlarged or duplicated to reduce daily friction.
Exploring Creative Storage Solutions for Growing Families can offer insights to space-saving strategies that are especially useful when merging multiple households into one. Vertical storage, built-ins, and underutilized corners can all be transformed into practical storage.
Daily Life: School Districts, Transit, and Accessibility
When moving with parents, proximity to good schools benefits more than just the kids. Grandparents often play a role in school pickups or extracurricular activities. How strongly schools can enhance your family’s daily life and long-term home value should not be underestimated which is why school districts should be a top priority for you and your family.
Transit is equally just as important. Neighbourhoods like Garden District and St. Lawrence Market offer excellent public transit access, making it easier for parents to maintain their independence without driving.
Accessibility upgrades are another consideration. Whether it’s main-floor living, handrails, or walk-in showers, these features ensure that moving with parents remains sustainable long-term.
Handling the Move Itself
The logistics of moving with parents can be daunting. Coordinating two or more households means extra planning and communication. If you’re wondering how to manage it all, learning how to pack by personality is often a strategic play at staying organized and calm throughout
Legal and Financial Considerations
Before moving with parents, have clear discussions about finances, ownership, and responsibilities. Decide in advance how the mortgage, utilities, groceries, and household tasks will be split. For parents who may be selling a home, refer to Smart Real Estate Moves for Retiring Homeowners for insight into timing, strategy, and retirement planning.
Families should also think about estate planning. If parents are helping purchase the home or co-signing a mortgage, speak to a lawyer and financial advisor about protecting everyone’s interests.
Questions to Ask Before You Begin
Before diving into house hunting, make sure your family is aligned. Knowing what questions to ask before meeting with your realtor is a great place to start. Make sure you ask the essential questions to get the most out of your experience such as::
- What are our non-negotiables?
- What compromises are we willing to make?
- How will we divide responsibilities in the home?
These conversations help avoid miscommunication later and keep the home search focused.
Start Exploring the Right Homes Today
Toronto offers a wide variety of homes and neighbourhoods that can support families moving with parents. Whether you prefer the leafy charm of Wychwood or the cultural vibrancy of Little Italy, the right property is out there. Browse available listings today to begin your search.
If you’re still unsure where to start, connect with The Halyard Group. We specialize in helping upsizing families navigate transitions just like this.
Moving with parents can be one of the most rewarding decisions your family makes. With the right space, communication, and planning, you can build a home where everyone thrives – together.
