Multigenerational Living in Santa Barbara: What Seniors and Their Families Need to Know

How Deborah Samuel and SB SOS Help Seniors Make It Work When Moving in With Adult Children

As housing costs climb and retirement incomes stay flat, many seniors in Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Goleta are exploring a path once considered rare: moving in with their adult children. This rising trend—dubbed the reverse boomerang effect—reflects both economic necessity and a desire for closer family connection.

For years, I’ve worked alongside seniors transitioning out of long-held homes. And with my wife Kelsey and our senior downsizing company, SB SOS, we've guided hundreds of local families through complex, emotional moves—including multigenerational living.

Here’s what you need to know—and how we can help make this transition seamless, smart, and supportive.

Why Are More Seniors Moving in With Their Adult Children?

According to Pew Research, 9% of multigenerational households are now owned by adults aged 25 to 34—up from 6% in 2001. This shift isn’t just about finances; it's about shared values, family ties, and long-term planning.

Key drivers:

Rising housing costs in high-value markets like Santa Barbara
Longer life expectancy and a desire to age-in-place
Emotional support and reduced isolation
Family-centered caregiving and childcare opportunities

Local Solutions That Work

In our work with clients across Hope Ranch, Montecito, and Santa Barbara’s Riviera, and Goleta we've seen that the most successful transitions happen with careful planning and expert support.

Popular local approaches:

Selling the family home to fund construction of an ADU (granny flat) on a child’s property
Pooling resources to purchase a larger home with separate quarters for seniors
Converting existing space (basements, garages, guest houses) into private in-law suites
Relocating nearby, where the senior retains independence but has daily family connection

With SB SOS and my real estate expertise, we help families navigate everything: property selection, design referrals, permitting, estate planning referrals, and downsizing logistics.

What to Plan For: Pros, Cons & Legal Tips

Benefits of Living Together:

Built-in family time and support
Reduced cost of living for all parties
Grandparent help with school pickups, pets, or errands
A safer, more social lifestyle for aging parents

Challenges to Prepare For:

Boundary and privacy concerns
Generational differences in routines
Financial misunderstandings or Medicaid eligibility issues
Emotional strain if expectations aren’t clarified early

Our advice: Have an open conversation early—define responsibilities, space usage, and financial contributions. We recommend families also consult elder law attorneys and financial advisors to protect assets and avoid future complications.

How Deborah & Kelsey Can Help

We’re not just Realtors and move managers—we’re trusted family guides. When a senior client calls us, they get:

✅ Clear advice on selling a longtime home
✅ Trusted referrals for legal and financial planning
✅ Customized downsizing and move management with SB SOS
✅ A compassionate ear and strong market knowledge of what homes, lots, or ADUs work best for multigenerational living

Final Thoughts

Multigenerational living isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice that can strengthen families, reduce stress, and help seniors thrive. With the right support and preparation, it’s a smart move.

If you’re considering this transition—or helping your parents do so—we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.

Call Deborah Samuel today at 805-570-6680 or email [email protected] for a no-pressure consultation. Together with Kelsey and SB SOS, we’ll help your family make a plan that works—for everyone.