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Grandkids, Kitchenettes, and the New NoCo Dream: Why We’re All Moving In Together

Well, yeah, I guess the traditional retirement dream—you know, the one where you sell the big family house in Fort Collins and buy a quiet little condo in Scottsdale or Florida—is kind of hitting a wall here in 2026.

What I’m seeing now, while I’m out quarterbacking transactions in Timnath, Windsor, and Johnstown, is a completely different story. We’re calling it the “Grandbaby Effect.” Honestly, it’s not even about the houses anymore; it’s about family logistics.

I mean, I’ve been doing this for about 16 years, and I’ve seen trends come and go. But this one? It’s a solution-based shift. You’ve got Baby Boomers who are sitting on a ton of equity from selling homes in expensive coastal cities, and they’re moving to Northern Colorado—not just to be near their kids, but to actually live with them.

It makes sense when you look at the data. I mean, childcare costs on the Front Range are just… they’re steep. So, having active grandparents right there? That’s a game-changer for Millennial parents. And for the grandparents, it’s about aging in place without the astronomical costs of a facility.

But look, I always give my clients a “heads up” on the risks here. Multi-generational living can be a nightmare if you don’t have the right systems in place. Nobody wants to be fighting over the toaster at 7 a.m. or sharing a bathroom with a toddler.

That’s why these “Next-Gen” or “Multi-Gen” floor plans are exploding, especially in places like Johnstown. We’re talking about two homes under one roof. You’ve got the main house, and then you’ve got a private suite with its own entrance, its own kitchenette—I’m talking sink, fridge, the whole deal—and even its own garage bay. It’s about removing friction, you know? It lets everyone have their own space while still being just an interior door away for Sunday dinner.

I’m really focused on being an “efficient self” for my clients, using systems to handle the back-end stuff so I can lead these kinds of solution-based conversations. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just a real estate trend; it’s about finding the “fair best next step” for the whole family.

It’s a return to that “village” mentality, just with better boundaries—and maybe two different thermostats.

Anyway, I play for the team, not myself. If your “team” is looking for a way to stay close without losing your minds, I’m here to look at the data and help you figure it out. That’s basically it.