The Rise of Multi-Generational, Multi-Cultural, Multi-Family Housing

How Successful People Are Creating Their Own Villages

In a world where we can do almost everything online—work, shop, bank, even date—it’s becoming crystal clear that the one thing we can’t digitize is community.

Many of us are feeling a quiet, persistent desire: for connection, for purpose, for people who just get us. And that desire is getting louder—even among people who’ve “made it” by traditional standards. You’ve built a career or created a company, raised a family, bought the house, and checked off travel bucket list goals. So why does life still feel like something’s missing?

Because deep down, we know the truth: We weren’t designed to go it alone. But somewhere along the way, many of us started living as if we have to, and now we're stuck.

That’s why more and more successful, freedom-seeking, heart-centred individuals are stepping away from the traditional model of isolated living—and into something far more empowering: multi-generational, multi-cultural, multi-family housing.

Just think about it. How many people do you know who are talking about:

• Being location independent
• Having remote work
• Rebeling against the 'norm' and becoming a nomad
• Snowbirding as a strategy for seniors and dreamers
• Focusing on freedom over tradition
• Becoming a co-working and co-creating visionary
• Investing smartly using co-ownership and economies of scale

These are real, growing trends. I hear them echoed in almost every business podcast I listen to. This isn’t fringe, it’s becoming part of the new economy and the evolving global community.

We know these people, locally, nationally, and internationally. And as this lifestyle gains momentum, it’s also gaining meaning. Because yes, we want freedom. But we’re also craving belonging. And that sweet spot—where independence meets community—that’s where real transformation begins. It happens when we build intentionally.

This isn’t just about shared walls. It’s about shared values.

It’s a lifestyle revolution rooted in collaboration, connection, and conscious design.

What’s Fueling This Movement?

1. Loneliness Is a Modern-Day Epidemic

We’ve never had more ways to “connect,” yet we’re lonelier than ever. A 2023 global study found nearly half of adults report significant loneliness. And it’s more than just a personal ache, it’s a public health crisis, with links to depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even shortened life spans.

But when you intentionally build or join a community with people who share your rhythm, values, and passions, everything shifts.

You trade isolation for meaningful interaction. Superficial small talk becomes shared stories over a glass of wine or a spontaneous game night. As someone who has moved between solo living and vibrant shared households, I can say there’s nothing like cross-generational conversations, cooking new dishes together, and learning from people of different backgrounds to expand your soul and your perspective. I can also say my depression drops and my happiness and productivity jump when I'm surrounded by like-minded people, inspiring me to do more.

2. Economies of Scale Are for More Than Just Corporations

Let’s talk money—because yes, this lifestyle is rooted in heart, and it’s a smart financial move.

Pooling resources for shared housing means:

• Dividing the rent or mortgage
• Sharing utilities, internet, and maintenance costs
• Collaborative grocery shopping and meal planning
• Built-in childcare, elder support, and car sharing
• Remote work becomes more fun (hello, built-in coworking crew!)
• You can even rotate between your local and international homes affordably

The result? A richer lifestyle, literally and figuratively, with better space, better locations, and more breathing room in your budget. And all without the burnout of doing it solo. When I lived in Michael Buble's mansion with a group of people, we ate like kings and queens and the cost was much less than buying my groceries for one. I had as much alone time as I wanted but when I had a cold, and hot chicken soup arrived at my bedroom door...well there's so much in that.

A note about renting vs owning - I've done both, even though my business, WREN, educates often on ownership, we also believe leasing can be better in many scenarios.

3. Shared Responsibility = Real-Life Resilience

In this model, no one has to be the hero. You create a village of strengths.

• Someone loves cooking—great, they take the lead in the kitchen.
• Someone else manages the bills or logistics—perfect.
• Another thrives on hosting or community rituals.
• You can even pool funds for a cleaner so no one gets stuck with chores.
• And if you're travelling? You don’t have to worry about an empty house, because your community has your back.

It’s not just delegation—it’s collaboration. And it can make life more joyful, more manageable, and way more human. The key is to get the right tribe for your village. I've made some HUGE mistakes here. I've rushed into opportunities with the wrong people and that sours everything! Do the work upfront to ensure you're setting up YOUR village, YOUR way!

4. A Lifestyle Built for Freedom, Fun, and Flexibility

What makes this model especially exciting is how customizable it is.

• Want to co-own a duplex with another family for summer living, then snowbird south for the winter? Totally doable.
• Dreaming of a property in Costa Rica or Mexico with your besties from college? Let’s go.
• Want to keep a condo in the city for work and a retreat space in nature for unplugging? Done.

This model is ideal for snowbirds, remote workers, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, creatives, families, and retirees alike. Because you’re not just creating a house, you’re creating a network of home bases. Rooted in shared values. Designed for actual freedom.

When you live this way, your “village” nourishes you. You’re not dependent on a single place or person. You’re building a web of support, spanning cities, countries, and life stages, designed to enrich your health, wealth, and happiness.

✨ Who’s Already Doing This?

More people than you’d think are already living this dream, and redefining what home, family, and success truly mean. In fact at my monthly Victoria, BC happy hour, a group of us talked about renting a luxury furnished condo in Vancouver because we spend so much time there for business and personal trips. Let's not rent a hotel - let's create a HOMEtel!

I've personally been part of intentional communities for over 30 years, on land, at sea (yes, cruise ships count!), in Sydney, Vancouver, Victoria, and soon… Puerto Vallarta! Each chapter brought deep joy, unexpected lessons, and a few hard-earned insights: like how crucial it is to clarify roles, responsibilities, legal structures, and shared expectations from the start! Even with some very serious issues between partners, I still believe we're heading in this direction and the lessons we're learning now will help us curate our communities when we're ready.

If you're curious, here are some amazing friends and colleagues already diving in to build, create and share their amazing communities!

• Amy and Alexis are exploring an epic community project in an Italian castle, yes, really!
• Cailan Libby and the Happipad team are helping homeowners open their doors to refugees, students, and remote workers through their updated co-living platform.
• Join me (Liza) in Puerto Vallarta in 2026 for a trailblazing “hometel” concept, resort-style living that you don’t have to leave after two weeks.
• Alisa Choi of MIMOS Co-Living in Toronto is hosting an inspiring multigenerational, multicultural community right in the heart of the city.

Are You Ready to Find Your People?

This isn’t about co-living out of necessity. It’s about choosing connection over isolation. Choosing collaboration over burnout. Choosing to design your life around joy, flexibility, and people you actually want to be around. Community focused living isn't a cheap alternative to living in your condo or house, it's an intentional choice you make to add even more to your successful life. If you're curious...

We’re hosting a free webinar where we’ll walk you through:

• Real-life examples of intentional co-living
• How to avoid common pitfalls
• How to find (or build!) your affinity group, tribe, circle
• And how our coaching program can support you in creating your village

This is your chance to live more connected, more empowered, and more alive.

Let’s build the village we’ve all been waiting for. Together.

email liza@wren.club if you're keen to learn more about 'the village'