FORT MYERS, Fla., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of multigenerational households has increased by 60% since 1990, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This dramatic change in the American lifestyle is primarily due to two trends. First, Baby Boomers are living longer and are faced with deteriorating pensions, a failing Social Security system, and ever-increasing healthcare costs. Secondly, college debt and the amplified cost of living means that many children move back home after college, and stay for several years. To satisfy this evolution in the American household a respected national builder has created Next Gen-The Home Within a Home® by Lennar. This intelligent home design includes a separate suite with its own entrance, eat-in kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and living room. This revolutionary concept is now coming to Naples, Florida. Homebuyers are lining up in anticipation of Next Gen home designs already being built in the community of The Preserve at Corkscrew.

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Lennar's Next Gen-The Home Within a Home is the ultimate solution for multigenerational living. According to John Graham, co-author of Together Again, a book about multi-generational living, and Professor of Marketing and International Business at University of California Irvine, "We are seeing the nuclear family going back to the interdependence of the extended family. For the last 50 years the American ideal was the nuclear family living independently, but with the economic changes of recent decades that no longer is the solution of choice." He added, "Multigenerational living is very customary in most countries. It is now becoming much more common in the U.S. I am happy to see progressive builders like Lennar addressing this change."

The housing crisis expedited the shift to multigenerational living. Buyers want the most for their money and are strategizing long-term. According to Sharon Graham Niederhaus, co-author of Together Again, after interviewing over 100 multigenerational families, "It became clear that the balance between proximity and privacy is the key to success." Her research showed that the key to successful multigenerational living was independence and separate facilities. "What makes this home design perfect for multigenerational living is the separate entrance as well as kitchen and bathroom," she added.

Aging parents and children returning home after college are the obvious reasons for purchasing a Next Gen-The Home Within a Home by Lennar, but they are certainly not the only reason buyers are lining up. "We are thrilled to be able to bring a new home design solution to our customers. The Next Gen is very popular with not only our multigenerational buyer but also with telecommuters, people with home offices, those who have long-term guests, and even customers who want a man-cave," says Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales and Marketing of Lennar's Southwest Florida Division.

There are two floor plans: the Liberation and Independence, each feature separate living quarters for that elderly adult, active adult or children. These home plans feature 5 & 6 bedrooms, 3.5 & 4 bathrooms, from 3,357 to 3,867 sq. ft. The Liberation home design comes with two separate driveways with a single car garage for the suite and a two car garage for the main house.

Next Gen-The Home Within a Home by Lennar are being built in the following Southwest Florida communities: Ave Maria, Bella Terra, Copper Cove, Olympia Pointe, Forum, Reflection Isles, The Preserve at Corkscrew and Stoneybrook at Venice. For more information visit Lennar.com/swflsave .

SOURCE Lennar