When Three Generations Share One Home: How Smart Entry Door Design Makes Cresskill’s Multi-Generational Magic Work

In the charming borough of Cresskill, New Jersey, a quiet revolution is taking place behind front doors across the community. With a median age of 45 and 68% of individuals aged 15 or older being married with 47% having children under 18, this affluent Bergen County community is increasingly embracing multi-generational living arrangements that bring grandparents, parents, and children together under one roof.

New Jersey ranks among the top states for multi-generational households, with the U.S. population living in such arrangements having quadrupled since 1971, driven largely by Hispanic and Asian population growth. Cresskill’s diverse demographic composition—59.1% White (Non-Hispanic) and 27.7% Asian (Non-Hispanic)—reflects this national trend, making thoughtful home design more crucial than ever.

The Entry Door: Gateway to Inclusive Living

While multi-generational living offers numerous benefits—from shared caregiving responsibilities to financial efficiencies—it also presents unique design challenges. The entry door, often overlooked in home planning discussions, becomes a critical element in creating truly accessible and welcoming spaces for families spanning multiple generations and varying mobility needs.

Essential features include wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers, zero-step entries, and easy-to-use fixtures that make daily tasks more manageable. Step-free entrance doors benefit not only wheelchair users but also those using prams, anyone who can’t lift their feet consistently high, grocery carts, and people on crutches.

Smart Design Features for Every Generation

Modern entry door solutions must balance aesthetics with functionality while addressing the diverse needs of household members ranging from energetic toddlers to aging grandparents. Key considerations include:

• Threshold Design: Elderly people and toddlers tend not to lift their feet as high when they walk, making it important to ensure doorways don’t create trip hazards
• Handle Hardware: Lever or loop designs rather than knobs are easier for people with limited hand strength or dexterity
• Door Width: Doorways should be at least 36 inches wide, with wide door frames or pocket doors improving mobility throughout the home
• Automation Options: Automatic door openers help wheelchair users or those with limited arm strength and coordination move around the home with ease

Security Without Compromise

Multi-generational households often have varying schedules and security concerns. Separate entrances can provide an added sense of privacy while ensuring that nobody else in the household is disturbed if people are leaving or returning home at different times. Advanced entry systems can accommodate multiple access methods—from traditional keys for tech-averse grandparents to smart locks for busy parents juggling work and family responsibilities.

Professional Expertise Makes the Difference

Creating the perfect entry solution for a multi-generational household requires understanding both the technical requirements and the unique dynamics of extended family living. Quality providers focus on using materials that suit New Jersey’s climate while ensuring doors not only look stunning but also provide lasting security.

For Cresskill families considering custom doors cresskill solutions, working with experienced professionals ensures that accessibility features integrate seamlessly with the home’s architectural style. The best providers understand unique local needs and focus on providing doors that balance aesthetics with functionality, with every door reflecting a commitment to quality using materials suited for New Jersey conditions.

The Financial and Emotional Payoff

Those living in multigenerational homes report improved relations with other household members, along with easier care for elders and children, improved finances, increased opportunities for residents, and strengthened physical or mental health. Optimizing homes for multi-generational living can be one of the most rewarding investments, setting families up to live comfortably for years while being prepared for unforeseen circumstances such as temporary disability, new children, or elderly parents needing care.

Looking Forward: Cresskill’s Evolving Landscape

As New Jersey’s demographics change, communities need to challenge assumptions about what a “traditional household” looks like and rethink the types of developments and programs that will meet the housing needs of diverse residents, creating more housing choices at all income levels for various household compositions.

In Cresskill, where households led by residents aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $240,000 and those with someone between 45 and 64 earn $205,074, families have the resources to invest in thoughtful home modifications that support multi-generational living. The key is ensuring that these investments—starting with something as fundamental as the front door—create spaces that truly work for everyone who calls the house home.

By prioritizing universal design principles and working with knowledgeable professionals, Cresskill’s multi-generational families can create entry solutions that welcome every generation with safety, style, and dignity. After all, the best homes aren’t just places to live—they’re foundations for building stronger family connections across the generations.