For many buyers moving to South Eastern North Carolina, the dream isn’t just about retiring to the beach; it’s about creating a “legacy hub” where the whole family wants to gather.

Whether you are a young family in Hampstead needing help with childcare, or active grandparents in St. James who want the grandkids to visit for the summer, the “Grandparent Friendly” home is one of the hottest commodities in the 2025 market.

But true multi-generational living requires more than just a spare bedroom. It requires privacy, accessibility, and amenities that bridge the generation gap. Here is how to find a home that works for ages 8 to 80 in the Cape Fear region.

1. The "Suite" Spot: Privacy is Key

The days of putting Grandma in a small guest room down the hall are over. Today’s multi-gen buyers are looking for the “Suite within a Home.”

The Feature: Search for floor plans with a First-Floor Guest Suite (often called a “Junior Primary”). Ideally, this suite has its own ensuite bathroom and sits on the opposite side of the house from the main primary or the kids’ rooms.

The Upgrade: High-end in-law suites often include a small kitchenette or a dedicated sitting area, giving long-term guests independence to make coffee, read, or watch TV without disrupting the main household rhythm.

Local Builders: D.R. Horton’s “MultiGen” plans and Lennar’s multi-suite layouts are widely available across Brunswick County, some with private entrances for true autonomy.

2. Accessibility: “Invisible” Safety

The goal is comfort and safety without sacrificing style. The best homes use Universal Design elements that feel modern rather than clinical.

Zero-Entry Showers: A curbless shower reduces fall risk while creating a spa-like aesthetic.

The “3-foot” Rule: Look for 36-inch doorways and 42-inch hallways. Newer builds in Leland, Hampstead, and Porters Neck are much more likely to include these wider dimensions compared to older Wilmington inventory.

Lever Handles: An easy upgrade that improves accessibility for arthritic hands—and is easier for young children as well.

3. The "Grandkid Factor": Amenities that Entertain

If you want consistent visits from grandkids, your community needs built-in fun.

Riverlights (Wilmington): A top choice. The Lakehouse pool, miles of lakeside trails, and Marina Village ice cream shops make it one of the most family-friendly communities in the region.

Brunswick Forest (Leland): Multiple pools, walking networks, splash-pad style play areas, and active pickleball courts appeal to all ages.

St. James Plantation (Southport): The private Beach Club on Oak Island—with its parking, pool, and restrooms directly on the oceanfront—makes beach days with young kids dramatically easier.

4. Noise Control: The Open Floor Plan Dilemma

Open layouts are beautiful, but when three generations come together, noise quickly becomes the enemy.

The FROG (Finished Room Over Garage): The ideal grandkid hangout. Look for homes where the FROG is insulated or has a dedicated mini-split system. It keeps the noise contained and provides a built-in play or teen zone.

Solid Core Doors: When building or renovating, upgrading to solid core bedroom doors creates quieter retreats—perfect for grandparents needing an afternoon nap while the kids play downstairs.

The Bottom Line

A “Grandparent Friendly” home is an investment in family. It turns short visits into comfortable, extended stays and creates a home everyone looks forward to returning to.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we know which floor plans offer the best separation and which communities have the most guest-friendly amenity policies.