If you’ve been searching for a home in Arizona, chances are you’ve come across the word casita—and you’re not alone. In fact, “casita” has recently become one of the most searched home features on Zillow for Arizona, as more buyers look for flexible living spaces that adapt to modern family needs.
But what exactly is a casita? And how is it different from a guest suite, en-suite bedroom, or multi-generational home?
Let’s break it down 👇
What Is a Casita?
A casita (Spanish for “little house”) is a private living space within or attached to a main home. In Arizona, casitas are especially popular because they offer:
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Privacy for guests or family
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A comfortable place for aging parents
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Space for adult children returning home
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A quiet home office or hobby space
Most casitas include:
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A private bedroom
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A full bathroom
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Often a separate entrance
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Sometimes a sitting area or kitchenette
Unlike a detached guest house, a casita is part of the main home’s structure, making it easier to maintain while still offering separation.
Scott Communities offers optional casitas on many plans at a variety of our communities: Rancho Cabrillo, Arroyo Grande, and La Privada.
Casita vs. Guest Suite: What’s the Difference?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference.
Guest Suite
A guest suite is typically:
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Inside the main home
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A bedroom with a nearby or private bathroom
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Designed for short-term guests
Casita
A casita usually offers:
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More privacy
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A separate entrance (or semi-private access)
Think of a guest suite as “convenient,” and a casita as “independent.”
Scott Communities offers optional guest suites on many plans at The Retreat at Rancho Cabrillo.
What Is Multi-Generational Living?
Multi-generational living (often called multi-gen) refers to a home designed to comfortably support multiple generations living together—such as parents with adult children, grandparents, or extended family members—while still providing privacy and independence.
Many new home builders now offer dedicated multi-gen spaces as part of their floor plans, responding to changing lifestyles and housing needs. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to feel more like private living quarters, not just an extra bedroom.
Typical multi-gen spaces often include:
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A private bedroom
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A separate sitting or living area
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A small kitchenette or beverage center
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A full bathroom
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Sometimes a private entrance or direct access to a garage or patio
In Arizona, these multi-gen layouts are frequently designed similarly to a casita or guest suite, making them ideal for long-term family stays, aging parents, adult children, or even flexible uses like a home office or studio.
The goal of a multi-gen home isn’t just shared space—it’s comfort, flexibility, and independence under one roof.
Scott Communities offers optional multi-generational suites on many plans at La Privada.
En Suite vs. Casita: Not the Same Thing
An en suite bedroom simply means the bedroom has a private attached bathroom.
✔ Great for convenience
❌ Not designed for privacy or separate living
A casita, on the other hand, is a complete private living space, often separated from the main flow of the home.
Other Terms You Might See (and What They Really Mean)
Home listings may use different language for similar layouts. Here’s how they compare:
| Term | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Casita | Private living quarters, often with separate entrance |
| In-Law Suite | Space designed for parents or extended family |
| Guest Suite | Bedroom + bathroom inside main home |
| Multi-Gen Home | Home designed for multiple generations |
| En Suite Bedroom | Bedroom with attached bathroom |
| Private Suite | Marketing term; varies by builder |
Why Casitas Are So Popular in Arizona
Arizona homeowners value flexibility and lifestyle-driven design, and casitas deliver exactly that.
Popular uses include:
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Hosting visiting family and friends
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Long-term living for parents or relatives
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A quiet home office or studio
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Space for caregivers or live-in support
With changing family dynamics and more people working from home, casitas are no longer a luxury—they’re a smart, future-ready feature.
Is a Casita Right for You?
If you want:
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Privacy without buying a larger home later
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A flexible layout that adapts as life changes
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A home that supports multi-gen living
…then a home with a casita or guest suite or multi-gen space may be the perfect fit.
Contact us today if you’d like to learn about the variety of casitas, guest suites, and multi-gen living spaces Scott Communities is proud to offer in Peoria, Casa Grande, and Goodyear.