Why So Many Retirees Want a Single-Story Home, and What to Look For

When we started looking at smaller homes, my wife had one rule: no stairs. At the time I thought she was planning too far ahead. Then a knee replacement made the stairs in our old house a three-month project, and I stopped arguing.

Why stairs matter more than you think

According to the CDC, about one in four adults 65 and older falls each year. Stairs are not the only risk, but a home without them removes one you face every single day, and makes recovery from surgery or illness far easier.

Features to look for

• Step-free entry: at least one door you can reach without steps, or space to add a ramp.
• Bedroom and full bath on the main floor: non-negotiable if the home has any second level.
• A walk-in or curbless shower: easier and safer than climbing over a tub edge.
• Wide doorways and halls: room for a walker or wheelchair if you ever need one.
• Lever door handles and rocker light switches: easier on stiff or arthritic hands.
• Laundry on the main level: no carrying baskets up and down stairs.
• Good natural light and lighting: our eyes need more light as we age.
• A manageable yard: beautiful lawns are less charming when you have to mow them.

The trade-offs

Single-story homes take up more land for the same living space, which can push the price up. They are also popular with buyers of every age, so the good ones sell quickly. If you love your current home, a few changes, such as a first-floor bathroom or stair lift, may cost less than moving.

A simple test

Walk through any home you are considering and imagine living there with a broken leg for six weeks. If you could manage, it is probably a home that will work for a long time.

Sources

• CDC: Older adult falls

This article is for general information. Speak with a real estate professional and, if needed, an occupational therapist about your specific needs.