Blog Post

As more homebuyers embrace the idea of simplifying their lifestyle, single-level living has become more popular than ever, especially among active adults. And it’s easy to see why. With everything on one level, daily life feels more convenient, comfortable, and safe. 

Cleaning and maintenance are easier, there are fewer risks of falls or accidents, and energy efficiency often improves. 

Plus, single-level homes maximize space in beautiful ways, often with soaring ceilings, open layouts, and larger windows that flood your home with natural light. 

Let’s explore all the reasons why single-level living may be the perfect choice for your next chapter.

Why More Homebuyers Are Choosing Main Level Living

One-story (ranch-style) and main-level homes (with the owner’s suite on the main floor of a two-story design) are enjoying a surge in popularity, and for good reason. 

They appeal to a wide range of buyers: families with young children, accessibility-conscious buyers, those planning for the future, and especially those 55 and better looking for comfort and peace of mind.

In both layouts, everything you need for daily life is on the main floor, eliminating the hassle of stairs and providing a safer, more convenient environment. Main-level living adds flexibility by keeping guest rooms or bonus spaces upstairs, while single-level homes deliver the ease of true stair-free living. 

Either way, today’s thoughtful designs combine convenience with style, open layouts, soaring ceilings, and expansive windows that create bright, airy spaces perfect for modern living. For active adults seeking a home that combines simplicity, safety, and elegance, main level living is the smart choice.

Top Advantages of Single Level Living

Improved Accessibility and Mobility

Both single-level and main-level homes make daily life easier. With the owner’s suite on the main floor—or everything on one floor entirely—you avoid constant trips up and down stairs. This creates a safer environment for those with limited mobility and provides peace of mind for aging in place. 

Whether you prefer a true ranch or a two-story with main-level convenience, you’ll enjoy a home that supports mobility and comfort.

Efficient Use of Space

One-story homes maximize every square foot by eliminating staircases, hallways, and extra walls, resulting in open, flowing layouts. Main-level designs achieve a similar sense of efficiency by placing the owner’s suite downstairs while keeping secondary bedrooms or bonus spaces upstairs. 

Both options deliver bright, flexible living spaces with features like tall ceilings and larger windows that enhance natural light and make your home feel open and inviting.

Lower Maintenance and Energy Costs

Single-level homes simplify upkeep with fewer systems to manage and no staircases to clean. Main-level homes also ease daily maintenance since your bedroom, kitchen, and laundry are all on one floor, even if guests or storage areas are upstairs. Heating and cooling can be more efficient, especially in ranch-style layouts, helping reduce energy costs over time while keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Better Safety and Convenience for All Ages

Single-level homes are ideal for eliminating fall risks, while main-level designs offer similar benefits by minimizing stair use in daily routines. Families appreciate that children and parents can share the same floor, and active adults value the convenience of not carrying groceries or laundry upstairs. 

Whether you choose a one-story or main-level floor plan, you’ll enjoy a safer, more practical home for every stage of life.

Explore Cornerstone Homes’ Main Level Floor Plans

Cornerstone Homes brings the comfort of single-level and main-level living to life with thoughtfully designed floor plans that focus on ease, style, and adaptability.

Featured in our Thrive magazine, the Nelson townhome plan combines the convenience of main-level living with bonus space upstairs. 

The owner’s suite, kitchen, and primary living areas are all on the main floor, while a versatile loft above offers flexible space for hobbies, guests, or grandchildren. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a welcoming front porch, and a covered patio, it’s both elegant and functional.

Cornerstone offers a range of one-story (villa-style and detached) and main-level plans:

The Townhomes — Similar to the Nelson, the Madison and Laurel townhome models feature main-level owner’s suites and open layouts with optional loft or bonus spaces upstairs.

The Villa Homes — Models like the Augusta, Caroline, Charlotte, Maymont, Newport, and Windsor deliver ranch-style living with open layouts, accessible entries, and upscale owner’s suites. If you are looking for a floor plan for a one story house, any of these will fit the bill. 

The Carriage Homes — If a spacious, open detached home with high ceilings and a finished lower level as well as single-level convenience is your style, the Carriage Home models, the Lewis, the Lexington, the Washington, and the Winchester, are just what you’re looking for. 

Loft-Enhanced Designs — Plans such as the Augusta w/ Loft and the Newport w/ Loft include optional loft spaces, blending single-level convenience with extra square footage for hobbies or visiting family.

Find Your New One Story Home Today!

Cornerstone Homes offers a variety of single-level plans as well as two-level floor plans. Choosing a one story house floor plan is an investment in long-term comfort and convenience, providing a space where family members of all ages can live safely. Single level plans also make it easy to maintain and keep the home clean, and offer lots of opportunities to make the space your own. Connect with us to learn more about single level senior living and our one-story house floor plans.