Single-Story Living: Best Floor Plans and Home Features for Seniors in Dallas
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read

As we grow older, our homes should evolve with us—offering more comfort, easier access, and less maintenance. In Dallas, single-story homes are among the most sought-after options for seniors who want to enjoy retirement without the physical demands of stairs or high-up storage.
Whether you're downsizing, aging in place, or buying a home closer to family, choosing the right floor plan and features can significantly improve your quality of life. Here’s what seniors should look for when considering single-story living in the Dallas area.
Why Single-Story Living Makes Sense for Seniors
A well-designed single-level home offers more than just convenience—it provides safety, accessibility, and flexibility. The right floor plan can help you maintain independence longer, reduce fall risks, and keep your home manageable without sacrificing style or function.
Benefits include:
No stairs to navigate
Easier mobility for walkers, wheelchairs, or limited movement
Simpler home maintenance
Better temperature control
More open floor plans with natural light and flow
Best Floor Plans for Senior Living
1. Open Concept Layouts
Spacious, open layouts minimize hallways and make it easier to move between rooms. These floor plans allow for flexible furniture placement and often feature natural light from large windows.
Ideal For: Hosting family, aging in place, and daily comfort.
2. Split Bedrooms
This layout places the primary bedroom on one end of the home and guest bedrooms on the other, offering privacy and separation when visitors stay over.
Ideal For: Grandkids, out-of-town guests, or multigenerational families.
3. Primary Suite with Ensuite Bath
A large bedroom with a private bathroom and walk-in closet ensures accessibility and comfort. Look for features like:
Walk-in showers (no tubs)
Dual vanities
Grab bar-ready walls
Non-slip flooring
Ideal For: Long-term comfort and ease of use.
4. Kitchen with Island and Accessible Storage
An easy-to-navigate kitchen is essential. Choose layouts with:
Lower cabinets and pull-out shelving
Wide walkways for mobility devices
Lever-style faucets
Raised dishwasher and wall ovens
Ideal For: Seniors who enjoy cooking without strain.
5. Integrated Laundry and Mudroom
Single-story homes often place the laundry room near the garage or kitchen for convenience. Look for side-by-side units (not stacked) and counter space for folding clothes.
Ideal For: Simplifying daily routines.
Must-Have Home Features for Seniors
When choosing a home, look for these age-friendly features:
Zero-step entry at front door and garage
Wide doorways and hallways (at least 36")
Lever-style door handles (easier to grip)
Non-slip flooring (tile, engineered wood, or luxury vinyl)
Minimal or no threshold showers
Raised electrical outlets and light switches
Smart home technology for security and climate control
These features not only improve comfort but also future-proof the home for evolving needs.
Best Dallas Suburbs for Senior-Friendly Single-Story Homes
Many North Texas suburbs are known for offering new or recent construction with well-designed, single-level homes perfect for seniors.
Top locations include:
Frisco – Master-planned communities with one-story options and nearby medical care
McKinney – Peaceful, historic charm with newer subdivisions offering ranch-style homes
Rockwall – Scenic lakeside living with many single-story homes in quiet neighborhoods
Allen & Fairview – 55+ communities like Heritage Ranch and affordable patio homes
Plano – Established neighborhoods with renovated single-story ranch-style homes
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right single-story home in Dallas is more than a smart real estate decision—it’s a step toward a safer, simpler, and more enjoyable lifestyle. With the right floor plan and features, you can enjoy your retirement years in a space that fits you perfectly—without compromise.
Need help finding a senior-friendly home in Dallas?Nitin Gupta, REALTOR®, specializes in helping seniors and retirees find homes that match their long-term goals, accessibility needs, and lifestyle preferences.
Contact Us: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact
Certifications & Designations: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/certifications-designations
Your home should work for you—now and in the years to come. Let’s find the perfect single-story fit in Dallas.
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about selling or buying a home in Dallas-Fort Worth.
About us: Dallas Senior Real Estate Expert: Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) - Dallas Senior Realtors
As a Senior Real Estate Specialist in Dallas, I help seniors navigate the sale of their home by providing a patient, specialized, and compassionate one-stop service from start to finish. My full team eliminates all of the extra phone calls, interviewing, hiring, stress and costs that you’ll have to endure.A REALTOR® who knows how to help seniors and their families through this transition of selling their home and downsizing is very important.The National Association of Realtors created a special designation for Realtors who work with seniors. The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES) credentials guarantees that a Realtor has learned how to be the best in servicing the needs of seniors who are selling their home. To qualify for this certification, a licensed real estate agent must complete a training program that helps them learn more about the challenges of moving when retired.
What is most important to you in your new home in Dallas? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Dallas communities that you can use to help make your home buying decision.
