Web Analytics
top of page

Single-Story vs. Condo Living: What’s Best for Seniors in DFW?

  • Writer: Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
    Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
  • May 1, 2025
  • 4 min read



Single-Story vs. Condo Living: What’s Best for Seniors in DFW?

Tips from a Top Dallas Seniors Real Estate Agent & Realtor


As seniors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area plan their next move, many face an important decision: single-story home or condo? Both offer low-maintenance lifestyles and aging-in-place potential, but each comes with unique benefits—and potential trade-offs.


As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) serving the DFW area, I help older adults weigh the pros and cons of each option based on their health, lifestyle, finances, and long-term goals. If you're considering downsizing or relocating in your retirement years, here's what you need to know.


Why Seniors Are Re-Evaluating How They Live

Retirement often brings the desire to:

  • Reduce upkeep and yard work

  • Avoid stairs and improve mobility access

  • Simplify everyday tasks

  • Live near family, healthcare, or entertainment

  • Enjoy a safe, secure, and social environment

In DFW, both single-story homes and condos can meet these goals—but which is best for you depends on your lifestyle priorities.


Option 1: Single-Story Homes

Best For: Seniors who want independence, more space, and a traditional home feel

Single-story homes offer freedom of movement, privacy, and the ability to age in place without worrying about stairs. They’re especially popular in 55+ communities or established neighborhoods in suburbs like Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Plano, and Rockwall.

Pros:

  • No stairs = safer for aging joints or limited mobility

  • Easy to remodel for accessibility (walk-in showers, grab bars, etc.)

  • Private yards or patios for gardening and pets

  • Room for guests or multigenerational living

  • Greater resale flexibility

Considerations:

  • May require exterior upkeep unless HOA-covered

  • Higher price point than condos in some areas

  • May not include community amenities or security features

Ideal For:

  • Seniors who want space for visiting grandkids

  • Retirees who enjoy gardening or hosting

  • Homeowners who want a more residential lifestyle


Option 2: Condominiums

Best For: Seniors seeking convenience, lock-and-leave freedom, and minimal maintenance

Condos are perfect for seniors who want to eliminate yard work and daily home maintenance. Many offer elevators, concierge services, gated entry, and amenities like fitness centers, pools, and social spaces.


Popular senior-friendly condo options are available in Plano, Allen, North Dallas, and parts of Arlington and Southlake.


Pros:

  • HOA covers exterior maintenance, landscaping, roofing, and more

  • Walkable access to shopping, dining, or transit

  • Enhanced security (gated entry, keycard access)

  • Some offer single-level living with elevators or ground-floor units

  • Great for downsizing and simplifying life

Considerations:

  • HOA fees can be high (but they offset a lot of maintenance)

  • Less privacy than a detached home

  • Limited space for overnight guests or pets

  • Some associations have age or rental restrictions

Ideal For:

  • Seniors who travel frequently or want “lock-and-leave” flexibility

  • Those who no longer want to worry about lawn care or repairs

  • Buyers looking for a lower purchase price in high-demand areas


Questions to Help You Decide

  • Do I want a private yard or prefer no exterior maintenance at all?

  • Will I need space for guests, hobbies, or pets?

  • Do I prefer being near walkable amenities or a quiet residential street?

  • Is having access to a pool, gym, or clubhouse important?

  • What can I comfortably afford in terms of HOA fees or monthly expenses?

  • Do I want neighbors close by—or more space and privacy?


A Quick Comparison

Feature

Single-Story Home

Condo Living

Stairs

No

Usually no (elevators common)

Maintenance

Homeowner or HOA

Covered by HOA

Yard Space

Yes

Limited or none

Privacy

High

Moderate

Community Amenities

Varies

Often included

HOA Fees

Lower or none

Higher

Resale Flexibility

Higher

Varies by complex

Pet & Guest Friendly

Yes

May have restrictions


Final Thoughts

Both single-story homes and condos offer excellent senior living options in DFW—it all comes down to what fits your lifestyle best. Whether you’re looking for independence and space, or convenience and community, you’ll find great options in North Texas.

Need help finding the right fit for your retirement lifestyle?Nitin Gupta, REALTOR®, is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® who works closely with seniors, retirees, and their families to find homes that support comfort, safety, and long-term happiness.


Your next home should match your next chapter. Let’s find the one that fits your lifestyle now—and into the future.


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.








bottom of page