Retirement Floor Plans: Create a Home That Fits Your Next Chapter

Retirement is the perfect time to simplify and focus on what matters most. The right floor plan can give you comfort, safety, and the freedom to enjoy life without the stress of maintaining a large home.

By Trude Carlsen

Published September 16, 2025

As people enter retirement, they often seek a lifestyle that allows them to enjoy newfound freedom without the burden of maintaining a large home. Smaller, retirement-friendly homes provide an ideal solution, allowing retirees to downsize comfortably. These homes cater to the needs of "empty nesters," offering manageable living spaces that promote a carefree lifestyle.

What Makes a Retirement Floor Plan Different?

These homes are built with convenience in mind.

Most feature a single-story layout so you don’t have to worry about stairs, and they’re compact enough to clean quickly but still feel spacious.

Thoughtful design details, like wide hallways or step-free entries, make day-to-day life easier as mobility changes.

One Bedroom Retirement Apartment

Options for Every Lifestyle

Not every retiree wants the same thing.

Some prefer the privacy of a small standalone home with a yard.

Others enjoy the ease of a condo or apartment, where community spaces like pools or clubhouses are right outside the door.

And for those who want a more social environment, independent living communities offer private residences alongside group activities and shared amenities.

Cozy Granny Pod

Smart Design Details

Good retirement design goes beyond size. Safety and accessibility are essential:

Plenty of lighting helps prevent accidents and creates a comfortable space
Wide doorways and hallways make it easy to move around with walkers or wheelchairs
Storage at reachable heights means less bending or stretching
Non-slip flooring reduces the risk of falls
Grab bars add support where it’s needed most