With unbeatable functionality and a tremendous array of styles and sizes to choose from, one-story homes are an excellent choice for now and years to come. What you're bound to notice while looking through the collection is that it encompasses a wide variety of architectural styles and an even wider range of square footages. Of course, certain styles have traditionally favored one story variations. The Southwestern styles — Spanish Colonial, Mission, Pueblo — that arose in the open spaces of the North American frontier, as well as the Mediterranean styles inspired by the residential architectures of southern Spain, Italy, France, Morocco, and Greece, which are prominent in the Southeastern states, all feature single stories.

The practicality of a one-story home is undeniable — with living spaces on one level and no stairs to navigate, they handle aging in place with ease. Craving drama? Choose a design that features a vaulted foyer, bay windows, or decorative ceiling treatments. For added versatility, look for plans with bonus space (usually above the garage) that can be finished later to add an extra room without eating into lot space.