What Do I Want Daily Life to Feel Like in My Next Home?

For many Snohomish County homeowners thinking about downsizing, the search begins with a familiar question: “Should I look for a rambler?”

It’s a reasonable place to start. A home with fewer stairs can make every day routines easier. But the best next home isn’t necessarily defined by its style or number of floors. A more helpful question might be:

What do I want daily life to feel like in my next home?

Your answer can help guide the conversation—whether you’re considering a rambler, a smaller two-story home, a condo, or something else entirely.

Do downsizers really want a rambler?

Many downsizers are interested in one-level living, but there isn’t a single answer for everyone. AARP’s 2024 national survey found that 64% of adults age 50 and older would consider downsizing if their needs changed. Among those open to moving, 75% said they’d be likely to consider a smaller single-family home. That’s a useful sign of interest in smaller homes, but it’s national data—not a Snohomish County survey—and it doesn’t show that everyone specifically wants a rambler. citeturn0search0

Snohomish County has a substantial number of one-story homes. The county assessor’s 2025 residential appraisal report lists 62,298 one-story properties and 15,724 one-story properties with a basement. That describes the housing stock; it doesn’t tell us what buyers prefer or what home will be right for you. citeturn0search1

A rambler may be a great fit. But the goal is not simply to find a one-story house—it’s to find a home that supports the daily life you want.

Start with how you want your days to work

When you picture life in your next home, consider:

• Getting around: Would fewer stairs make your day easier? How important is step-free entry?
• Daily routines: Would you like your bedroom, bathroom, laundry, and kitchen on one level?
• Space: Which rooms or activities do you want to keep—and which are you ready to let go?
• Guests and family: Do you want a guest room, space for visiting family, or room for multigenerational living?
• Maintenance: How much yardwork and home upkeep feels comfortable?
• Location: Do you want to stay close to your current neighborhood, family, friends, healthcare, or favorite places?
• Budget: What monthly costs feel manageable, including taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance?

Your answers may point to a rambler—or to another kind of home that fits your life just as well.

The appeal of a rambler

A one-level layout can offer:

• Fewer stairs for daily routines.
• Convenient access to bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry, and living spaces.
• Potential for long-term flexibility, depending on the entry, hallways, and room layout.
• A single-family home lifestyle, which may include a yard, privacy, and familiar surroundings.

What to look at beyond the floor plan

“One level” doesn’t automatically mean “easy to live in.” Check the details that affect everyday comfort:

• Is there a step at the entrance?
• Are doorways and hallways comfortable to navigate?
• Is the bathroom easy to use?
• Is the laundry conveniently located?
• Does the home have enough storage?
• Will the yard and exterior upkeep feel manageable?
• Are there stairs to the garage, basement, or outdoor spaces?

A smaller two-story home with a main-floor bedroom and bathroom might suit some buyers better than a rambler with a challenging entry or bathroom. The right fit depends on your priorities.

A useful way to frame the search

Instead of beginning with a checklist of house styles, try finishing this sentence:

“In my next home, I want everyday life to feel…”

Maybe the answer is simpler, more connected, easier to maintain, more comfortable, or closer to family. Use that description to guide the home search—and to decide which features matter most.

For Snohomish County downsizers, the best next home isn’t necessarily the smallest one or the one with no stairs. It’s the home that supports the routines, comfort, connections, and level of upkeep you want for the next chapter.