With your home being your biggest investment, (and for most a long term investment) choosing the right layout is key. Deciding whether a one story or two story home is better for you and your family involves careful consideration of the benefits and drawbacks of both.

Benefits:

More Options: A smaller footprint means more floor plan options with the purchase of a two story home. Two story homes have the advantage of more design/layout choices like up/down master beds.

Bigger Yard: The yard of a one story home may be smaller. Families who want bigger yards typically tend to choose two story homes.

More Privacy: Two story homes offer more privacy for families with teens or in laws living in the home especially homes with a downstairs master bedroom. Many builders are even offering a 1.5 story or second floor guest suites.

Drawbacks:

Safety Concerns: Stairs can be inconvenient or dangerous for the elderly, those with mobile impairments, or those with young children.  As you or family members age stairs can become a safety hazard aand a hassle when carrying laundry for example. As a parent of two young children, keeping them off the stairs is a a struggle to say the least.

Popularity with buyers: Two story homes can be difficult to re sell depending on popularity with buyers and design of surrounding homes in the area.

More costly to cool: Two story homes can be  much harder to cool and may require two HVAC systems. Many homeowners tend to feel less comfortable due to the difficulty of cooling two stories.

When it comes to choosing a one story vs. two story it comes down to a matter of personal preference. As long as you take time to think it through and carefully weigh the benefits vs. drawbacks  only you can make the right decision on what will make sense for you and your family.