When choosing your next home, most people ask: “Should I go with a one-story or two-story?” It’s a classic debate that sounds simple — until you dig deeper.
What buyers think they want often changes once they learn about things like energy efficiency, resale dynamics, long-term maintenance, and even how sound travels through a home.
Let’s break down the pros, the cons most people overlook, and what El Paso homebuyers are starting to prefer in today’s market.
🏠 One-Story Homes
✅ Pros
1. Easier Access & Aging in Place
No stairs makes these homes ideal for anyone planning to stay long-term. Great for young kids and retirees.
2. Simplified Heating & Cooling
In El Paso’s warm climate, it’s easier and cheaper to keep a one-story evenly cool during the summer.
3. Lower Maintenance Risk
There’s no need to climb ladders to clean second-story windows or fix upper gutters.
4. Higher Resale Demand (Especially in El Paso)
Because of accessibility and floor plan convenience, one-story homes tend to sell faster in our market—particularly with military families, aging parents, and those planning for forever homes.
❌ Cons
1. More Land Required
To get the same square footage, you’ll need a bigger footprint. That means higher lot costs and less backyard space in many El Paso neighborhoods.
2. More Expensive to Build Per Square Foot
Wider foundations and longer roofing = more materials and more cost compared to stacking floors.
3. Limited Layout Flexibility
It can be harder to separate private and public spaces in a single-story design.
4. Noise Travels More Easily
In an open-concept one-story, every sound—from the kitchen blender to the TV—is shared across the home.
🏡 Two-Story Homes
✅ Pros
1. More Living Space on Less Land
Perfect for smaller lots or city-style subdivisions, like some communities near Fort Bliss.
2. Natural Separation of Spaces
Downstairs for guests and gatherings; upstairs for bedrooms and peace and quiet.
3. Potential for Better Views
If you’re near El Paso’s foothills, that second floor may come with mountain or city views.
4. More Privacy for Families
Teenagers can have their space, parents can have theirs. Everyone wins.
❌ Cons
1. Harder to Keep Temperatures Even
Heat rises, so your upstairs HVAC may work overtime during El Paso’s summer months—hello, uneven cooling!
2. Safety Concerns for Kids or Aging Parents
Stairs can pose a fall risk. It’s also trickier in emergencies like fires or medical situations.
3. Higher Pest Risk (Surprise!)
Two-story homes can attract pests like birds or wasps under second-story eaves—something many homeowners overlook.
4. More Complex Appraisals
Appraisers sometimes value second-story square footage slightly less than first-floor space, especially if layouts feel chopped up.
🧠 Insider Tip Most Buyers Miss
🔍 Staircase Square Footage Counts in Price—but Not Always in Function.
That beautiful curved staircase? It eats into livable space, yet still counts in total square footage. Meaning: you might be paying for space you can’t use.
📊 So, What Are El Paso Buyers Leaning Toward?
Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground as a local agent:
- Military buyers and retirees lean toward one-story homes for simplicity and accessibility.
- Larger families or multi-generational households often prefer two-story homes for space and separation.
- Budget-conscious buyers may favor two-story homes simply because they get more square footage for their money.
But here’s the twist: One-story homes are actually harder to find right now in El Paso. Inventory is lower, and builders tend to favor two-story homes for efficiency.
💬 Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Stairs
While layout is important, the “right” home depends on how you plan to live in it—not just how it looks on a floor plan. Do you want the kids’ rooms away from the kitchen noise? Does mobility matter long-term? Do you need a home office that’s away from the chaos?
Ask the right questions, and the right layout will follow.
👋 Need Help Touring Both Styles in El Paso?
Let’s find a home that fits your now and your next. I’ll walk you through both options and help you see what pictures and floor plans don’t always show.
