Introducing the ‘Best Floor Plan Series,’ highlighting the best floor plans for your family. No matter how big or small, there is a floor plan for everyone. At Sunwood, we know that finding the right floor plan is one of the most significant elements of building the right home. When it comes to the right floor plan, however, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. 

We’ve found that what’s essential for a young family starting out isn’t necessarily crucial for more mature owners. So, what elements contribute to the best floor plan for empty nesters? This blog shares the best aging-in-place design floor plans that include building elements that empty nesters would love. 

Value Has to Come First

Regardless of your needs or personal sense of style, one element remains constant: Value. When talking about value, we’re talking about a lot more than just price. It’s about making smart choices that enhance your home’s long-term worth and daily quality of life. 

A well-designed floor plan, durable materials, and energy-efficient features all contribute to value by reducing maintenance costs and improving overall comfort in the long run. You’ll want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your house—not just in square footage but in usability, convenience, and craftsmanship—so your home continues serving you well for years to come.

Neighborhood Comes Second

There are many pros and cons to retiring in Connecticut, but one of the best positives is that this place is home to many incredible neighborhoods. 

Connecticut offers a mix of charming coastal towns, quiet suburban communities, and vibrant small cities—perfect for retirees looking for a balance of relaxation and activity. 

Whether you prefer scenic waterfront views, cultural attractions, or easy access to healthcare, there’s a neighborhood to fit your lifestyle. Here are some of the best places to live in Connecticut for retirees:

• • Wallingford: This thriving town boasts a rich history, excellent schools, and a strong local business community. Its central location makes it a great place to live, work and retire. If you’re considering this town, there are plenty of empty-nester homes in Wallingford, CT, to choose between. 
  • Meriden: Rich in industrial history, Meriden features scenic parks, a vibrant downtown, and breathtaking views from Castle Craig. It’s a city that blends history with modern conveniences.
  • Cheshire: Looking into downsizing homes in Cheshire, CT? We’ve got you covered at Sunwood. Known for its beautiful neighborhoods, this picturesque New England town offers a quiet yet convenient place to call home.
  • North Haven: Boasting a welcoming community with great local restaurants and easy access to New Haven, North Haven is ideal for retirees. It strikes a perfect balance between residential charm and business growth, and there are plenty of barrier-free homes in North Haven, CT, to explore.
  • Hamden: Hamden is home to Quinnipiac University and some of the best hiking trails in the state. Retirees enjoy a mix of urban and suburban living with plenty of entertainment options in this town.
  • Durham: Are you looking for homes that offer aging in place in Durham, CT? Besides being home to rolling farmland, a strong sense of community, and the beloved Durham Fair, this rural town has many aging-friendly homes.
  • Middletown: Nestled along the Connecticut River, this lively city boasts a flourishing arts scene and a walkable downtown. There is also Wesleyan University, which brings an energetic and creative spirit to the area that many retirees love. With this in mind, it might be worth exploring accessible homes in Middletown, CT, with Sunwood.
  • Berlin: This Connecticut town blends decades-long historic charm with modern conveniences. Its small-town feel and strong community make it a great place to put down roots. So why not explore custom-built homes in Berlin, CT?
  • Southington: Southington is family-friendly, with excellent schools and the well-loved Apple Harvest Festival. Retirees who are outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the town’s parks, trails, and ski area. Plus, the residential homes boast open floorplans in Southington, CT, so what’s not to love?
  • East Haven: A coastal town with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Just minutes from New Haven, it feels like its own little getaway, which is why retirees love East Haven.

These are only a few of the best Connecticut neighborhoods for retirees. To learn more, you’ll need to speak with us at Sunwood. We can help you find the best neighborhood and the best empty nester floor plans in Connecticut.

What Are the Best Retirement Home Floor Plans for Empty Nesters?

The best floor plans for empty nesters prioritize comfort, convenience, and a manageable size without sacrificing quality or style. Our thoughtfully designed homes focus on practical layouts that fit your lifestyle today and in the future. These practical layouts can include: 

• Single-story living is a popular choice, offering ease of movement and eliminating stairs. 

• Flexible spaces—such as a guest room that doubles as an office or hobby space—add usability. 

• Open-concept kitchens and great rooms feel spacious while inviting connection, whether entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening. 

• Outdoor living areas like porches or decks are perfect for starting or ending your day.

Smaller homes also mean lower utility costs and less upkeep, making them a wise financial choice. 

Floorplan Highlight: The Linsley

If you’re an empty nester, things have changed regarding your housing needs. Not only do you probably not need as much space (since the children are gone), but you probably also don’t need (or want) the hassle of maintaining extra rooms that don’t get much use. 

That’s one reason we offer several floor plans that provide plenty of space for comfortable living—without the extra space you don’t need. Our Linsley floor plan is an excellent example. 

It offers a Master bedroom with a bath and two additional bedrooms with an adjoining bathroom. 

One bedroom could be a home office or a craft room, leaving you with a full-time guest room whenever needed. Additionally, everything in this floor plan is on one level. Taking stairs out of the equation is something you may appreciate in the future. Beyond that, having everything on one level is so convenient. 

You’ll also have plenty of space in the open kitchen, dining area, and great room, whether entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. There are even three porches where you can enjoy a morning cup of coffee or a drink in the evening. There's even a drop area just off the garage entry to your home, making unloading groceries or other items a breeze. 

Click here for a larger image of the Linsley floor plan.

Floorplan Highlight: The Woodford

Not only is a somewhat smaller home more convenient and less work, but it's also more manageable (and less expensive) to heat and cool. The Linsley floor plan shown above is 2,250 square feet. The Woodford floor plan is similarly laid out but is slightly smaller at 1,965 square feet. It also features three bedrooms (a Master and two additional bedrooms). 

The laundry room is conveniently located right off the Master bedroom. The Woodford also offers a spacious deck off the back of the home, ideal for entertaining or enjoying some alone time outside. The kitchen, dining room, and great room are slightly different but still offer ample open space. It's perfect for empty nesters who need a smaller but still spacious home. 

Click here for a larger, more detailed look at the Woodford floor plan.

Speak with Sunwood about Our Empty Nester Floor Plan Options

Empty nesters looking for comfort, convenience, safety, and a slightly smaller footprint (with less space to maintain) will enjoy either of the home plans discussed in the blog. 

However, you should know that any floor plan we offer can be customized to your specifications, whether we build your home in one of our elegant communities or on land you find on your own. 

So contact us here to learn more about Sunwood's custom homes for empty nesters in CT and how to choose the best floor plan for retirement. We’ve got you covered.