Move once. Move right. The 10 features that actually matter.

Bob Wiltse
Jun 1
4 min read

Updated: Jun 4

The retirement home checklist most people skip

Bob Wiltse, REALTOR® SRES®

June 1, 2026

Here's a sobering number: only 1% of U.S. homes have all five basic accessibility features needed for aging in place. That's not a typo. One percent. Yet most of us picture a happy retirement at home, not in a facility.

If you're buying a home for retirement, you're not just buying a place to sleep. You're buying a place to live well for the next 20 to 30 years. That's a long time for a home to earn its keep.

Making a Senior move? The 10 features that actually matter.

Here are the 10 features worth putting at the top of your list.

All statistics in this article are sourced from AARP, Pew Charitable Trusts, Choice Mutual, Retirement Living, and New Home Source (2024–2026).

1. Single-story living

Stairs are the enemy. They don't seem like it at 65. They really do at 75. A main-floor bedroom and bathroom are the top two features older adults want, with 88% and 78% citing them as essential. Look for these from the start. Don't plan to add them later.

2. Step-free entry

A no-step front door is a must. So is at least one no-step side or back entry. Ramps can be added but at a cost. A walk-in tub runs $2,000 to $5,000. A stair lift costs up to $14,000. Finding these already done in the home saves you money and headaches.

3. Wide doorways and hallways

Standard doors are 32 inches wide. Wheelchairs need 36. More than half of older adults say wider doorways matter. If you use a walker, a wheelchair, or even just want to move a couch without drama, you'll be glad you checked.

4. Curbless shower and grab bars

This is the bathroom feature most retirees wish they had sooner. Curbless (also called zero-threshold) showers and grab bars are a top design trend for 2025, per Forbes. They look great and work hard. Modern designs don't look clinical at all.

5. Low-maintenance exterior

Nobody earns 40 years at work just to spend retirement mowing grass. "Lock and leave" homes are in high demand. Look for small yards, HOA maintenance coverage, or xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation. Your weekends should belong to you.

6. Smart home technology

Nearly half of older adults, 49%, already own at least one smart home device. Voice-activated lights, smart thermostats, and doorbell cameras top the list. Fall detection sensors and medication reminders are catching up. These aren't gadgets. They're safety nets.

7. Healthcare access nearby

This one lives outside the home but matters just as much. Look for hospitals, urgent care clinics, and senior-specific services within a short drive. Telehealth is growing fast, but you still need to get there when it counts.

8. Open floor plan

Fewer walls mean fewer trip hazards and easier navigation. Open plans also make it simpler to host family and keep life social. Isolation is a real risk in retirement. An open home makes it easier for people to come and stay.

9. Energy efficiency

A fixed income means fixed expenses matter more. Energy-efficient windows, appliances, and insulation cut monthly costs. Mentions of whole-home batteries in for-sale listings have jumped 62% since last year, per Zillow. EV chargers are up 34%. This isn't just green living. It's smart budgeting.

10. Community connection

More than 7 in 10 older adults want to stay in their communities as they age. Walkable neighborhoods, parks, senior centers, pickleball courts, and community gardens aren't luxuries. They keep people healthy and connected. Ask about what's within walking or biking distance. Then go see it.

Here's an infographic summary:

Your next steps

Walk through your home and identify barriers.
Make a list of features you may need in 10 years.
Talk with family about future care needs.
Review the free AARP HomeFit resources on aging-friendly housing.
Visit a few age-friendly communities.
Print this list and bring it to every showing. Mark what's there. Mark what's missing.
Ask your agent to filter for single-story homes with a main-floor primary suite. It narrows the list fast, and that's a good thing.
Get a walkability score at Walk Score (walkscore .com) for any address you're serious about.
Get a home inspection that specifically checks doorway widths, entry thresholds, and bathroom accessibility. Not every inspector does this by default. Ask.
If the home is close but not perfect, get a renovation quote before you close. Knowing the cost upfront lets you negotiate better and decide clearly.

The right home doesn't just check boxes. It gives you your time back. That's the whole point of this chapter.

We're in your corner on every step of it.

Sources: Pew Charitable Trusts (2025) • Choice Mutual / Aging in Place Statistics (2026) • RetirementLiving.com • New Home Source • Zillow / GOBankingRates • ActiveAdultLiving.com • Seniors Blue Book