Life brings many exciting changes, from welcoming new family members to partaking in new activities and enjoying a well-earned retirement. A forever home is ready to serve you and your family, no matter which stage of life you’re in. It has spaces that fit your needs, and you can reasonably maintain it for years to come. If you’re searching for a house to call “home” forever, you must make a thoughtful, future-focused decision.

1. Location and Proximity

Before finding specific properties, it’s wise to narrow your search to a specific area. Many homeowners prefer to live in neighborhoods that feel safe and give them a sense of community. A greater feeling of safety is linked to improved mental well-being, notably in children. Many factors contribute to feeling comfortable in a neighborhood, from pedestrian road safety and a lack of litter to county-level crime rates.

If you select a growing neighborhood, you may see property values trending upward — which can provide high financial returns down the road — and new development plans in action. Improvements to infrastructure may include making sidewalks more accessible, opening new local businesses or creating green spaces.

Although your forever home is your home base, consider its proximity to other places you or your family must go. Think about the distance to work, schools, health care, grocery stores and other facilities. Social opportunities are important for individuals of all ages, too. Visit the area before committing to it to get an idea of its ease of transportation and general culture.

2. Functional and Flexible Layout

Your home’s layout should be adaptable to your family’s changing needs. There are two primary layouts to choose from:

• Open floor plans: Large, interconnected spaces with fewer walls, serving multiple purposes, may encourage social interaction but limit privacy.
• Traditional floor plans: Walls and doors create distinct rooms with their own purposes and aesthetics, which may offer better noise control but could make rooms or residents feel closed off from the rest of the house.

Your priorities directly impact the best layout for your forever home. Families with kids may benefit from having separate rooms to distinguish between homework and leisure time better. A bonus room can make a great family office and study space.

Alternatively, a couple aging in place would likely prefer single-story living with an open floor plan that promotes easy mobility.

3. Construction and Materials

Higher-quality construction leads to improved durability and lower maintenance requirements over the years. You may be capable of making extensive home repairs now, but what about years down the line?

A forever home is often made with strong materials, effective moisture barriers and a solid foundation. This keeps it in good condition with less effort necessary for upkeep. Excellent craftsmanship is essential to overall structural integrity, so consider the builder’s reputation and hire trustworthy inspectors.

The average American spends $2,000 on energy costs annually. Today, many property owners value sustainable building practices, such as utilizing renewable building materials, optimizing natural light and heat, or choosing Energy Star-certified appliances. Efficiency can decrease utility costs and environmental harm while keeping you and your family comfortable.

4. Natural Light and Ventilation

Window placement and orientation greatly affect how much sunlight and fresh air will enter your forever home. Sunlight is famously known to increase vitamin D, improving bodily functions like blood clotting, digestion and appetite. It can also improve sleep because natural light supports your resting rhythm. When buying or building your forever home, consider which cardinal direction most windows face in relation to the sun’s path and typical wind patterns.

Open windows can let a cool breeze in during the summertime, but you don’t want your air conditioning or heating to escape when they’re closed. The U.S. Department of Energy shares that windows manufactured with low-emissivity coatings or films can reduce energy loss up to 50%, with some filtering out the sun’s invisible infrared light.

Open floor plans allow more light and air to pass through the house because fewer walls block it. Those opting for traditional layouts can still enjoy the sunshine by reflecting light with thoughtfully placed mirrors and painting walls with light colors.

5. Outdoor Space and Nature

Outside the house, you might have a yard, garden, patio or balcony to enjoy the outdoors. Proper landscaping can provide shade and create habitats for wildlife. A large yard offers ample space for children and pets to play, and a large patio space may be ideal for hosting social gatherings. However, a smaller lawn requires less upkeep for an older homeowner.

Many outdoor activities boast physical and mental benefits. For instance, gardening provides time in nature, increased movement and stress relief. Regular walks can boost the immune system and ease joint pain. Even if you opt for a forever home with a smaller green space, you may live near parks and trails that you and your family can enjoy.

6. Storage and Organization Solutions

Since you’ll call this place home for a long time, keeping it tidy should be manageable. Seek built-in storage, closets and garage space to hold your belongings. Labeling makes it easier to keep track of belongings. Regularly used items should be easier to access, such as a backpack hanging on a low hook in the entryway, throw blankets stored inside an ottoman, or salt and pepper shakers residing on the kitchen counter.

While attics and basements are commonly used for storage, these spaces may become difficult for older individuals to access. Opt for low-level shelves and cabinets, lightweight containers, and rolling bins to make it easier to get items without strain.

Along with proper organization, decluttering can make your living areas more pleasant. A messy physical space translates to a scattered mental space, so before moving into your forever home, consider what you or your family will actually use. A pair of shoes that are too small or an armchair that no longer matches your interior design style could be sold or donated, freeing up space for items that bring more joy.

7. Safety and Accessibility

Many home innovations have helped keep homes safe. Smart technology like sensors and cameras can alert homeowners to unwanted visitors and decrease the risk of break-ins. A University of North Carolina Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology survey of 422 burglars found that half are deterred by outdoor security cameras, with alarms, signs and police presence being other notable deterrents.

Beyond security measures, smart home technology can enhance accessibility and convenience. A child who can’t reach a light switch or an older adult with limited mobility can easily illuminate a room with voice-activated lamps and overhead lights. Programmable thermostats can automatically adjust the indoor temperature at given times of day, and smart garage doors can open or close via mobile device apps.

Make Yourself at Home

Whether you’re building or buying your forever home, numerous factors come into play to keep your family comfortable and safe. Prioritize the long-term happiness and adaptability the space will bring.