How to Choose  1, 2, & 3 Bedroom Apartment Floor Plans

How to Choose  1, 2, & 3 Bedroom Apartment Floor Plans

Choosing the right 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom layout in Sanford, FL comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and how you (and your pets) will actually use each room. With newer communities like NOVEL Parkway offering flexible, pet-friendly options across all three sizes, renters have more choices than ever. 

Thinking through workspace needs, storage, future plans, and typical rent trends in Sanford will help you select a floor plan that feels comfortable today and still works a few years from now.

What to Consider First

Before comparing bedroom counts and square footage, take a close look at how you live day to day. Do you work from home? Host guests? Need extra space for hobbies or pets? 

In Sanford, where many communities are car-dependent, highly pet-friendly, and designed with open layouts, floor plans that balance light-filled living areas with at least one quiet zone tend to work best for most renters.

Lifestyle & Daily Routine

Work-from-home needs: If you regularly take video calls or use multiple monitors, a separate bedroom or den as an office often works better than a corner of the living room. It creates separation between your work life and home life, improving focus and comfort.

Pets: Pet-friendly communities around Sanford, including NOVEL Parkway, typically allow up to two pets per home. That means you’ll want to consider where crates, litter boxes, feeding stations, or pet beds will fit in the layout. A floor plan with a nook or extra closet can make pet care easier.

Entertainment and guests: If you host friends or visiting family, a layout with a larger living room or a second bedroom used as a guest room can be far more practical than relying on a sofa bed.

Cooking habits: People who cook often should look for layouts with more counter space, good cabinet storage, and ideally a pantry. Small galley-style kitchens can limit meal prep and storage in everyday living.

Space and Storage Considerations

Storage is a frequent challenge in smaller apartments, especially for pet owners managing crates, carriers, food bins, and cleaning supplies. When comparing layouts:

• Look for a coat closet, linen closet, and pantry, not just bedroom closets.

• Check wall lengths to ensure oversized furniture fits without blocking circulation.

• Note whether bedrooms are large enough for your preferred bed size plus nightstands.

Your comfort depends not just on square footage, but how efficiently that square footage is organized.

Future-Proofing Your Move

Renters in Sanford often remain in the same apartment for multiple years, so planning ahead can help you avoid moving again too soon. If you expect a partner to move in, anticipate a hybrid work schedule, or plan to expand your family, upgrading to a 2- or 3-bedroom may be the smarter long-term choice.

Many renters now use a second or third bedroom as an office, gym, nursery, hobby room, or dedicated pet zone. In newer communities, these spaces are intentionally designed to be flexible, making them useful even if your lifestyle changes.

Who a 1-Bedroom Apartment Is Best For

A 1-bedroom apartment suits renters who want privacy, comfort, and affordability without paying for space they won’t use. In Sanford’s current rental market, a typical 1-bedroom offers a meaningful cost advantage over larger layouts while still providing enough space for a pet or small home office setup.

Typical Square Footage & Layout Features

Across the U.S., many 1-bedroom apartments range from roughly 600 to 800 square feet. This size typically includes:

• A separate bedroom

• A combined living and dining area

• A compact but efficient kitchen

• At least one sizable closet

Newer suburban communities in Sanford often include walk-in closets, wide windows for natural light, and smarter kitchen layouts that maximize storage and prep space.

Pros of a 1-Bedroom

• Lower monthly rent and utility costs

• Easier and quicker to clean

• Cozy and well-suited for minimalists

• Ideal for residents who spend more time exploring local parks and pet-friendly amenities than staying indoors

Potential Limitations

A 1-bedroom can feel tight if you:

• Need a full home office

• Own large furniture or multiple pets

• Host overnight guests frequently

Storage may be limited if the layout lacks a pantry or linen closet, which matters for organizing pet supplies or bulky items.

Who Should Choose a 1-Bedroom

• Young professionals or commuters

• First-time renters

• Individuals or couples who prioritize affordability

• Pet owners with small to medium-sized pets

Many modern communities, including developments like NOVEL Parkway, design their 1-bedroom layouts around comfort and efficiency, offering thoughtful storage, bright living areas, and pet-friendly spaces.

Who a 2-Bedroom Apartment Is Best For

A 2-bedroom apartment is often the most versatile choice and works well for renters needing a guest room, office, shared household setup, or additional storage space. In Sanford, 2-bedrooms cost more than 1-bedrooms, but the extra flexibility is often worth the investment.

Typical Square Footage & Layout Styles

A typical 2-bedroom apartment ranges from about 900 to 1,200 square feet, though variations exist among different buildings. Popular design trends include:

• Split-bedroom layouts: ideal for roommates or couples

• Two-bathroom configurations: common in modern apartments

• Open-concept living areas: maximize space and natural light

Pros of a 2-Bedroom

• Multi-functional flexibility: office, guest room, hobby space, or pet room

• Often easier to share with a roommate, reducing rent costs

• More storage opportunities, including larger kitchen areas

Potential Limitations

• Higher rent than a 1-bedroom

• Additional furniture and décor needed

• Slightly higher utility costs

Who Should Choose a 2-Bedroom

• Roommates seeking privacy

• Couples who both work from home

• Small families

• Pet owners who want extra indoor room

Communities like NOVEL Parkway often design 2-bedroom layouts with intentional space separation, making them ideal for mixed-use living.

Who a 3-Bedroom Apartment Is Best For

A 3-bedroom layout is ideal for renters who want the most space and versatility. Families, multi-generational households, and roommates moving in together all benefit from the privacy and convenience a larger floor plan offers.

Typical Layout Features

Three-bedroom apartments often include:

• Multiple bathrooms

• Spacious kitchens

• Larger living/dining areas

• Additional windows for enhanced natural light

These features make 3-bedrooms feel closer to traditional homes than apartments, especially for pet owners who need space for crates, litter areas, and play.

Pros of a 3-Bedroom

• Maximum flexibility for bedrooms, offices, and guest rooms

• Plenty of storage and space for pet gear

• Comfortable setup for larger households

Potential Limitations

• Highest monthly rent and utility costs

• More cleaning and upkeep

• May require additional furnishings

Who Should Choose a 3-Bedroom

• Families

• Multi-generational households

• Households needing multiple offices

• Renters seeking long-term stability

Some Sanford communities, including NOVEL Parkway, offer modern 3-bedroom layouts that balance shared living areas with private bedroom zones, ideal for growing households.

Quick Comparison: 1-, 2-, and 3-Bedroom Layouts

How to Evaluate Floor Plans When Touring

Touring a home is essential, square footage alone can be misleading. Two layouts with similar square footage may feel completely different depending on storage, windows, and furniture flow.

Things to Observe During a Tour

• Natural light: Check for afternoon heat and areas where pets may want sun without overheating.

• Closet space: Open every closet; look for shelving and depth.

• Noise levels: Listen for hallway traffic, AC units, or road noise.

• Room shape: Long narrow rooms can limit layout options even if square footage is adequate.

Tips for Going Beyond the Floor Plan

• Bring a tape measure or measuring app

• Visualize your furniture placement

• Check outlet placements for desks and entertainment setups

• Confirm space for pet crates, litter boxes, or pet beds

When touring newer communities like NOVEL Parkway, don’t hesitate to ask about floor plan differences, ideal building locations for pet owners, or how certain layouts are designed for natural light or added storage.

Budgeting: How Much Space Can You Afford?

In Sanford, rental rates generally rise with bedroom count. While 1-bedrooms offer the most affordability, 2- and 3-bedroom homes can be smart investments if they allow shared rent or reduce the need to move again soon.

Rent Differences by Layout Size

• 1-bedrooms = most budget-friendly and energy-efficient

• 2-bedrooms = moderate price increase with major benefits

• 3-bedrooms = highest cost but ideal for larger households

Utilities & Additional Costs

Consider:

• Higher cooling costs for larger floor plans

• Furniture needs to fill extra rooms

• Pet rent or one-time pet fees

• Internet upgrades for multiple work-from-home adults

Communities like NOVEL Parkway publish pet policies clearly, helping you understand costs upfront.

Floor Plan Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid layouts with:

• Bedrooms lacking windows

• Minimal countertop or cabinet space

• Only one small closet for the entire unit

• Narrow living rooms that restrict furniture placement

• Proximity to noisy areas like dumpsters or busy roads

FAQs: Choosing the Right Apartment Layout

How much square footage do I need for one person?
Most single renters feel comfortable in a 1-bedroom between 600–800 square feet with good storage.

Is a 2-bedroom worth it for someone living alone?
Yes, especially if you work from home, host guests, or want room for hobbies or pets.

Are split-bedroom layouts better for roommates?
Absolutely. They offer privacy and reduce noise between rooms.

What layout is best for pet owners?
Layouts with open living areas, durable flooring, and extra storage tend to work best. Communities like NOVEL Parkway also offer pet-friendly amenities that make daily routines easier.

Should I choose a bigger space if I work from home?
If your job requires calls, screens, or quiet, a 2- or 3-bedroom can significantly improve focus and comfort.

Final Thoughts: Match Your Layout to Your Lifestyle

The best apartment layout in Sanford is the one that fits your daily habits, your pets’ needs, and your future plans. Whether you choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom, the right space should feel functional, comfortable, and adaptable as your life evolves. 

Sanford’s range of modern communities makes it easy to find a layout that supports both your present and your next chapter.

Schedule a Tour at NOVEL Parkway

Ready to compare floor plans in person? Touring a community is the most effective way to understand how each layout flows, how natural light feels throughout the day, and where your pets will be most comfortable.

If you’d like to explore modern 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom options in a pet-friendly environment, consider scheduling a tour at NOVEL Parkway in Sanford. You’ll be able to walk through multiple layouts, ask questions, and see firsthand which space aligns best with your lifestyle.

Book your tour today and discover which layout at NOVEL Parkway feels like home.