When people start thinking about downsizing, one of the first real decisions is housing style. An apartment is the obvious answer for some people — less space, less to manage. But for others, giving up a yard and a garage feels like too much of a trade-off.
The good news: you don’t always have to choose one or the other.
THE CASE FOR AN APARTMENT
Apartments in 55+ communities tend to offer the lowest maintenance footprint. No yard to maintain, typically a smaller space to clean, and often a single level with no stairs. If your goal is to genuinely simplify — and you’re ready to trade square footage for ease — a well-designed apartment can feel like a relief rather than a compromise.
One-bedroom apartments in active adult communities around Oklahoma City typically range from 600–900 square feet, which is plenty of room for one person or a couple who don’t need a lot around them anymore.
THE CASE FOR A COTTAGE
Some people downsize from a 3,000-square-foot house but still want their own outdoor space. A private backyard. A garage for the car or the weekend project. A sense of boundary between themselves and their neighbors.
That’s what a cottage in a 55+ community usually provides — the independence of a small house, without the mortgage, the yard maintenance, or the roof repair. Cottages often come with 2 bedrooms, which is useful for visiting family or keeping a dedicated workspace.
SO WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
It really comes down to two things: how much space you actually need, and what “home” feels like to you.
If home means a space that’s cozy, easy to lock up when you travel, and simple to keep clean — an apartment fits. If home means a place where your dog can run in the backyard and your car is in the garage — a cottage is likely the better answer.
Both options in one place: Bradford of Mustang is one of the few 55+ communities in the Mustang area that offers both. Their one-bedroom apartments start at $1,095/month, and their two-bedroom cottages come with fenced private yards and attached garages. You can tour both and decide what feels right — without having to compare two different communities across town. That kind of flexibility matters more than most people expect when they’re making this decision. Visit bradfordofmustang.com or call 405-376-2846.