i would not recommend it for resale

lived in a rent house with main living upstairs and it was weird. it felt awkward. it was probably the reason the house didn't sell and instead had to be rented out

I'd suggest no too. I visited a friends house once where the main level was "up". It was awkward to come in the garage entrance and have to go up everytime. You entered the house (as a guest who carpooled there) through the non-public part of the home...

Additionally, 4 bedrooms are better than 3 for resale (though, a minor benefit in comparison to having main level living on the main level...)

In the city here, plans similar to this are common, but they are generally three stories. A garage, nicely appointed foyer off of which is usually a guest room and bath, a second floor for living areas, and a third floor for bedrooms. It's a lack-of-space thing, so people in the city build up. Unless you have a valid reason for doing so, I'd stick to the living areas on the ground floor, especially if you have a large enough lot that you will be using your outdoor area for living, entertaining, grilling, etc.

Lots of people live in townhouses and beach houses with upstairs living. I lived in one and it was absolutely fine when it was just the two of us. I think that arrangement would not appeal to a family with children-imagine trying to get the groceries unloaded with a baby and toddler! Nor would it appeal to an older couple. The downstairs bedroom would be nice privacy for an older teen, though.
Just a couple of thoughts.

I've only seen that arrangement built into the side of a hill so entry is at the main level, or in areas that are in flood zones so the lower floor is a garage or empty space that will minimize loss if flooded and living space is protected above.

Thanks so much for all the feedback everyone!

I'm strongly leaning towards doing the main level living so I'm hoping this works out in our favor!!

I should say, I've also seen upside down houses in earth-sheltered design.

And I should modify it also to say that most raised ranches are that way too with the living level up half a flight and the garage/family room down half a flight.

I think the important thing to consider is how welcoming the front entry is. Friend of mine is on the 2nd floor of a condo so her front entry is literally a staircase going straight up...very difficult to meet and greet at the door and a haul up a full flight of stairs is not that welcoming.

We are building a house right now, originally planned, was a typical 2 story home, however we wanted a garage underneath... we have a narrow lot, so we literally ended up getting a ground level garage, huge entry/ foyer and bonus rooms.

i don’t mind hauling up a flight of steps... I’d rather go up steps in doors than outdoors!!

Considering a 2nd floor living design because the view from the 2nd floor is just incredible both front and back. Very tough to bring myself to build a "normal" house when I know that I'd be missing out on fantastic daily vistas and better sun exposure. The entranceway is huge and there is no intrusion into private bedroom spaces on the main, so seems like win-win.

My current house is "reversed" as well. It's 3-stories/five levels to maximize the ocean views. First level is the foyer/garage, half-flight up is the master facing the ocean, half up from that are two guest rooms facing the street, half up is a story-and-half great room facing the ocean (over the master bedroom footprint). Half-flight up from that is the kitchen, dining room and library, all with ocean and street views. Every morning, looking at the sunrise and dolphins in the waves I know it's worth it to carry groceries all the way up!

Whatever you choose i think you will appreciate a washer and dryer on each level….maybe a stacked set in a bathroom or in a closet on the bedroom level

Our home is "upside down" and intentionally done to capture the amazing views. We wouldn't have done it any other way, and in hindsight, wish we had added rooftop access too. We included an elevator to move firewood upstairs to the living room. It helps when there is a big shopping load to bring up, or even an injured human. Though, usually... it's where we store the recycling.

Pretty common in Alaska.

Makes grizzly bears work for their dinner. Even twelve years ago when this thread was started.

The first floor layout wastes space with the open to below section on the second floor. Redo the second level making better use of that space. That's the choice I'd want.

Living spaces upstairs can actually work really well, especially if your lot gives you better views or light from the second floor. A lot of people who’ve chosen this layout say the daily payoff of looking out over trees or a nice view is worth carrying groceries up once in a while.

That said, it’s not for everyone. Stairs can get old fast when you’re doing laundry, hauling shopping bags, or hosting older guests. And when it comes to resale, most buyers still lean toward main-level living since it’s easier and more practical long-term.

So really, it comes down to what matters most to you. If the view or light upstairs is something you’d enjoy every single day, it might be worth the trade-off. But if convenience and broad resale appeal are your priorities, keeping the living spaces on the main level is usually the safer bet.

Interesting discussion…still relevant many years later….personally …different levels involving climbing stairs every day of my life…is not at the top of my list…no matter how they are used

"still relevant many years later"

Not to the OP.

Thanks GROOT