what about a townhouse or duplex? I suppose it depends on the area you live in as to whether or not you could afford one?
I move into my duplex tomorrow as a single mummy of 2 small children & I managed to get a 3 bedroom duplex. For what I'm paying for this duplex, in Sydney (where I came from) I'd be lucky to be able to get a 1 bedroom appt... (no I'm not over-exaggerating!)
I say search around to see all the suburbs in the area you're interested in, check out the schools, parks etc & go from there You may get a pleasant surprise & get a townhouse or something similar about 10 mins from somewhere you'd have to settle on a 2 bedroom appt? You never know!

Wishing you all the luck in the World to get a good place
xoxo