According to Jerry S. James, president of Glenview, Ill.-based Edward R. James Homes, staying connected to the important people in their lives is a key consideration for empty-nesters when choosing a new-construction home, with many buyers looking for a smaller home within proximity to their current location. In fact, a recent Merrill Lynch survey found that the No. 1 reason retirees move is to be closer to family. But in addition to staying close to their doctors, friends, and family, James has found that downsizers are also drawn to walkable areas that are conducive to a more active lifestyle. Edward R. James Homes is currently building two communities addressing this demand.

Westgate at The Glen is a 171-unit community in Glenview, Ill., located within a pedestrian-friendly land plan, and within proximity to the Glen Town Center shops, restaurants, Metra train station and both the Glenview Prairie Club Golf Course and The Glen Club’s 18-hole championship golf course. Each of the single-family and rowhomes available at Westgate feature first-floor masters, allowing empty-nesters to enjoy single-floor living while still having space to accommodate visiting grandchildren. Pricing ranges from the upper-$400,000s for the mews townhomes, on up to the $800,000s for the cluster single-family homes.

Edward R. James Homes is also building Brighton Mews, a 29-unit townhome development in the heart of downtown Park Ridge, Ill., which has already drawn empty-nester buyers. “Residents of Brighton Mews will enjoy the best of both worlds, as it’s advantageously located just a few blocks from the downtown area that’s full of great shops, restaurants, the Metra station and the nostalgic Pickwick Theater,” said James. Pricing for the townhomes starts in the upper-$400,000s.