As the vast majority of baby boomers reach the age of 65 (about 8,000 a day over the next several years according to AARP), many are thinking about the next phase of their life and looking to unload their large family homes. However, instead of moving to traditional warm-weather destinations, a recent Nielsen report says more than 65 percent are choosing to stay close to family, friends and work.

So, with Chicago’s baby boomer generation deciding to stick around and play a major role in the area’s housing market, Chicago-area builders have stepped up to meet the demands of boomers by offering the five following popular home features.

1. Maintenance-Free Living in Style

As their children move out, many boomers desire to relocate to maintenance-free homes with high-quality finishes, which is why Clocktower Pointe, a luxury condominium development in Countryside, Ill. that offers buyers up to 2,267 square feet of single-level living space and luxury finishes such as Bosch appliances, has been a popular choice for boomers looking to downsize. Homes at Clocktower Pointe feature two to three bedrooms and two to 2½ baths, with prices ranging from $359,900 to $589,000. Located at the intersection of Joliet and Willow Springs roads, Clocktower Pointe is one of the only new-construction luxury condominium developments in the area and is drawing empty nesters from neighboring suburbs like La Grange, Western Springs, Hinsdale and Burr Ridge.

“Being a four-season city, Chicago homeowners have to endure years of mowing the lawn, raking leaves and shoveling snow. Although they may have more leisure time on their hands with the kids out of the house, baby boomers no longer want to spend time doing home maintenance and chores. Instead, they want a simpler lifestyle where they can enjoy their favorite activities and recreations,” said Peter Brennan, president of Foxford Communities, developer of Clocktower Pointe. “Most people might equate maintenance-free living with smaller homes, but the best part about homes at Clocktower Pointe is that they feature generous floor plans that allow for single-level living without requiring buyers to give up a lot of square footage. Residents feel like they’re still living in a single-family home, but without all of the upkeep.”

2. Open and Spacious Floor Plans

Speaking of spacious plans, while common wisdom would have boomers looking to downsize, many (46 percent according to a recent Nielsen report) are looking for homes with more space.

“In our experience, boomers are attracted to homes that are at least as large as the average single-family home, if not larger,” said Brian Hoffman, an executive with Northbrook, Ill.-based Red Seal Homes. “They want spacious living areas for entertaining and hosting family, plus plenty of bedrooms and baths for overnight guests.” He also noted many boomers haven’t retired yet, or are only semi-retired, so a home office is a popular feature, too.

Red Seal Homes is currently offering sales in two communities that are attracting boomers, including Willow Lake in Lake Forest and Provenance in Northbrook. At Willow Lake, buyers can choose from seven floor plans ranging in size from 2,495 to 4,338 square feet and priced from $800,000. Provenance offers townhomes, duplexes and estate-style single-family homes, with plans as large as 4,362 square feet. Prices for homes at Provenance start at $489,900 for a townhome; $649,900 for a duplex home; and $909,900 for a single-family home.

3. First-floor Master Suites

Whether upsizing or downsizing, the majority of boomers want single-floor living, while condominiums are a common alternative, homes with first-floor masters have allowed many to purchase multi-floor homes without having to deal with stairs or elevators. Glenview, Ill.-based Edward R. James Homes, a premier homebuilder with a 60-year history in Chicago’s northern suburbs, is delivering first-floor masters in its cluster single-family homes and rowhomes at Westgate at The Glen, a 171-unit maintenance-free community in Glenview, which also features mews townhomes.

“Many of our buyers are drawn to the first-floor masters, because they provide the space and convenience buyers need for single-floor living,” said Jerry S. James, president of Edward R. James Homes. “However, they still want some rooms upstairs where their kids, grandkids or friends can stay. It gives their guests privacy during their stay, and gives them peace of mind year-round.” James also noted that the first-floor masters provide easy access to the gourmet kitchen with luxury finishes, great room, laundry room, and all the conveniences for daily living. Westgate at The Glen is nearly 65-percent sold, with few homes featuring first-floor masters remaining. Pricing for the rowhomes starts in the upper-$500,000s and the upper-$700,000s for the cluster single-family homes.

4. Walkability

According to the American Planning Association, many boomers prefer walkable communities where they can stay physically active long into retirement. Edward R. James Homes is also building Brighton Mews, a 29-unit townhome development in the heart of Park Ridge, Ill., which has attracted many boomers to its walkable location. Just blocks from downtown Park Ridge – which includes Uptown at Park Ridge, a mixed-use development featuring a variety of upscale shops and restaurants that was developed by Edward R. James Homes in 2006 – Brighton Mews is also within walking distance to Whole Foods, the Metra station, and the nostalgic Pickwick Theater. Brighton Mews opened sales last fall, and is already 50-percent sold.

“Chicago is known for having great walkable city neighborhoods, but it can be harder to find a suburban community that offers great walkability,” said James. “The location of Brighton Mews puts boomers in the heart of downtown Park Ridge where residents have the option of walking to two different grocery stores and public transportation that can take them to a variety of places, including downtown Chicago.” Pricing for the townhomes starts in the upper-$400,000s.

5. Gated Communities

The added security of living in a gated community allows boomers the freedom to travel with the assurance that their home will be safe while they’re gone. Private gated communities like KZF Development’s Meadow Ridge, a 40-acre gated community comprised of 164 luxury townhomes and duplexes in Northbrook, has been a major draw for boomers living in the North Shore who are looking to downsize. Buyers have the opportunity to select from six home designs that feature open floor plans offering 2,200 to 3,500 square feet, and first-floor master suites. Home prices range from $499,000 to $899,000.

“Not all gated communities are alike,” said Steve Friedman, founder of KZF Development. “At Meadow Ridge there is a guardhouse with someone on duty during the daytime hours. While Northbrook is not a high-crime area, the security guards know all of the residents at Meadow Ridge and provide an added level of service and peace of mind for our residents that goes beyond security. They take care of mail when residents are out of town and even help arrange transportation to the airport. The security team is a very valuable part of the community.”