Adult appeal

Adults without children or those whose youngsters are grown have special wish lists for their new homes.

Or maybe it should be called an anti-wish list.

Such buyers want most of their living space on a single level so they don't have to climb stairs every day.

And exterior maintenance is another thing they want to cross off their lists -- especially mowing lawns and shoveling snow.

The Daily Herald's Fall Home Show today features homes that meet these desires.

Some communities are restricted, which means only adults can live there, and generally one member of the household must be at least 50 years old.

Other developments highlight features that appeal to adults in this age range, but anyone is welcome to buy there.

Such homes might be attached or single family, mid-rises, ranch homes or two-stories with the master suite on the first floor.

Conveniences are also important to these buyers, said Debbie Graf, sales manager for Fairfield Ridge in downtown Plainfield.

Not only can residents of the community walk to in-town locations, but major transportation routes also are nearby.

James McNaughton Builders offers many styles of single-family homes from ranches and floor plans with master suites on the first floor to two-stories.

Lots are a little small for families with several children, said Graf, but some families find them attractive, and they are perfect for people who are downsizing from large homes.

The garages are reached off alleys, and the fronts have porches, which create an attractive streetscape, she said.

The homes range from 1,500 to 2,800 square feet with base prices from $339,000 to $397,000.

At the higher end, buyers are not only looking for luxurious finishes, but they don't want to give up much from their larger homes except some space and several chores.

That's the word from Regency at the Woods of South Barrington.

The community is restricted to adults only, but buyers tend to be younger empty-nesters, said Kim Anderson, senior sales manager.

And they really want to just shut the door and travel or go to vacation homes without worrying about what they're leaving behind, she said. This is the beauty of a gated community where the association cuts the grass and shovels the snow.

Space for entertaining is important to these buyers, said Anne Cotter, senior project manager for Toll Brothers.

While second floors are available, few buyers choose them. About one-third of the buyers so far have finished the lower levels, said Anderson. Walkout, lookout and pond-view lower levels are available.

Prices here start above $500,000.

These buyers had large, well-decorated homes, but their master bathrooms might have been on the small side, Cotter said.

They are impressed with the Regency bathrooms and appreciate features such as two-sided fireplaces shared by the bedrooms and baths.