CHICAGO—The US is growing older, and as the population ages Midwest experts believe that in 2016 and beyond there will be an increasing number of empty nesters that choose to downsize within the same state rather than move to warmer locales. However, many of the the towns where they are settled and want to remain are built-up, and where to put the new homes needed for this group will present a challenge.

''We have catered to this market quite a bit for decades," Jerry S. James, president of Edward R. James Cos., tells GlobeSt.com. He has learned that even though their children may be grown, people in this age group stiil have an attachment to local stores, churches and friends. "They don't like to give all that up, but they are more than happy to give up the responsibilities and trappings of owning a large single-family home."

James Cos. typically finds infill locations for its communities such as Westgate at The Glen in suburban Glenview and Brighton Mews in nearby Park Ridge, where boomers who raised their families in these suburbs can occupy smaller, less expensive homes. Many feature first floor master bedrooms that allow residents to avoid traveling up and down staircases, an important consideration for this older group. And property management provides landscaping and other services so residents can travel "without worrying about what is happening with their houses."