Many empty-nesters or baby boomers prefer to trade-in their typical family home for more leisurely living once the children leave the nest. I've found that my clients don't want to sacrifice home size or luxury just to gain freedom from mowing the lawn or shoveling snow. They still want to have space for their family-sized furniture, their prized possessions or room for holiday dinners with an ever-expanding family size as grandchildren are born.

In central Ohio, we have many such luxury options for boomers. Most of them are located in the Powell area in Southwest Delaware County or in the Dublin area. Often they are built around popular golf courses such as Muirfield Village (built by Jack Niclaus), Tartan Fields (built by Arnold Palmer), Wedgewood, Golf Village or Ballantrae.

If you decide that this lifestyle appeals to you, you can select from two basic style concepts.

One concept is a condominium. As condominiums, the owners own "from the studs in". The association maintains all the exterior and collects monthly fees to pay for this exterior maintenance. Generally, the association has strict rules regarding what the owner can or cannot due regarding the exterior.

These complexes, such as the one shown here in Powell, may have three to four units under one roof. Most offer 2500 sq ft to 3600 sq ft plus finished lower levels with numerous luxury amenities.

Prices for such units generally run between the mid $300's to high $400's depending on the location of the complex.

The other option boomers can select are referred to as Patio homes. These are free-standing homes, totally owned and cared for by the owner. They differ only from a "regular" home in the size of the lawn/lot which is typically not much larger than the home. There may be association fees, but they only cover care of the subdivision entrance, and thus, are much lower. Lawn mowing, snow removal, exterior maintenance are the responsibility of the owner, although often neighbors contract to have landscape firms manage mowing and snow removal.

The home below is an example of a Patio home that sits next to a golf course fairway in Muirfield Village, Dublin. The lawn only extends to the dark green shrubs, so it's quite small. The home, however, was around 3400 sq ft, plus a large well-finished lower level. This particular home offered a first-floor MBR with three BR's upstairs for when family visited.

The amenities in this home were plentiful. Window walls in the living room, hearth room and kitchen provided a wonderful view of the tee and green. The upstairs balcony was perfect for watching tee shots.

My clients purchased this home and re-sold it a year later in the high $400's.

So, how do you decide which option might be best for you? If you spend winters in Florida, a condo might suit better knowing it will be cared for while you're gone. If you prefer fewer exterior restrictions or feel more comfortable owning your piece of land, then a patio home might suit you better. Either way, you're certain to find the level of luxury and upgrades that suit your unique tastes, as there are many such homes to choose from in the Powell and Dublin areas.

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings