New communities for the baby boomer crowd

As baby boomers age and empty-nest syndrome takes hold, many want to downsize and plan retirement. While it might seem like everyone eventually flies south, statistics show that from 1930 to the present, Long Island's population has included a steady increase of people 55 and older, says Ann Golob, director of the Long Island Index Rauch Foundation, based in Garden City.

East End towns have the highest proportion of older people. Developers have responded to these trends by building dozens of communities that cater to the 55-plus crowd. Here's what new at some of them. Units are either available in move-in condition, have models to check out, or must be purchased on spec.

The Seasons at East Meadow

Style. Attached condo units with lower and upper levels

Models. Aspen, Dogwood and Cedar

Status and purchase options. The community is two-thirds built with models available to see. Buyers can move in immediately or purchase units before they are completed.

Number of units. 404

Starting price. $369,000

Bells and whistles. First-floor units are wheelchair accessible and come with basements; upper-floor units have an elevator and a loft. There's a clubhouse with a social director, guest speakers, a cinema, a gym and a fitness room, a card room, a library, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Contact. Ellen Antonucci, ellen@engelburman.com, 516-307-3627 seasonsateastmeadow.com

St. James: Kensington Gardens

Style. First- and second- floor co-ops

Models. Austin, Berkshire, Essex, Newbury, Somerset and Manchester

Status and purchase options. Immediate occupancy available as well as purchase on speculation.

Number of units.  90

Starting price.  $259,000

Bells and whistles. First-floor homes have handicap-accessible entrances; second-floor units have elevators. Baths have a roll-in shower. There is a clubhouse, an outdoor heated pool, a fitness center and a social room. It is near St. James village, Olsen Memorial Park and the Smith Haven Mall.

Contact. Kimberly Mancini, 631-366-4069, kbm@parkridgeorg.com, kensington55.com

The Vineyards at Moriches

Style. Semi- attached condo town houses

Models.  Beaujolais, Chablis, Lillet, Pinot grigio, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Zinfandel

Status and purchase options. Immediate occupancy available, as well as purchases built to suit and on speculation

Number of units. 92

Starting price. $399,990

Bells and whistles. Grand two-story entry foyer, open floor plans, cathedral ceilings, gourmet granite kitchens, wood floors, gas fireplaces, customization available, full basement, two-car garages. There is a clubhouse with a gym, a billiard/card room, a pool, tennis, boccie and a jogging trail. The development is close to beaches, golf, shopping and highways.

Contact. Diane Maier, 631-281-3300, diane@olcny.com, olcny.com

Plymouth Estates at Mt. Sinai

Style. First- and second- floor condo units

Models. The Dorchester and The Fairmont

Status and purchase options. All 285 are built and ready for occupancy

Number of units. 285

Starting price. $364,900

Bells and whistles. All units are handicap accessible; second-floor units are available with elevators and stairs. Homes come with a one-car attached garage and a basement. The development is on 41 acres with a clubhouse, an outdoor heated pool, tennis courts, a putting green and a walking trail through the community. Beaches and golf courses are nearby.

Contact. Patricia Galletta, 631-331-4196, begin@optonline.net, plymouthestatesmtsinai.com

Quogue: Jessups Landing West Court and East Court

Style.  Two-story detached single and separate condo homes

Models. The Ogden, Old Point, Quogue, Niamogue, Ocean, Beach, Main and Montauk.

Status and purchase options. Models are up, and homes can be purchased on speculation and custom built upon request. You can choose interior colors, traditional or contemporary kitchens, tile styles in the bathrooms, plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Number of units. 32

Starting price. $795,000

Bells and whistles. It's only one step up to the front door, and all models have a master-bedroom suite on the first floor. Ramps and elevators can be built upon request. There are 9-foot ceilings in the living room, basement and two-car garage.

Contact. Michele Wilkinson, Hamptons Valex Llc, 631-653-4197, broker@jean carbonerealestate.com, jessupslandingcondos.com

Melville: Stratford Park

Style. Two-story attached town homes.

Models. The Tudor and The Windsor

Status and purchase options. You can buy now before the units are built. Building has begun and there's an on-site trailer to view renderings, floor plans, brochures and site maps.

Number of planned units. 36

Starting price. $585,000

Bells and whistles. All master suites are on the first floor with a bath and a half, 9-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, and granite and stainless-steel finishes in kitchen. The development is near restaurants, shopping, parks and golf courses.

Contact. Frederick Roberts, 631-414-7355, frederick.roberts@trhomeli.com, trhomesli.com

Medford: Meadowbrook Pointe Links & Spa

Style. Semiattached expanded ranches and two-story homes

Models. The Glenbrook and The Brookdale

Status and options. Phase I is 80 percent sold; Phase II building has begun with models ready to view and purchase on spec; Phase III has not yet been built.

Number of units. 280 total

Starting price. $423,000

Bells and whistles. Master suites are on the first floor with 2½ baths and customization available. There are fireplaces, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, and granite counters and cherrywood cabinets in kitchen. The clubhouse has a ballroom, a salon and spa, a heated pool, tennis and boccie. There is pay-as-you-play usage at Mill Pond Golf Course. The Long Island Expressway, shopping and beaches are nearby.

Contact. Kathy Sheck, 631-696-0300; meadowbrookpointelinks.com.