Some baby boomers keep the family nest even after their children have flown the coop. But for those who prefer to downsize into something newer with less maintenance, a planned community is often the ticket.

A 2,200-square-foot townhouse at 224 Huckleberry Court (MLS No. 726337) in Marshall is a good example of such a home. Located in Blueberry Hill Senior Community -- where at least one homeowner must be age 55 or older -- the townhouse has two bedrooms on the first level, including a 17-by-10-foot master with three closets and a private bath. There's also a first-floor laundry that opens onto a small, private courtyard and a covered front entry that's perfect for enjoying your morning coffee.

One of the condo's biggest selling points is that it was built using the concepts of Universal Design, which includes wider doorways, easy-access sinks and countertops and other features that allow residents of all abilities to comfortably age in place. It is priced at $164,900 by Coldwell Banker's North Hills office (412-366-1600 or www.pittsburghmoves.com).

The 137-home community was begun in the late 1970s with single-level ranches. This townhouse is one of 72 two-story units constructed during Phase 3 in 2001.

It has a third bedroom with a private bath on the second floor and a 19-by-10-foot loft area that could be used as a guest room for the grandchildren, a craft or exercise room or a home office.

According to its owner, the high vaulted ceiling has twin benefits: it floods the living room with natural light and makes it feel more spacious.

"It doesn't feel like a townhouse," she says.

Universal Design elements include 36-inch doorways that allow for the use of wheelchairs, grab bars in all three bathrooms (two have walk-in showers), a no-step entrance and an open floor plan.

The 10-by-10-foot kitchen has a side-by-side refrigerator, vinyl floors and both electric and gas hookups for the stove. The one-car attached garage has an automatic opener. Other amenities include a community center in the property's original barn, where residents gather for card games, ladies lunches and fish fries during Lent, and to watch the Steelers on a flat-screen TV.

A monthly $140 condo fee covers all exterior maintenance, landscaping and trash and snow removal. An open house will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. today and May 18.

The 2007 assessed value of the house is the same as its initial sales price in 2001: $111,900 (www2.county.allegheny.pa.us). Since February 2004, seven other homes have sold on Huckleberry Court, with prices ranging from $139,500 to $172,900 (www.realstats.net).

Marshall Township (www.twp.marshall.pa.us) is part of the North Allegheny School District (www. northallegheny.org). All residents have free access to the Northland Public Library.

ADAMS
	2007	2008
SALES	369	421
MEDIAN PRICE	$255,000	$260,891
HIGHEST PRICE	$1,000,000	$2,000,000
BRADFORD WOODS
	2007	2008
SALES	21	20
MEDIAN PRICE	$250,000	$245,000
HIGHEST PRICE	$628,750	$377,000
CRANBERRY
	2007	2008
SALES	747	642
MEDIAN PRICE	$239,000	$231,500
HIGHEST PRICE	$2,005,425	$1,572,636
FRANKLIN PARK
	2007	2008
SALES	315	276
MEDIAN PRICE	$281,365	$302,050
HIGHEST PRICE	$949,900	$835,000
MARSHALL
	2007	2008
SALES	116	120
MEDIAN PRICE	$287,500	$275,000
HIGHEST PRICE	$2,000,000 $1,350,000
McCANDLESS
	2007	2008
SALES	478	478
MEDIAN PRICE	$186,000	$188,900
HIGHEST PRICE	$950,000	$964,500
MIDDLESEX
	2007	2008
SALES	37	50
MEDIAN PRICE	$155,000	$145,000
HIGHEST PRICE	$581,700	$950,000
PINE
	2007	2008
SALES	328	280
MEDIAN PRICE	$322,100	$349,000
HIGHEST PRICE	$1,355,000	$1,900,000
RICHLAND
	2007	2008
SALES	185	221
MEDIAN PRICE	$198,900	$208,350
HIGHEST PRICE	$770,000	$642,000
ROSS
	2007	2008
SALES	587	565
MEDIAN PRICE	$136,500	$139,500
HIGHEST PRICE	$530,000	$931,120
WEST VIEW
	2007	2008
SALES	107	134
MEDIAN PRICE	$90,000	$104,000
HIGHEST PRICE	$235,000	$275,000