With the kids gone and several years of work still ahead, many Americans are yielding to the allure of vibrant downtown neighborhoods. Over the last 30 years, empty nesters moved out of the cities to raise their families. They were drawn to the suburbs by its larger yards, better schools and the simpler "country life." Now there's a huge trend where empty nesters are downsizing and moving back to the cities. These nesters are looking for the sense of community and diversity of cultural activities, classes and great food that cities offer. They are attracted by the mix of homes and shops and love having neighbors who are close by along with the convenience of nearby shops. The energy and excitement of a bustling neighborhood makes it more fun.

Empty nesters are looking for smaller houses or apartments that no longer have a pool and a big yard (and the maintenance required!), so they can spend their time traveling or taking classes and enjoying what the world has to offer - not just in the back yard.

The perception is that if you hang on to the big house it may encourage the kids to come home after college. This may be fine for awhile but by the time the third one moves home you'll know there's a problem. It's a gentle reminder to your kids that while there will always be a place for them, don't get too comfy.

Everyone has a slightly different idea of what an empty nest and scaled-down solution may look like. Realtors recommend that when you find an area that is attractive to you, it's best to test it for awhile. Renting is a wise option to make sure it's a fit as cities can also be very busy with loud traffic, skateboarders and sirens - a big change from the quiet of the 'burbs.

The exact number of empty nesters moving back to town is hard to estimate. Some have already rented or purchased a small second home, to sneak off to on weekends or holidays. Others, make the choice to take the leap and move "lock, stock & barrel" to the new mini castle. According to a study published by William Frey, a leading demographer from the Brookings Institution, cities across the nation have experienced increases in their pool of 55- to 64-year-olds, most apparent in places such as Portland, Oregon, which has seen an increase of 92% in this demographic, and Washington, D.C., which has seen a similar increase of 81%.

Empty nesters who are now free from the costs of child care, college (hopefully), and kid related extra-curricular activities, now find themselves able to sell the former family home and apply the money to a downtown apartment that was previously too expensive.

Many find the change refreshing. If you have a leak, call the landlord. If the heating's out, call the super. Apartment living offers an ease of living that you won't get in a single home. But there are many other differences that the urban nester encounters. In the burbs, you might encounter similar family types, income levels and ethnic groups, while urban communities take you back to a more diverse environment. Very much like when you first got out of college. Walking through Union Square in San Francisco will surround you with colorful and different languages, cultures and styles. And of course the fact that you can walk to your favorite café rather than drive makes a huge difference in time and effort. You've become a pedestrian again. Save the BMW for weekend trips to the wine country.

Many empty nesters choose to greet their new phase of life in stages. Giving up the house you've occupied for the past 20 to 30 years, a house filled with memories of childhoods left behind and families diminished, is no easy task.

Urban developments are now being targeted at empty nesters, who want access to the symphony, the opera, theater and restaurants. These people aren't coming downtown to rough it. Apparently, wherever empty nesters go, the boutiques and service industries follow. Empty nesters not only benefit from the urban renaissance, they also contribute to it. It is unclear how much the current economic slowdown will affect this trend, but obviously the drop in housing prices will change some homeowners' plans. The good news is, of the people interviewed, not one person regretted his/her decision. My hope as an urban dweller is that the trend continues and that the renaissance that's taken hold will burgeon in the decades ahead.

As millions of baby boomers enter the empty nest age bracket, some city planners and demographers believe we could soon see an even greater influx of older, working adults into urban areas in the coming years, adding momentum to the resurgence already underway in many downtown areas.

More than in previous generations, boomers are more likely to be single as well as college-educated, making them more likely to be drawn to urban cultural attractions such as performing arts, museums and gourmet food.

For boomers that do make the move, there are a number of financial implications to consider. On the plus side, transportation costs are certain to decline since you can usually sell your car and get around on foot or by public transportation. But housing and food costs are likely to go up, as are local taxes.