Want to retire close to Chicago but in the quiet of the suburbs? For the best of both worlds, Chicago’s suburbs have quiet areas, great amenities, and easy access to the city’s famous cultural sites.
The Chicago areas are great places for retirees to live a full and relaxing life, whether they’re looking for beautiful views, fun things to do, or busy dining scenes. These places are good for a lot of different types of retirees because they have a variety of living options, good medical care, and strong community ties.
This article will talk about the seven best Chicago areas for retirees. Each one has its own qualities that make it a great place to start the next part of your life.
1. Heights of Palos
Palos Heights is possibly a little younger than you if you’re about to retire. Yeah, this town is pretty new—it’s only about 40 years old—but it has all the modern conveniences you’d expect, like quarter-acre (or bigger) lots for homes, wide fields, and streets lined with trees.
Along Harlem Avenue are the oldest homes in the area. To the south, the homes are newer and bigger. So where you live will depend on your income, your tastes, and how close you want to be to all of those senior amenities, which can include four retirement communities if you want them.
You’ll be taken care of in Palos Heights, both by the people who live there (there are more people over 65 here than anywhere else) and by the many doctors who are available.
2. Winfield
Yes, Winfield is great for young couples, but it’s also a great place to retire. This is mostly because it’s cheaper to live and there is less crime than in Chicago. There are also a lot of things for people of all kinds to do.
The Klein Creek Golf Club and park district are open in the summer, and the library is open in the winter. There are also over 15 restaurants, with southern food so good you’ll think you’re in Texas and the Gnarly Knots Pretzel Co., whose name pretty much says it all. The next spot on our list, on the other hand, might be better for you if you value a retirement community, whether that’s at a real retirement home or just being the same age as most of your coworkers.
3. Northfield
Northfield not only has the most people over 65 living there, but it also has one of the best pension towns in the area. In this case, you should think about it because the average home price here is more than $653,000.
Yes, you do get what you pay for. In Northfield, that means safety, more doctors than you can count on your fingers and toes, trails for hiking and biking, places to go boating, and, of course, bridle walks for your horses. Northfield is one of the few towns on the north shore that lets people own horses.
4. Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire is pretty much a ready-made place to retire. There are already a lot of people over 65 living in the area. Some live in the retirement community Sedgebrook, others in large homes, and still others in smaller apartments or condos.
Lincolnshire pretty much has something for everyone, including conveniences. Lincolnshire has thirty restaurants, two retirement communities, a library, three golf fields, two volunteer chances with non-profits, and six places for arts and entertainment.
5. The Highland Park
Highland Park has a lot more than what you’ll need in retirement. A big part of this city’s culture scene is the Ravinia Festival, a world-class performing arts event that happens every summer. From May to late September, it’s a music and dance event all summer long.
Yes, there are other things to do besides art. There are eight golf courses, 75 restaurants, a library, a leisure center, and a few non-profits to choose from. Highland Park has a lot of different neighborhoods, from classic colonials built in the mid-1800s to new homes and condos in the downtown area. You can still choose to stay at home if you’d rather.
6. Lake Bluff
Lake Bluff might be a good place for you to retire if you like being outside or if you have a dog that you can take with you. There are more parks and green areas per person in this beautiful neighborhood than in any other town outside of Chicago. There are also many beaches and walking trails.
There are also four golf courses nearby, such as the Lake Bluff Golf Club. There are also art shops, a summer farmers’ market, and around 30 restaurants. There may be a small price difference between these houses and others in the Chicago area, but we can see why: most of them are huge single-family homes with big lawns.
7. Whatcom County
Westchester is a great place to live if you want to save money on a house while still being able to handle a somewhat high cost of living. Shopping, transportation, and other goods and services in Westchester are much more expensive than in the rest of Illinois. This is where you will probably spend your money.
On the other hand, healthcare and energy are a lot cheaper than they are in Illinois. This is great news, especially for older people who might need more medical care than younger people. You should be able to choose from about 50 doctors, and it looks like you will also be paying less.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the suburbs of Chicago offer a wide range of appealing choices for retirees, each with its own unique mix of community, amenities, and charm. The friendly neighborhoods in Palos Heights, the lively cultural scene in Highland Park, and the natural beauty of Lake Bluff are all great places to retire in peace and comfort. These suburbs offer the perfect mix of comfort, enjoyment, and ease for retirees as they start the next part of their lives, whether they’re looking for healthcare, recreational activities, or a close-knit community.