When it comes to retirement, selecting the perfect suburb can make all the difference in how you spend your senior years. Chicago’s lively metropolitan area has a range of lovely suburbs that cater to seniors looking for calm yet active living.
From beautiful parks to cultural attractions, these suburbs offer not just a peaceful setting but also a strong sense of community. Whether you’re seeking for recreational activities, medical services, or proximity to family and friends, the Chicago suburbs have something for everyone.
Here are the top seven Chicago suburbs for retirees, each offering a distinct blend of comfort and convenience.
1. Palos Heights
If you’re getting ready to retire, Palos Heights is probably slightly younger than you. Yes, at only roughly 40 years old, this relatively new town has all of the creature pleasures you’d expect from a location with modern design, such as quarter-acre (or bigger) lots for residences, broad lawns, and tree-lined avenues. The oldest residences in the region are along Harlem Avenue, while the homes to the south get newer—and larger.
So where you’ll live depends on your budget, your preferences, and how close you want to all those senior amenities—which include four retirement communities, if that’s what you desire. Regardless of what you’re searching for, you’ll be well taken care of in Palos Heights, both by the community (there are more individuals over 65 here than anywhere else) and the abundance of doctors.
2. Winfield
Sure, Winfield is ideal for young couples, but it’s also a fantastic spot to retire. This is largely due to a lower cost of living and crime rate than in Chicago, but it is also owing to the vast quantity of activities available to people of all ages.
There’s the Klein Creek Golf Club and the park district in the summer, a library to warm up in the winter, and over 15 restaurants, ranging from southern food so wonderful you’ll think you’re in Texas to Gnarly Knots Pretzel Co., whose name pretty well speaks for itself.
However, if you value a retirement community, whether at an actual retirement home or simply being the same age as the majority of your colleagues, the next slot on our list may be a better fit.
3. Northfield
Northfield not only has the highest proportion of residents over the age of 65, but it also offers one of the greatest retirement communities in the area. Which, in this situation, you would want to think about it because the median property price here exceeds $653,000.
Of course, you get what you pay for, and in Northfield, that means safety, more doctors than you can count on your fingers and toes, hiking and bicycling trails, boating places, and, of course, bridle paths for your horses. (Northfield is one of the few north shore villages that gives licenses for horse ownership.)
4. Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire is essentially a ready-made retirement community. There are already many individuals over the age of 65 in the area, with some living in the retirement community Sedgebrook, some in magnificent homes, and yet others in smaller townhomes or condos.
Essentially, Lincolnshire has something for everyone, including amenities. Lincolnshire offers two retirement communities, a library, three golf courses, two nonprofit volunteer opportunities, six arts and entertainment venues, and thirty eateries.
5. Highland Park
Highland Park provides everything you’ll need in retirement—and a lot more. This city is well-known for its cultural community, which includes the Ravinia Festival, a world-class summer performing arts event. It’s a music and dance festival that lasts all summer, from May to late September.
Of course, if you’re not interested in art, there are eight golf courses, 75 restaurants, a library, a recreation center, and a few nonprofit organizations to select from. Highland Park offers a variety of communities, including historic colonials from the mid-1800s and modern homes and condos downtown. If you prefer to stay at home, that’s still an option.
6. Lake Bluff
If you enjoy nature or have a dog who will accompany you on your retirement journey, Lake Bluff may be ideal for you. This gorgeous neighborhood features more parks and green spaces per capita than any other community outside of Chicago, as well as multiple beaches and walking trails.
There are also four golf courses nearby, including the Lake Bluff Golf Club, the Lake Bluff History Museum, art galleries, a summer farmers’ market, and approximately 30 restaurants. The homes here may be slightly more expensive than others in the Chicago area, but given that they are generally enormous single-family homes with spacious lawns, we can understand why.
7. Westchester
Westchester is an excellent choice for people wishing to save money on a property while still affording a somewhat high cost of living. Your money will most likely be spent in Westchester on goods and services, as well as groceries and transportation, which are significantly more expensive here than in the rest of Illinois.
On the other hand, electricity and healthcare are significantly less expensive than the Illinois average. This is fantastic news, especially for retirees who may require more medical treatment than others. Not only will you have roughly 50 doctors to select from, but it appears you will also be paying less.
Final Words
Finally, selecting the right location for retirement can considerably improve your quality of life. Each of the top seven Chicago suburbs provides distinct perks for retirees, ranging from vibrant towns and diverse cultural offerings to gorgeous natural surroundings and easy access to healthcare. Whether you value amenities, safety, or recreational activities, you’ll find a welcoming environment that encourages a satisfying and active lifestyle during your retirement years. With careful consideration of your choices, one of these attractive suburbs could be the ideal spot to call home as you begin this exciting new chapter.