When planning for retirement in Illinois, choosing the right town can make all the difference. Many seniors prefer to retire to towns with plenty of culture, affordable housing, and easy access to amenities and health care. Read on to learn more about some of the state's most popular spots to live during retirement.
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- Galena
- Galena, a small community of slightly less than 3,500 residents is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Galena earns high marks among active seniors for its charming Main Street district. This area of town has many charming galleries, shops, and restaurants. In general, Galena offers a low crime rate and a lower than average cost of living.
- Highland Park
- For those interested in urban living without the expense and hassle of Chicago or another major metropolitan area, Highland Park fits the bill. This small city boasts a major music festival, tons of culture, restaurants, and shopping, and many famous historic homes. The crime rate is also quite low, and homes tend to be of high value and lovingly restored.
- Leland Grove -
Located in the Springfield metropolitan area, Leland Grove is ranked as one of the most livable cities in Illinois and one of the top 100 most livable cities in the country, according to Area Vibes This rank is based on the town's very low crime rate, abundant local amenities including grocery stores, restaurants, libraries, parks, and entertainment. While home values are high, rent here tends to be lower than average.
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- Elmhurst
- This western suburb of Chicago is tops for its cultural offerings, without necessarily having to venture into the big city, although some seniors give Elmhurst high marks for its proximity to the Windy City. Not only does Elmhurst boast low crime rates, always a plus if you're considering retirement in Illinois, it's also home to the Theatre Historical Society of America and the highly rated Elmhurst Art Museum.
- Alton -
A popular locale for retirees who are interested in outdoor activities, Alton is located near the convergence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers. As such, it's a hotspot for not only water activities like boating, but also for hiking, biking and birdwatching. It's also located just 30 minutes outside of St. Louis, perfect for the retiree who wants the best of both worlds.
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