40 Independent Living Communities near Chicago, IL
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach
5333 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL, 60640
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach has a Spectacular view LQQKING down on Green Parks, Lake Shore Drive, more Green Parks with Sandy Beaches & Lake Michigan with an endless Horizon with a Spectacular
… (read more)
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach has a Spectacular view LQQKING down on Green Parks, Lake Shore Drive, more Green Parks with Sandy Beaches & Lake Michigan with an endless Horizon with a Spectacular Sunrise.
-A+ Upkeep/ maintenance
SpotlessCleanliness,- First Class Food Service!
-Friendly Staff
Beautiful Apartments
Five Stars *****
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach is a Lovely Place to Live.
-Dr.Edwards-
(read less)
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach has a Spectacular view LQQKING down on Green Parks, Lake Shore Drive, more Green Parks with Sandy Beaches & Lake Michigan with an endless Horizon with a Spectacular
… (read more)
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach has a Spectacular view LQQKING down on Green Parks, Lake Shore Drive, more Green Parks with Sandy Beaches & Lake Michigan with an endless Horizon with a Spectacular Sunrise.
-A+ Upkeep/ maintenance
SpotlessCleanliness,- First Class Food Service!
-Friendly Staff
Beautiful Apartments
Five Stars *****
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach is a Lovely Place to Live.
-Dr.Edwards-
(read less)
Brookdale Lake View
3121 North Sheridan, Chicago, IL, 60657
A NOTE OF RECOGNITION & APPRECIATION
It is now five days after the roll out of Brookdale Vaccination Project. A sense of well-being permeates our community. This no doubt is a result of the vac
… (read more)
A NOTE OF RECOGNITION & APPRECIATION
It is now five days after the roll out of Brookdale Vaccination Project. A sense of well-being permeates our community. This no doubt is a result of the vaccine.
I want to take time to pay tribute to the Brookdale team that performed like the all-stars that they are; it was as if they were on a field of play, each in his or her position carrying out the task at hand!
What was most amazing was we were treated as if we were precious cargo, and the sign read "Handle with care" and in some cases the sign read "Fragile" and we were treated as such.
The MVP trophy does not go to an individual but to the entire team, it does not sit on a mantel! It arks over the Brookdale Lake View community, fueled by the uniqueness by each team member: a perpetual rainbow.
(read less)
A NOTE OF RECOGNITION & APPRECIATION
It is now five days after the roll out of Brookdale Vaccination Project. A sense of well-being permeates our community. This no doubt is a result of the vac
… (read more)
A NOTE OF RECOGNITION & APPRECIATION
It is now five days after the roll out of Brookdale Vaccination Project. A sense of well-being permeates our community. This no doubt is a result of the vaccine.
I want to take time to pay tribute to the Brookdale team that performed like the all-stars that they are; it was as if they were on a field of play, each in his or her position carrying out the task at hand!
What was most amazing was we were treated as if we were precious cargo, and the sign read "Handle with care" and in some cases the sign read "Fragile" and we were treated as such.
The MVP trophy does not go to an individual but to the entire team, it does not sit on a mantel! It arks over the Brookdale Lake View community, fueled by the uniqueness by each team member: a perpetual rainbow.
(read less)
Autumn Green at Midway Village
6700 S. Keating, Chicago, IL, 60629
We went to Autumn Green at Midway Village. They showed us a lot of the features of the place. We liked it. The only thing is we are thinking of relocating to a warmer area. The staff is very efficient
… (read more)
We went to Autumn Green at Midway Village. They showed us a lot of the features of the place. We liked it. The only thing is we are thinking of relocating to a warmer area. The staff is very efficient. It’s a very nice area, away from the traffic, and a quiet place. There is no problem with the façade. It’s an accessible place.
(read less)
We went to Autumn Green at Midway Village. They showed us a lot of the features of the place. We liked it. The only thing is we are thinking of relocating to a warmer area. The staff is very efficient
… (read more)
We went to Autumn Green at Midway Village. They showed us a lot of the features of the place. We liked it. The only thing is we are thinking of relocating to a warmer area. The staff is very efficient. It’s a very nice area, away from the traffic, and a quiet place. There is no problem with the façade. It’s an accessible place.
(read less)
Brookdale Lake Shore Drive
2960 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60657
I’m in independent living at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive and almost everyone is independent here. I’m very happy and satisfied with everything. They’ve been doing a lot of remodeling because they had w
… (read more)
I’m in independent living at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive and almost everyone is independent here. I’m very happy and satisfied with everything. They’ve been doing a lot of remodeling because they had water damage on the first floor. Otherwise, everything is fine. They have plenty of things to go to all day. They have an exercise room. The people are happy here. I like that it’s near St. Joseph’s Church. The staff is very good. The food is excellent, and there’s a lot of choices.
(read less)
I’m in independent living at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive and almost everyone is independent here. I’m very happy and satisfied with everything. They’ve been doing a lot of remodeling because they had w
… (read more)
I’m in independent living at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive and almost everyone is independent here. I’m very happy and satisfied with everything. They’ve been doing a lot of remodeling because they had water damage on the first floor. Otherwise, everything is fine. They have plenty of things to go to all day. They have an exercise room. The people are happy here. I like that it’s near St. Joseph’s Church. The staff is very good. The food is excellent, and there’s a lot of choices.
(read less)
Autumn Green at Wright Campus
4239 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL, 60634
Autumn Green at Wright Campus is located in a peaceful area of Chicago, Illinois, a few minutes away from Edgebrook Golf Course, Harlem Irving Plaza and the Kennedy Expressway. Residents note the frie
… (read more)
Autumn Green at Wright Campus is located in a peaceful area of Chicago, Illinois, a few minutes away from Edgebrook Golf Course, Harlem Irving Plaza and the Kennedy Expressway. Residents note the friendly, helpful staff, who care about the well-being of every resident. Autumn Green at Wright Campus receives excellent reviews for its range of activities, including book clubs, gardening, Zumba and regular outings to shops and cultural events. Families are impressed by the amenities provided such as an indoor pool, garden and patio and a beauty/barber shop.
(read less)
Autumn Green at Wright Campus is located in a peaceful area of Chicago, Illinois, a few minutes away from Edgebrook Golf Course, Harlem Irving Plaza and the Kennedy Expressway. Residents note the frie
… (read more)
Autumn Green at Wright Campus is located in a peaceful area of Chicago, Illinois, a few minutes away from Edgebrook Golf Course, Harlem Irving Plaza and the Kennedy Expressway. Residents note the friendly, helpful staff, who care about the well-being of every resident. Autumn Green at Wright Campus receives excellent reviews for its range of activities, including book clubs, gardening, Zumba and regular outings to shops and cultural events. Families are impressed by the amenities provided such as an indoor pool, garden and patio and a beauty/barber shop.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Garfield Ridge
5839 S. Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL, 60638
I was happy with Senior Suites of Garfield Ridge. I mentioned that my mother had section eight, and they said they have a process for that. They were very helpful and informative. It’s very clean, and
… (read more)
I was happy with Senior Suites of Garfield Ridge. I mentioned that my mother had section eight, and they said they have a process for that. They were very helpful and informative. It’s very clean, and most of the employees were very professional. The outside appearance was very good, and there was a gated parking lot for the residents. It wasn’t an institutional atmosphere.
(read less)
I was happy with Senior Suites of Garfield Ridge. I mentioned that my mother had section eight, and they said they have a process for that. They were very helpful and informative. It’s very clean, and
… (read more)
I was happy with Senior Suites of Garfield Ridge. I mentioned that my mother had section eight, and they said they have a process for that. They were very helpful and informative. It’s very clean, and most of the employees were very professional. The outside appearance was very good, and there was a gated parking lot for the residents. It wasn’t an institutional atmosphere.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Auburn Gresham
1050 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL, 60620
I’ve seen the outside of Senior Suites of Auburn Gresham. I’ve never seen the inside. The staff was polite, friendly, helpful, and informative. It was very clean, very quiet, and very kept. The ground
… (read more)
I’ve seen the outside of Senior Suites of Auburn Gresham. I’ve never seen the inside. The staff was polite, friendly, helpful, and informative. It was very clean, very quiet, and very kept. The grounds were beautiful. I had looked this facility up online, so I knew a lot about it. They didn’t have to give me anything. They gave me extra pamphlet anyway about the amenities and what my mom could expect, but I already knew it, so I saved them a lot of work. It was street parking, so it was pretty. Everything was fine. I didn’t get a tour, but it was still helpful.
(read less)
I’ve seen the outside of Senior Suites of Auburn Gresham. I’ve never seen the inside. The staff was polite, friendly, helpful, and informative. It was very clean, very quiet, and very kept. The ground
… (read more)
I’ve seen the outside of Senior Suites of Auburn Gresham. I’ve never seen the inside. The staff was polite, friendly, helpful, and informative. It was very clean, very quiet, and very kept. The grounds were beautiful. I had looked this facility up online, so I knew a lot about it. They didn’t have to give me anything. They gave me extra pamphlet anyway about the amenities and what my mom could expect, but I already knew it, so I saved them a lot of work. It was street parking, so it was pretty. Everything was fine. I didn’t get a tour, but it was still helpful.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Marquette Village
7430 S. Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL, 60629
I visited Senior Suites of Marquette Village in September this year. The community was very quiet and because of the pandemic, there wasn’t a lot of people that I encountered except the staff, the man
… (read more)
I visited Senior Suites of Marquette Village in September this year. The community was very quiet and because of the pandemic, there wasn’t a lot of people that I encountered except the staff, the management, and the young lady who showed me around. The rooms were very nice and neat and there was parking. It was my first choice. The staff was very personable, very professional and informative. I like the quietness and the neatness of it. There wasn’t a lot of movement while I was looking at the grounds, the outside and inside part of the building. The quietness was very encouraging. The outdoor space was beautiful, quiet, clean, and neat. I did not see a lot of activities. I was shown and given the information, but I didn’t see any actual participation.
(read less)
I visited Senior Suites of Marquette Village in September this year. The community was very quiet and because of the pandemic, there wasn’t a lot of people that I encountered except the staff, the man
… (read more)
I visited Senior Suites of Marquette Village in September this year. The community was very quiet and because of the pandemic, there wasn’t a lot of people that I encountered except the staff, the management, and the young lady who showed me around. The rooms were very nice and neat and there was parking. It was my first choice. The staff was very personable, very professional and informative. I like the quietness and the neatness of it. There wasn’t a lot of movement while I was looking at the grounds, the outside and inside part of the building. The quietness was very encouraging. The outdoor space was beautiful, quiet, clean, and neat. I did not see a lot of activities. I was shown and given the information, but I didn’t see any actual participation.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Jefferson Park
5400 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL, 60630
Senior Suites of Jefferson Park was very nice. The woman was very accommodating and showed me an apartment that I loved. I talked to the residents, who were all very nice and very friendly and liked i
… (read more)
Senior Suites of Jefferson Park was very nice. The woman was very accommodating and showed me an apartment that I loved. I talked to the residents, who were all very nice and very friendly and liked it there. They were enjoying a lot of the activities. Some people had been there for 10 years and more and seemed very happy. Every Tuesday is a special day where they can order whatever they want. The owner goes and fixes up the food for them and brings it back to the home for them. I liked it. It’s where I’d like to be.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Jefferson Park was very nice. The woman was very accommodating and showed me an apartment that I loved. I talked to the residents, who were all very nice and very friendly and liked i
… (read more)
Senior Suites of Jefferson Park was very nice. The woman was very accommodating and showed me an apartment that I loved. I talked to the residents, who were all very nice and very friendly and liked it there. They were enjoying a lot of the activities. Some people had been there for 10 years and more and seemed very happy. Every Tuesday is a special day where they can order whatever they want. The owner goes and fixes up the food for them and brings it back to the home for them. I liked it. It’s where I’d like to be.
(read less)
Montclare Senior Residences of Galewood
6650 West Belden Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60707
My visit at Montclare Senior Residences of Galewood was pretty good. They offer the residents so many activities. The place looked nice, and the rooms were pretty big. I liked it. The people who work
… (read more)
My visit at Montclare Senior Residences of Galewood was pretty good. They offer the residents so many activities. The place looked nice, and the rooms were pretty big. I liked it. The people who work there were pretty good, and they were interacting with the residents. Our overall experience with the office regarding the application process was pretty good. They’re very helpful. Due to what’s going on with COVID, they restricted everything. We don’t know when it’s gonna pick back up, but right now there is no activity going on. There’s a small outdoor court where they can go out and sit when the weather permits. It’s definitely well-maintained, and the maintenance is working around. They follow precaution and I like that. The staff had on face mask and everything.
(read less)
My visit at Montclare Senior Residences of Galewood was pretty good. They offer the residents so many activities. The place looked nice, and the rooms were pretty big. I liked it. The people who work
… (read more)
My visit at Montclare Senior Residences of Galewood was pretty good. They offer the residents so many activities. The place looked nice, and the rooms were pretty big. I liked it. The people who work there were pretty good, and they were interacting with the residents. Our overall experience with the office regarding the application process was pretty good. They’re very helpful. Due to what’s going on with COVID, they restricted everything. We don’t know when it’s gonna pick back up, but right now there is no activity going on. There’s a small outdoor court where they can go out and sit when the weather permits. It’s definitely well-maintained, and the maintenance is working around. They follow precaution and I like that. The staff had on face mask and everything.
(read less)
Senior Suites of South Shore
2355 East 67th Street, Chicago, IL, 60649
My aunt moved into Senior Suites of South Shore. We chose it because it was the only one that came up with an available 1-bedroom. The staff members are nice, and taking care of the people there. She
… (read more)
My aunt moved into Senior Suites of South Shore. We chose it because it was the only one that came up with an available 1-bedroom. The staff members are nice, and taking care of the people there. She has a nice room, and it has everything she needs. They have limited activities and amenities right now because of Covid. They’ve got some exercise bike.
(read less)
My aunt moved into Senior Suites of South Shore. We chose it because it was the only one that came up with an available 1-bedroom. The staff members are nice, and taking care of the people there. She
… (read more)
My aunt moved into Senior Suites of South Shore. We chose it because it was the only one that came up with an available 1-bedroom. The staff members are nice, and taking care of the people there. She has a nice room, and it has everything she needs. They have limited activities and amenities right now because of Covid. They’ve got some exercise bike.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Washington Heights
848 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60643
I found the Senior Suites of Washington Heights for my mother, and there’s a wait list. I went to look at it yesterday. They have a common room on each floor where they can read books, play music, and
… (read more)
I found the Senior Suites of Washington Heights for my mother, and there’s a wait list. I went to look at it yesterday. They have a common room on each floor where they can read books, play music, and play cards. I like that the bedrooms are a pretty nice size, with a living room. I met a resident, she said she liked that the people were friendly. She’s about my mother’s age. I just like the place. They would paint the room, and get them clean carpeting.
(read less)
I found the Senior Suites of Washington Heights for my mother, and there’s a wait list. I went to look at it yesterday. They have a common room on each floor where they can read books, play music, and
… (read more)
I found the Senior Suites of Washington Heights for my mother, and there’s a wait list. I went to look at it yesterday. They have a common room on each floor where they can read books, play music, and play cards. I like that the bedrooms are a pretty nice size, with a living room. I met a resident, she said she liked that the people were friendly. She’s about my mother’s age. I just like the place. They would paint the room, and get them clean carpeting.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Midway Village
6800 South Keating Ave., Chicago, IL, 60629
I liked Senior Suites of Midway Village, it was nice. The parking was free, and the rooms were large. They have a guest lounge. The residents that I saw there were very helpful. The place was clean, a
… (read more)
I liked Senior Suites of Midway Village, it was nice. The parking was free, and the rooms were large. They have a guest lounge. The residents that I saw there were very helpful. The place was clean, and the staff was nice.
(read less)
I liked Senior Suites of Midway Village, it was nice. The parking was free, and the rooms were large. They have a guest lounge. The residents that I saw there were very helpful. The place was clean, a
… (read more)
I liked Senior Suites of Midway Village, it was nice. The parking was free, and the rooms were large. They have a guest lounge. The residents that I saw there were very helpful. The place was clean, and the staff was nice.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Chatham
8300 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL, 60619
I thought this place was GREAT for many reasons. It was very clean and the staff was amazingly welcoming. Ms. Lashaunda specifically has been GREAT!!!
I love how they are very concerned and engage
… (read more)
I thought this place was GREAT for many reasons. It was very clean and the staff was amazingly welcoming. Ms. Lashaunda specifically has been GREAT!!!
I love how they are very concerned and engaged with their Senior Community. If there is a need, it gets addressed immediately and taken care of. They offer multiple services such as a community ride to the grocery store and a resource/ Senior gathering area for all of the units to meet and engage with each other. I looove the idea of their washing and drying being FREE… Whomever originally marketed this idea UNDERSTOOD the need for HELP with our Seniors🙌🙌🙌
(read less)
I thought this place was GREAT for many reasons. It was very clean and the staff was amazingly welcoming. Ms. Lashaunda specifically has been GREAT!!!
I love how they are very concerned and engage
… (read more)
I thought this place was GREAT for many reasons. It was very clean and the staff was amazingly welcoming. Ms. Lashaunda specifically has been GREAT!!!
I love how they are very concerned and engaged with their Senior Community. If there is a need, it gets addressed immediately and taken care of. They offer multiple services such as a community ride to the grocery store and a resource/ Senior gathering area for all of the units to meet and engage with each other. I looove the idea of their washing and drying being FREE… Whomever originally marketed this idea UNDERSTOOD the need for HELP with our Seniors🙌🙌🙌
(read less)
Wrightwood Senior Developments
2815 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL, 60652
My mother has been living at Wrightwood for five years already. It’s a brand-new facility in the city. While it was being built, my mother put in an application, and they called her up later to live
… (read more)
My mother has been living at Wrightwood for five years already. It’s a brand-new facility in the city. While it was being built, my mother put in an application, and they called her up later to live there. They have very spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The residents prepare their own meals. They have bingo once or twice a month, watch movies, and go on outings to the museum and different restaurants. They have people come in to do arts and crafts with the residents. My mother says the place is fine.
(read less)
My mother has been living at Wrightwood for five years already. It’s a brand-new facility in the city. While it was being built, my mother put in an application, and they called her up later to live
… (read more)
My mother has been living at Wrightwood for five years already. It’s a brand-new facility in the city. While it was being built, my mother put in an application, and they called her up later to live there. They have very spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The residents prepare their own meals. They have bingo once or twice a month, watch movies, and go on outings to the museum and different restaurants. They have people come in to do arts and crafts with the residents. My mother says the place is fine.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Autumn Green at Wright Campus
4255 N. Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60634
Senior Suites of Auburn Green at Wright Campus is the one we found for my mother. It is very clean. The gentleman that I spoke with during the tour was very knowledgeable. The rooms are very spacious,
… (read more)
Senior Suites of Auburn Green at Wright Campus is the one we found for my mother. It is very clean. The gentleman that I spoke with during the tour was very knowledgeable. The rooms are very spacious, which was my main reason for having my mother go there. It is only a couple of miles from where her actual home was, so it is very convenient. I was there yesterday with her having breakfast. The dining area seems very clean, and the wait staff is very nice and very courteous. My mother is in a beautiful, spacious, private room. It is bigger than any other place we had seen. They put new carpeting and new paint every time someone moves in. They have to do their own light cleaning, but they have somebody come in and do the cleaning twice a month, and that’s helpful.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Auburn Green at Wright Campus is the one we found for my mother. It is very clean. The gentleman that I spoke with during the tour was very knowledgeable. The rooms are very spacious,
… (read more)
Senior Suites of Auburn Green at Wright Campus is the one we found for my mother. It is very clean. The gentleman that I spoke with during the tour was very knowledgeable. The rooms are very spacious, which was my main reason for having my mother go there. It is only a couple of miles from where her actual home was, so it is very convenient. I was there yesterday with her having breakfast. The dining area seems very clean, and the wait staff is very nice and very courteous. My mother is in a beautiful, spacious, private room. It is bigger than any other place we had seen. They put new carpeting and new paint every time someone moves in. They have to do their own light cleaning, but they have somebody come in and do the cleaning twice a month, and that’s helpful.
(read less)
Renaissance Saint Luke
1501 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60657
Renaissance was within almost walking distance of our home in a very convenient area. The apartment was open and airy with windows on two sides. I liked the whole layout and the people working there.
… (read more)
Renaissance was within almost walking distance of our home in a very convenient area. The apartment was open and airy with windows on two sides. I liked the whole layout and the people working there. I enjoyed talking to them. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom was very roomy and had a nice kitchen, refrigerator, and stove. They had a large activity room, a library, television, and videos. There’s a potluck once a week, outdoor facilities for grilling and gardening, and a large washer and dryer. Across the street is St. Luke’s Church. I would recommend it to anyone.
(read less)
Renaissance was within almost walking distance of our home in a very convenient area. The apartment was open and airy with windows on two sides. I liked the whole layout and the people working there.
… (read more)
Renaissance was within almost walking distance of our home in a very convenient area. The apartment was open and airy with windows on two sides. I liked the whole layout and the people working there. I enjoyed talking to them. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom was very roomy and had a nice kitchen, refrigerator, and stove. They had a large activity room, a library, television, and videos. There’s a potluck once a week, outdoor facilities for grilling and gardening, and a large washer and dryer. Across the street is St. Luke’s Church. I would recommend it to anyone.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Norwood Park
5700 N. Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL, 60631
Senior Suites of Norwood Park was nice. It used to be an old church or a monastery, so it had kind of darker interior look, but it was all nice and new. However, I don’t think it had all of what I was
… (read more)
Senior Suites of Norwood Park was nice. It used to be an old church or a monastery, so it had kind of darker interior look, but it was all nice and new. However, I don’t think it had all of what I was looking for my mother. My mom is probably somewhere in the stages of independent living with some assisted care, so it isn’t really for her. It was a nice community, but there were no meals and no services. To me, it was just senior housing and that was it. I did not see any activities for the people. They did have a large card room/activity room. The two women that gave me a tour were very nice and seemed well informed. They were genuinely very caring people; however, I did not observe any activities.
(read less)
Senior Suites of Norwood Park was nice. It used to be an old church or a monastery, so it had kind of darker interior look, but it was all nice and new. However, I don’t think it had all of what I was
… (read more)
Senior Suites of Norwood Park was nice. It used to be an old church or a monastery, so it had kind of darker interior look, but it was all nice and new. However, I don’t think it had all of what I was looking for my mother. My mom is probably somewhere in the stages of independent living with some assisted care, so it isn’t really for her. It was a nice community, but there were no meals and no services. To me, it was just senior housing and that was it. I did not see any activities for the people. They did have a large card room/activity room. The two women that gave me a tour were very nice and seemed well informed. They were genuinely very caring people; however, I did not observe any activities.
(read less)
See Pricing for
is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
What to Expect in an Independent Living Community
Many seniors love how independent living communities reduce unwanted stress, hazards, and fatigue in their lives. Independent living communities take care of housekeeping, yard work and meals while still allowing residents personal space and the dignity of making their own choices. These communities usually provide seniors with an apartment that has a small kitchen, bathroom, living room, and one or more bedrooms. Those who want a small space may even find that some independent living communities offer studio-style apartments. Seniors can invite guests over and enjoy their rooms however they see fit.
Independent living communities often also include the following:
- Numerous opportunities for socializing and exploring new activities
- Easy access to public or community-provided transportation
- Meal plans for community dining as well as kitchens for seniors who like preparing their own meals
- The ability to keep small- and medium-size pets such as dogs and cats
- Housekeeping, laundry and groundskeeping services
- 24-hour staff on-site who can be contacted if a problem arises
For a more detailed look at common amenities, check out our guide to independent living communities.
What Couples Should Know About Independent Living in Chicago,IL
The bustling city of Chicago is located on Lake Michigan in Illinois and is home to 2,700,000 people. The city is mostly known for its abundance of museums, including the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago History Museum, all offering discounted admission for seniors. It’s rated the sixth most walkable city in the nation, making it easy for active adults to navigate the city and complete most errands on foot, it also has a reliable transportation system, which those aged 65 and over can ride for free.
In addition to its many museums, Chicago offers an array of festivals all throughout the year, unique walking tours that allow sightseers to explore the city’s architecture and history as well as dinner cruises on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. With its many attractions, Chicago may be a good choice for active seniors who are interested in downsizing and enjoying their retirement years to the fullest.
Paying for Independent Living in Chicago, IL
Chicago is a relatively economical city for independent living. On average, independent living costs $1,399 per month, versus the national median of $2,550. This makes the city a good option for seniors who have a limited retirement budget.
The annual cost of living in an independent living community can range anywhere from $12,000-$42,000, depending mostly on the amenities, room type and cost of living in the area. In addition to using personal retirement income, annuities, long-term care insurance, or cashing out an existing life insurance policy, some seniors can use Social Security funds, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments granted due to disability or low-income or HUD-provided housing assistance such as vouchers. Another route many seniors choose to fund their independent living stay is renting out or selling their homes that they won’t need once they move or taking advantage of a reverse mortgage.
Our guide provides a more in-depth look at independent living costs and solutions for those who want to learn more.
How to Choose an Independent Living Community
When choosing an independent living community, it’s best to consider many factors, including the community’s proximity to loved ones and medical care, the state of repair that the facility appears to be in, the attitude and efficiency of the staff, the cost of both rent and services, the facility’s pet policy and more.
Comparing multiple communities can help seniors and their families figure out what they value most in an independent living community. During tours of these communities, staff members should be available to answer questions. To help with the touring and comparison process, we’ve included a checklist full of pertinent questions that anyone can download and print for themselves.
Transitioning to Independent Living
Independent living communities, rather than memory care or nursing homes, are often the first place seniors move to when they realize they need a lifestyle change. The necessity of letting some possessions go and the reality of leaving a home and neighborhood after possibly decades of residence there can make transitioning to an independent living community difficult. These communities are often friendly places, but being in a new environment still initially triggers feelings of loneliness in many seniors.
Having a strategy for dealing with the challenges of moving can make the transition to an independent living community a positive experience. We’ve created a downloadable step-by-step guide for tips to making this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Independent Living Resources in Chicago, IL
There are many other resources and activities for seniors in Chicago. Use the table below to learn about the options available for older adults in the area.
| Resource | Phone Number | Description |
| Norwood Park Senior Center | (773) 775-6071 | This 7,000-square-foot senior center features a large state-of-the-art fitness facility with cardiovascular and strength training equipment, and it also gives seniors access to computers, a library and conference room. Members also have the opportunity to go on trips and participate in special events. Membership is free to adults aged 55 and over. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. |
| DFSS Regional Senior Centers | (312) 744-4016 | Chicago is home to a network of senior centers that are operated by the Department of Family and Support Services. These centers provide social communities for older adults aged 60 and over and host activities, such as day and overnight trips, life enrichment classes and fitness and wellness programs. The centers are situated throughout the city, ensuring easy access to all residents. Amenities and hours of operation vary by location. |
| DFSS Transportation Program | (312) 744-4016 | Through the Chicago Transit Authority’s Taxi Access Program, the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services provides door-to-door transportation services at reduced rates and emergency medical transportation service to eligible seniors. This service is available to older adults who qualify under the Regional Transit Authority’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program. |
| Adult Continuing Education | (800) 232-7242 | The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which is among the most distinguished independent schools of art and design in the nation, provides noncredit courses and certificate programs for adults. Through this program, participants can explore new modes of creative production, learn new skills or brush up on old ones in a state-of-the-art facility. |
| HandsOn Suburban Chicago | (847) 228-1320 | HandsOn Suburban Chicago is the local sponsor of Senior Corp-RSVP, a national volunteer program for adults aged 55 and over. Through this program, participants have the opportunity to engage with their community and provide valuable services, such as tutoring economically disadvantaged students, assisting disabled community members and helping economically disadvantaged adults receive literacy training. |