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The 10 Best Independent Living Communities in Chicago, IL for 2024

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Independent Living Facilities in Chicago, Illinois

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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.

ResourcePhone numberDescription
Norwood Park Senior Center(773) 775-6071This 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) 744-4016Chicago 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) 744-4016Through 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) 232-7242The 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) 228-1320HandsOn 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Independent Living

Shmoozer

I am/was a resident of this facility

Review of Clarendale Six Corners

I am in a bedroom den at Clarendale. The apartment is far more spacious than other places . The staff is fabulous- and the food is very good. As it is very new, there are new activities and...

Provider response

We are so happy to read such a great review about Clarendale Six Corners! We always strive to provide top-quality service to every resident, and are pleased to hear that you are enjoying your time...

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Independent Living

Molly

I visited this facility

Review of American House Oak Park

American House Oak Park was a brand-new facility. The layout was very well thought through. The rooms were nicely laid out in a way that made sense. There's enough room, but not too much room. It...

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Independent Living

Patricia

I visited this facility

Review of Senior Suites of Gage Park

Senior Suites of Gage Park was kind of a small place. The lobby was not very inviting. The elevators had paint chipping and I didn't particularly like that. I thought they could have cleaned the...

Provider response

Our team is focused on providing a great quality of life for your loved one. Always feel free to visit and share your experiences with us.

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Helpful Articles

Independent Living near Chicago, IL

Oak ParkLincolnwoodLa GrangeEvanstonNorthlakeNiles

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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