10 Welcoming Towns To Retire In Illinois
There are so many things about Illinois that would make fresh retirees want to consider it as a retirement base. From its diverse outdoor scenery and rich cultural heritage to affordable housing costs, it has the hallmarks of an ideal senior sanctuary. But while most people would naturally have big cities like Chicago in mind, the smaller, unknown destinations present the aspect of small-town charm and rural appeal that many pensioners wish for. This guide explores some of the best towns to retire in Illinois.
From artsy Jacksonville to quaint college towns like Macomb, these underrated communities have built strong support networks for seniors. An engaging blend of amenities, recreational areas, and close-knit neighborhoods make them highly inviting places to settle into serene retirement living surrounded by welcoming locals.
Macomb
This college town in McDonough County welcomes retirees to settle in a culturally vibrant community with diverse attractions to keep them engaged. It is home to Western Illinois University, which has helped elevate the local art scene. At the Western Illinois University Gallery, seniors can browse intimate exhibitions featuring artworks by multiple artists. As the county's seat, Macomb welcomes newcomers to explore regional history at the Western Illinois Museum. Residents can choose between the Macomb Park District and Spring Lake Park for outdoor recreation.
With its multiple assisted living communities, including Grand Prairie of Macomb, retirees won't feel neglected when they are no longer independent due to old age. Macomb's median home price of $119,900 allows them to acquire a forever home on a budget.
Taylorville
Taylorville is a welcoming community in Christian County that entices visitors with its friendly attitude toward strangers. It also hosts a decent senior population that would make it easy for incoming retirees to settle in more comfortably. History lovers will be curious to learn about the town's past, which is well preserved at the Christian County Historical Society & Museum. Downton Taylorville has several hangout spots where pensioners can socialize with other townsfolk. The Funky Monkey is an excellent destination with a cozy setting for an after-hour drink.
On the town's southeast edge, Lake Taylorville invites immersion in fun water-based recreation, including boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Taylorville is just over an hour from Springfield, allowing residents to quickly access quality urban facilities in the capital. Finally, a median housing cost of $187,400 puts Taylorville below the United States average.
Jacksonville
History meets the arts in this delightful community of Morgan County. Retirees with an affinity for the arts have much to look forward to in Jacksonville, from admiring unique exhibits at the David Strawn Gallery to watching family-friendly flicks at the Illinois Theatre. Those interested in the town's heritage can peruse historical and cultural artifacts at the Jacksonville Area Museum. Jacksonville provides exciting opportunities for new entrants to meet with townsfolk, especially at the Jacksonville Speedway. The atmosphere is always buzzing as the community converges to enjoy a racing spectacle on a historic dirt road.
Thanks to the Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, senior citizens don't have to go out of town for quality medical care. Furthermore, Jacksonville's low median housing cost of $141,500 makes it one of the most budget-friendly towns to retire in Illinois.
Freeport
Nicknamed "Pretzel City," Freeport is a community rooted in German heritage and recognized for its delicious pretzels. It is a fun destination for fans of the art, captivating them with theatrical performances at the Winneshiek Theater. However, those who lean towards the visual arts will prefer combing out the exhibits inside the Freeport Art Museum. Retirees can spend quality time outdoors at Krape Park. It has a serene atmosphere with lush greenery, offering the ideal setting for unassuming walks and peaceful picnics.
The Senior Resource Center of Freeport provides seniors with various services and programs to enable them to live a decent life despite their old age. Lastly, pensioners need not worry about spending a fortune on a home, as the average cost in Freeport is $120,000.
Mendota
Mendota's proximity to big cities like Chicago and Rockford allows residents to access valuable urban facilities and health amenities, making up for its rural setting. Retirees who settle in the area can expect welcoming residents who take pride in a strong sense of community and peaceful existence. Mendota has a couple of museums that should interest fresh residents. Breaking the Prairie Museum tells the exciting story of pioneers who established the town, while the Union Depot Railroad Museum focuses on local railway heritage.
The beautiful Mendota Lake Park beckons pensioners to embrace its tranquil atmosphere and engage in recreation like picnicking, fishing, and sports across its sprawling territory. Mendota presents an easy way for seniors to own a home, considering its $95,000 median home price. Even better, they can access cheaper accommodation at Mendota Senior Apartments.
Arcola
Arcol came up in the mid-19th century when the Illinois Central Railroad was passing through the territory. Its down-to-earth personality is perfect for pensioners who appreciate life's simple pleasures, and the town has a few to keep residents engaged. Aikman Wildlife Adventure is a town favorite, featuring a modest zoo that inspires guests with rare animal encounters. The Kenny Moore Memorial Park has a lovely natural setting for townsfolk to spend laid-back moments outdoors., surrounded by lush greenery and manicured gardens.
The Arcola Public Library offers fascinating information about anything and everything for retirees who prefer to keep their minds active. Lastly, buying a home in Arcola costs an average of $132,000.
La Salle
La Salle's economy is spurred by a thriving agricultural industry, which means that retirees have enough food resources to sustain them for the rest of their golden years. But that's not the only reason to settle in the La Salle County community; La Salle has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s, and touring the Hegeler Carus Mansion offers a vivid depiction of upper-middle-class in Victorian-era La Salle. The Illinois-Michigan Canal State Trail cuts through the town, encouraging seniors to stay active with hikes along the picturesque route, rewarded by Mississippi River views.
Alternatively, they can enjoy easygoing cruises on the I&M Canal Boat to discover the town's beautiful outdoors from the water. Those planning to settle in their purchased homes should budget around $170,000, the average housing price.
Gilman
This quintessential small town in Iroquois County, about 100 miles south of Naperville, harbors less than 2,000 permanent residents, providing pensioners enough peace and quiet for their sunset years. A strong sense of community helps to foster good-natured relationships among townsfolk, resulting in limited crime cases. Boondocks Bar & Grill is an excellent spot to chill out and interact with peers over a beer bottle. Meanwhile, retirees who gravitate towards green spaces will love the atmosphere of Parkside Farm Stand, featuring simple farm life with healthy pumpkins.
The community dedicates itself to caring for the elderly through critical programs and interventions at the Gilma Senior Center. For prospective homeowners, the average cost of real estate on Gilman is $141,500.
Olney
Charming and easygoing, this tiny village of Richland County stands out for its white squirrel population, which can be seen in the multiple green spaces throughout the community. This gives pensioners a valid reason to step outside and revel in the serene environment of Olney City Park. Retirees will also fancy an occasional taste of homegrown wines from Fox Creek Vineyards to get in a relaxed mood. Furthermore, the Musgrove Aquatic Center is a great spot to link up with other community members for a full-body workout underwater.
At Olney Massage provides healing massage therapy that seniors with aching joints can benefit from. For those planning to invest in a house, the average cost of real estate properties in Olney is $160,000.
Palos Hills
This suburban community southwest of Chicago shields senior citizens from the hustle and bustle of the windy city. Instead, they get a relaxed rural setting with friendly people as their new neighbors. The Palos Hills Golf Course is the perfect escape to the open, inviting pensioners to practice their swing on pristine greens. The town also has the Moraine Valley Community College, where retirees with academic aspirations can realize their dreams through tailored educational programs.
Given its proximity to Chicago, residents enjoy the best of both worlds with access to vital urban amenities, including luxurious shopping and premium health care. Finally, the median home price in Palos is more or less the state average. You only need $272,000 to land a decent house.
Final Thought
Exploring the idyllic mid-sized towns highlighted above promises new retirees an authentic Illinois experience away from the busier metropolitan areas. Their cozy environs, cultural opportunities, and connection to the natural beauty surrounding them cultivate an ideal environment to transition into a relaxed stage of life. Residents soak up the benefits of safety, enrichment, and charm that these towns to retire in Illinois thoughtfully provide. Overall, they present ideal candidates as retirement destinations for those seeking affordable charm in the Land of Lincoln.
