13 Best Small Towns To Retire In Illinois In 2024

One exciting venture is embarking on a journey to uncover hidden gems in Illinois. The state is teeming with cities that are rich with attractions that cater to diverse tastes. Of course, of all the cities in Illinois, Chicago is easily considered the most popular. Illinois, however, has more to offer than just the Windy City. If you're in search of a place that has peaceful and idyllic retirement options, Illinois has to be among your top choices. At least 13 small towns here boast of breathtaking natural landscapes and offer a serene and relaxing haven for retirees.

Galena

Set in northwest Illinois, Galena is nestled amidst rolling hills and provides stunning views of the Galena River. It is home to several historic architectural wonders, including the Ulysses S. Grant Home. This former residence of the Civil War general and 18th President of the United States is worth a tour if you have a soft spot for prominent war heroes. Over at historic Main Street, several restored 19th-century buildings house a cluster of over a hundred boutiques, antique shops, and museums. A stroll across the area should make for a fun and relaxing experience, particularly when you consider that Parade.com ranked Galena among the towns in the US with the best main streets. Additionally, the annual violent crime rate here is less than two percent, so your chances of becoming a victim are low. When settling in Galena, accommodations range from cozy bed and breakfasts and historic inns to small but quiet cottages overlooking the river.

Geneva

Travel down the western end of Chicago, and you'll find Geneva. It has a charming downtown area flanked by the Fox River, providing a picturesque setting for a laidback stroll. The town's shopping district is home to an array of boutique stores, cafes, and galleries, perfect destinations when you need to relax and free your mind. If you're a history lover, staying in Geneva will not be complete until you explore the Fabyan Windmill. This 18th-century wooden structure remains fully functional. Listed as the Dutch Mill in the National Register of Historic Places, it stands more than 60 feet tall. Geneva has a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes recorded at less than 1 percent annually. In 2013, Bloomberg's Businessweek also mentioned the city as the best place in Illinois to raise a child. 

Woodstock

Woodstock is known for celebrating many exciting events throughout the year. These can range from fun festivals to small-town fairs. The most popular of these is Groundhog Day, which became the basis for the 1992 movie of the same title starring Bill Murray. Not to be missed is the lighting of Woodstock Square on Thanksgiving weekend. On this day, the place glows with thousands of miniature lights illuminating buildings, trees, and houses. Another noteworthy attraction is the Gothic architecture of the Woodstock Opera House. This 1889 historic landmark serves as the cultural entertainment center of Woodstock, regularly hosting plays, concerts, and performances. All these year-round celebrations are enough to keep you engaged and inspire you to live a happy retirement life. Don't worry about watching your back every time; Woodstock is a safe place. The crime rate has been steadily declining here since 2015.

Sycamore 

During the summer, Sycamore hosts the weekly Farmers Market where local farmers and aspiring business owners sell diverse products, from fresh vegetables to beauty soaps. By October, another popular event, the Pumpkin Festival, brings about food stalls, carnivals, and local shows. It's a great way to relive those happy childhood memories.

Meanwhile, if you love the outdoors, the beauty of Sycamore Park District is worth discovering. It's filled with walking trails, picnic areas, and serene lakes. There's also a golf club on site, which will come in handy on days you plan to spend the day on the green. Muggers and thieves are not commonplace as the crime rate in Sycamore is negligible, with a recent survey showing that the residents perceive the safety of Sycamore to be 100 percent.

Galesburg 

A 2020 census revealed that the total population of Galesburg is over 30,000, but the good news is that the crime rate in the area is significantly low. Statistics show that only around three violent crimes are committed here per 1,000 residents. You'll want to remember that as you make retirement plans in this town.

If you love the outdoors, you'll find life in Galesburg to be one great adventure, even in your senior years. The Bunker Links Golf Course in Lincoln Park will excite you with its 18 holes amidst rolling terrain. For fun on the water, a trip down Lake Storey Beach should be perfect as you can swim or relax on a rented boatExploration on land is also a popular activity in Galesburg, and the Galesburg Railroad Museum is among the landmarks you'll want to see. Much of the town's past revolved around the railroad industry. The museum was established to help preserve this glorious history and is a great way to enrich your mind. Galesburg hosts a world-class medical facility that is easily accessible; the Catholic-run OSF St Mary Medical Center offers a wide range of medical services, including treatment for minor injuries. It also provides annual physical exams, which you'll find helpful when you retire in Galesburg.

Princeton

Princeton was once known as the "City of Elms" because of the large elm trees found all around the town sometime in the mid-20th century. Unfortunately, an epidemic killed off practically all of them. Still, even without the elms, Princeton is a remarkable home for retirees. It's hard not to feel inspired when seeing the historic Owen Lovejoy Homestead, named after a known 1838 abolitionist who sheltered runaway slaves. For outdoor fun, you can grab a bike and pedal to the Z Tour Bike Ride, held every year on the third Saturday of July. More than 700 bikers attend this annual event, which involves conquering five routes. The Amtrak Train Depot is another local attraction with a rich history. Built in 1911, it continues to provide residents and visitors easy daily access to various Princeton landmarks. The town also has a thriving retirement community, partly because many seniors find Princeton, with only 29 violent crimes committed per 100,000 residents, a safe place to retire. 

Oregon

Oregon is home to the iconic Black Hawk Statue, said to be the second biggest in the world. Created by Lorado Taft, it rises 48 feet high, overlooking the Rock River. Eastern Illinois University offers lifelong learning opportunities for those who want to keep their mind sharp and active. It is a premier state institution founded in 1895 and houses several interesting landmarks. These include the Tarble Arts Center and the Doudna Fine Arts Center, which regularly hosts world-class live.

In downtown Oregon, antique shops and charming eateries welcome you to shop and dine. Park lovers will also have a field day here, with Carnation Park, Fairgrounds Park, Lions Park, Mix Park, and Kiwanis Park waiting to be explored. The last is unique since it's near downtown and quite popular among fishing aficionados. If you're considering becoming a full-time angler once you retire, Kiwanis Park should be on your list of choices. Camping is also popular in Oregon, but there are options for riverside bed and breakfast. There are also senior living prospects with scenic views. A prime example is Lake Ladonna Family Campground, ideal for those who are considering living out their retirement days in a fully-furnished RV. 

Petersburg 

Petersburg is another destination in Illinois with a sparse population. A 2020 census indicates that the town has just a little over 2,000 residents, a statistic that hardly changed since 2010. Given this, it's not surprising that the crime rate here is showing a notable decline in 2021, which should interest of people prospecting for a retirement home.

Attraction-wise, you can look forward to seeing the Lincoln New Salem State Historic Site when settling down in Petersburg. The landmark, located just two miles south of the town, offers a glimpse into Abraham Lincoln's early life. Additionally, many original Victorian-era houses in Petersburg remain standing today.

Jonesboro

Yet another place to consider as a retirement prospect is Jonesboro. With a population of a little more than 1,000, you should find yourself generally safe here. The fact that the total crime rate is only 8 per 1,000 people reinforces this perception. Jonesboro is an old town established in the 1800s and incorporated 18 years later. It has a glorious past, and the Jonesboro Square is a prime example; it was here where the third Lincoln-Douglas debate was held in 1858. Jonesboro is also home to the wood-framed Lutheran church St. Paulus Evangelisch Lutherischen Gemeinde, which was established in 1852. If you're looking to grow in your faith after retirement, this is a great place to start. 

Carmi 

This small Illinois town shows an increase in its senior population. A recent survey shows that the demographic is currently at 20 percent. You'll be in good company if you decide to live here after retirement. The Burrell Wood and Bicentennial Park is your go-to destination for relaxation, providing a beautiful green space with shady trees, well-maintained campgrounds, and numerous picnic areas.

Carmi's other attractions are full of history, the top among them being the Ratcliff Inn. Initially built in 1828, the historic landmark was erected in honor of James Ratcliff, Carmi's first postmaster and one of the town's founders. Records also show that in 1840, Abraham Lincoln checked in the Ratcliff Inn as he campaigned for the US presidency. It's also in Carmi, where you'll see the 1871 house of Colonel Everton J. Conger. He was the head of the group that arrested Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

Anna

Although Anna is relatively small, many big things are regularly happening here. It's the ideal retreat if you still want to stay active after retirement. Along Main Street, you can pick from pizzerias, yogurt shops, and classy restaurants to quaint and serene diners, complementing many local businesses like fabric stores and antique shops.

Anna also has many great outdoor offerings, including the Shawnee National Forest and the town's rolling hills. The forest reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, and if you love hiking, conquering the trails of the Shawnee National Forest Iron Mountain should help you grow old gracefully. Since Anna is a relatively small town, it's unsurprising that it hardly has a record of any major crimes being committed and reported. This makes it suitable for retirees who want to live the rest of their lives peacefully.

Metropolis

Metropolis is a familiar name to fans of the comic superhero Superman. That's because a giant 15-foot-tall statue of the Man of Steel will greet you when you enter the town. However, Superman's Metropolis and the one in Illinois are two different places. The latter is real, and other than Superman, there are many beautiful things that you'll want to see here. Fort Massac State Park is one of them, offering the best of nature's beauty as it rests along the Ohio River. Feel free to discover your hiking, biking, and fishing skills in this fantastic place on your retirement.

Interestingly, the real Metropolis has remained largely rural. Still, there are signs of progress, especially with the founding of the Super Museum, a quirky attraction celebrating the iconic superhero. Meanwhile, the George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail stretches for nine miles. It is a popular route among bikers since it links Metropolis to Brookport. In short, if you want your retirement days to blend simplicity and modern life, look closer at Metropolis and what it offers. 

Charleston

Situated near the Embarras River, Charleston is a charming town that can make a worthwhile retirement destination. Apart from having a one percent violent crime rate, the place is known for its diverse and friendly community. The 2,000-acre-wide Fox Ridge State Park is the prime attraction here, offering a serene setting for outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, and fishing. These are fun and effective ways of staying physically fit as you age.

Senior citizens with academic aspirations can enroll at Eastern Illinois University to keep their minds sharp and active. It's the premier state school this side of Charleston, founded in 1895, and houses several interesting landmarks. These include the Tarble Arts Center, a local art community hub, and the Doudna Fine Arts Center, where world-class live performances are held regularly.

Illinois, known for its vast agricultural lands, bustling urban centers, and iconic landmarks like Chicago's skyline, offers a surprising array of small towns perfect for retirement living in 2024. Expectations of Illinois often revolve around its metropolitan areas, yet its small towns unveil a different facet of Midwestern charm. Those envisioning a retirement in Illinois may anticipate Midwestern hospitality, scenic landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. What they will discover in these small towns surpasses expectations: a genuine warmth among neighbors, from festivals celebrating local history to farmers' markets showcasing fresh produce, affordable living, and access to nature's beauty.