7 Senior-Friendly Towns in Illinois
The Land of Lincoln, as Illinois (silent ‘s’) is branded, probably isn’t on the list of the most popular states for retirees. However, given the rising home prices and the cost of goods and services exploding everywhere, the Midwest really should be a top consideration. Illinois is mostly identified with the big city in the north, Chicago; however, there are many small, quaint towns throughout the state that must be investigated. From lush farmlands to river and lakeside towns with rugged bluffs and manicured parks, there is more here than one might expect. While the city of Chicago has a reputation for higher prices and crime, these smaller towns are safe and affordable, and they offer easy access to medical care.
Galena has its 19th-century buildings and riverfront views. Princeton is a charmer with its historic downtown, surrounded by farmland. Dixon has the Rock River and was home to an American President (no, not Abraham Lincoln). Ottawa, with its natural beauty, sits at the intersection of the Illinois and Fox rivers. Effingham brings together historic and modern. Pontiac has Route 66 nostalgia, and Kewanee brings the dogs. Join us on a tour of these underrated retirement towns, and we will have one rethinking Illinois!
Galena
The small town of Galena, located in northwest Illinois, is valued for its rolling hills, scenic bluffs, idyllic landscapes, and its proximity to the Mississippi River. The downtown features well-maintained historic homes and buildings from the 19th-century and quaint cobblestone streets. There are a few stand out landmarks in the area, such as Ulysses S. Grant’s home, which is now a historic site, Blaum Brothers Distilling Company and the Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery (https://www.visitgalena.org). The village has attracted many retirees, in fact 42% of the population is age 65 and over and crime rates are low (census.gov). Beside the natural beauties, the cost of living is quite reasonable with the median home price right around $289,205 (Zillow.com). There is also easy access to medical care as Midwest Medical Center is right in town and has positive patient scores (health.usnews.com).
Princeton
The little town of Princeton is in north-central Illinois and is marked by gentle hills and verdant farmland. The charming, historic downtown is remembered for their murals and their community events. There are a few must-see landmarks including Lovejoy Homestead, a historic site of the abolitionist movement. Red Covered Bridge, an iconic 19th-century bridge and Hornbaker Gardens, a botanical garden (https://princetontourism.org/attractions). With low crime rates and 27% of the population being over 65 years of age and older, it’s easy to see why Princeton is becoming a popular retirement spot (census.gov). The median home price in Princeton is $146, 328, making it affordable for those on a fixed income (Zillow.com). OSF St. Clare Medical Center is located right in Princeton, offering residents quick access to medical care and has solid patient reviews (health.usnews.com). Something to consider, as one ages.
Dixon
Downtown Dixon is a vibrant river town with ample greenery. The Rock River runs right through the town, and the combination of the historic buildings, quaint shops, regular community events, and riverside parks make this quite a delightful town for those looking to retire. Some seniors will appreciate that Dixon is the boyhood home of former US President Ronald Reagan (https://www.discoverdixon.com). In fact, one can still visit his childhood home. Other landmarks include Lowell Park, with its walking trails, picnic areas and river views. Northwest Territory Historical Center, a museum and cultural center, is housed in a historic building. 18% of the population is over the age of 65, and crime rates are low (census.gov). The median home price is $153,046, making it one of the more affordable towns to retire to these days (Zillow.com). Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital is in town, providing seniors with access to regular medical services to keep them in top shape, and the patient experience ratings are decent (health.usnews.com).
Ottawa
The little town of Ottawa is set at the place where the Illinois and Fox rivers meet. Ottawa’s lively downtown, with its many annual festivals, such as June’s Music in the Park, boasts historic architecture and boutique shopping alongside waterfront views. Local landmarks are the Reddick Mansion, a preserved Italian-style estate, Washington Square Park (where the first Lincoln - Douglas debate took place), and nearby Starved Rock State Park. There’s also a brewing company by the same name that is worth sampling (https://cityofottawa.org/ottawa-visitors-center/). 16% of the population is over the age of 65, and crime rates are low, making it ideal for our silver-haired friends (census.gov). The median home price is $173,685 (Zillow.com), which is attractive for those looking to stretch their savings. OSF St. Elizabeth medical Center, which is right in Ottawa, has very good patient experience ratings (health.usnews.com).
Effingham
The rolling, lush farmlands of Effingham and the nearby lakes put one in a peaceful mood. Old and new come together in downtown Effingham, as historic buildings are complemented by modern amenities like shopping, restaurants, and a theater. The Memorial Day Weekend Opening Party kicks off water activities at the lake and this is just one of many annual events. The Effingham Performance Center is the place for entertainment. Landmarks include the Dr. Charles M. Wright House, the historic County Courthouse Museum, and the Heart Theatre (https://www.visiteffinghamil.com/things-to-do/history-landmarks/). Nearly 13% of the population is over the age of 65 and crime rates are low (census.gov). Effingham is known for its affordability, with the median home price around $214,000 (Zillow.com). The local HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital has good reviews, providing reliable medical care to residents (health.usnews.com).
Pontiac
Nostalgia overflows in Pontiac, a Route 66 town known for its themed murals. Pontiac has some great museums, including the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Livingston County War Museum, Museum of the Gilding Arts, and Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center. The 1875 courthouse is another landmark worth seeing, and there are several historic homes to tour. Be sure to check with the Livingston County Historical Society for details. The downtown offers historic brick buildings and ornate architecture (https://visitpontiac.org/2152/Attractions). With nearly 19% of the population 65 and older and a low crime rate, it’s easy to see why Pontiac is becoming a retirement hotspot (census.gov). The median home price is $132,227, making it extra affordable (Zillow.com). The local hospital, OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center, has solid patient reviews and offers reliable care (health.usnews.com).
Kewanee
The small-town charm and friendliness of Kewanee residents will make one want to move right in. Located in western Illinois, Kewanee’s agricultural and forested landscapes set a serene tone. Local landmarks are the Kewanee Historical Society Museum, which displays the town’s heritage. Windmont Park is manicured with walking paths around an idyllic lagoon. Good’s Furniture is a historic furniture store one won’t want to miss. Touted as the “Hotdog Capital of the World,” Kewanee is a great place to satisfy one’s weenie craving, especially during their annual hotdog festival every Labor Day weekend (https://www.britannica.com/place/Kewanee). 22% of the population is 65 years of age and over, and with low crime rates, one might want to see this town for oneself (census.gov). The median home price is a shockingly low $66,685, making this one of the least expensive real estate markets in the area (Zillow.com). The local hospital, OSF St. Luke Medical Center, has solid patient reviews (health.usnews.com).
Parting Thoughts
Whether one is partial to historic architecture, vibrant community life, or the loveliness and peace of nature, there is a town in Illinois that has what most retirees desire. The state’s rich heritage, matched with its diverse landscapes and friendly people, makes it an excellent option for one's golden years. The low crime rates, affordability, and access to medical care mark each one of these towns as being worthy of further examination. Cross Princeton’s Red Covered Bridge, boat on the Rock River or enjoy a Labor Day hotdog at a festival in Kewanee. Each of these towns could make for a fun day trip or weekend getaway, and who knows, one might just settle here and make Illinois their forever home!
