Top 10 Retirement Communities Near Chicago

Did you know that Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States? Both tourists and Illinois residents alike flock to Chicago every year, and it isn’t hard to see why. Home to Cloud Gate (affectionately dubbed “The Bean”), Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, and more, Chicago has attractions in spades! But what about retirement communities? Does it have those? Absolutely! Better yet, if you’ve been looking for the perfect retirement community in Chicago, then your search is over, because we’ve found all the BEST ones near you!

Our research process:

1. We start ny finding the retirement communities with the best ratings and most reviews on Google. Then we go to their websites to gather a bit more information. For example, are they solely an independent living community? Do they have senior apartments or cottages? Are your pets welcome? Have they won any awards? Are utilities covered in your monthly rent? What kind of food do they serve?
2. Once we feel like we have a pretty good idea of what every community is about, we head to Google and Yelp to read some reviews. We don’t just read the glowing reviews and call it a day. We read the one and two-star reviews, too! If a community has a high rating on Google but a low one on Yelp, we always try to figure out why.
3. Last but certainly not least, we check every community’s social media pages. Typically, this includes Facebook and Instagram, though we’re sure to watch their YouTube videos if they have a channel. This gives us a much better picture of what the atmosphere in every community is like!

^{_{Author’s note: While we LOVE doing research and helping seniors, we also strongly encourage all our readers to do their own research. Testimonials and reviews paint only half the picture, so make sure you visit these communities in person before you commit to a move! Once you’re there, put on your detective hat and make mental notes of everything you see. Is the community clean? Does it seem safe and secure? What’s the atmosphere like? Are the staff friendly? Professional? Do they seem willing to answer all your questions? Were they transparent about fees? Do the residents seem happy and healthy? If you talked to any of them, did they voice any complaints? In the end, if you don’t think a certain retirement community is the right fit for you, don’t be afraid to walk away and look elsewhere! Fortunately, there are enough retirement communities in the world that you can always find the right one for you, even if it’s one that didn’t make our list!}}

1. Wood Glen Senior Residences

What it is: Apartments for seniors over 55 in Chicago.

Features we love: The apartments are spacious and airy, with breathtaking forest views. There are wheelchair-accessible rooms, too. Within the community, residents can enjoy the clubhouse, library, on-site laundry room, and more!

What others are saying: Google users gave Wood Glen 5 perfect stars, citing the clean building, events, and wonderful management!

2. Clarendale Six Corners

What it is: Independent living in the heart of Chicago.

Features we love: All utilities (except phone) are covered in your monthly rent! Every apartment is fitted with a washer and dryer. In addition to an on-site movie theater and state-of-the-art fitness center, residents can also enjoy fine dining!

What others are saying: 5 perfect stars for Clarendale Six Corners on both Facebook and Google! The users on A Place for Mom also gave it 5 out of 5 stars!

3. Ten Twenty Grove

What it is: A rental senior community in Chicago.

Features we love: This community is in a cozy neighborhood, so residents can feel like they’re part of a real community. Additionally, it’s within walking distance of numerous theaters, shopping centers, and attractions!

What others are saying: Ten Twenty Grove has 5 stars on Google, where users praise the convenient location and warm, friendly community.

4. Belmont Village Senior Living

What it is: A senior community with multiple living options in Glenview.

Features we love: Private apartments? Check. Full-service salon? Double check. Concierge services? Triple check! At Belmont Village, residents can make the most of retirement living. And, with weekly housekeeping and linen service, chores will be a thing of the past!

What others are saying: U.S. News & World Report gave Belmont Village the “Best Independent Living of 2022-2023” award! Additionally, it has 5 stars on Google.

5. The Carrington at Lincolnwood

What it is: Retirement community in Lincolnwood.

Features we love: At The Carrington, there’s a little something for everyone. Artists can create their latest masterpieces in the art studio, while film buffs can catch a new or old favorite in the movie theater. Bookworms will thrive in the library, and foodies can make their taste buds sing for joy at the bistro. Plus, the staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

What others are saying: Not only did The Carrington earn U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Independent Living of 2022-2023” award, but it also earned A Place for Mom’s “Best of Senior Living” award for 2022!

6. The Reserve of Geneva

What it is: Independent living for active adults who are 55+ in Geneva.

Features we love: Every apartment has spacious closets, ample storage, and full-size kitchens. Residents can also enjoy scheduled transportation and a monthly calendar full of activities!

What others are saying: The Reserve of Geneva has an almost 5-star rating on Google!

7. Senior Suites of Chatham

What it is: Senior apartments in Chicago.

Features we love: On top of daily wellness checks and emergency pull cords, there’s an electronically monitored check-in system. Residents can also enjoy weekly grocery transportation and a personalized wellness program!

What others are saying: Reviews praised the fun activities and thanked the conscientious staff for protecting residents’ safety. Senior Suites of Chatham has 4.9 stars on Google.

8. American House Oak Park

What it is: Senior living community in Oak Park.

Features we love: This community boasts a Gold VIP Club that offers a lot of perks! Not only will residents get $1,000 off their first six months of rent, but they’ll also attend a special VIP housewarming party in their honor! As a bonus, members of this exclusive club will receive 12 FREE guest passes.

What others are saying: Reviewers were blown away by the beautiful facilities and say American House Oak Park is a wonderful place for guests and residents alike.

9. Three Crowns Park

What it is: Independent and assisted living in Chicago.

Features we love: Say hello to maintenance-free living! If you’re tired of cooking and cleaning, you’re in luck. The staff takes care of all those pesky chores, so you can get your sweat on at the fitness center or enjoy a mani-pedi at the salon.

What others are saying: Three Crowns Park has 4.6 stars on Facebook and Google!

10. Park Place of Elmhurst

What it is: A retirement community in Elmhurst.

Features we love: Everybody has different tastes, and Park Place of Elmhurst understands that. They offer not one, not two, but NINE luxury apartment floor plan choices!

What others are saying: Reviews were especially complimentary of how the staff at Park Place handled the pandemic, praising their efficiency and proactivity.

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