There are 178 Independent Living communities in the Chicago, IL area, with 64 in Chicago.
Caring.com offers a free service to help families find senior care, and authentic reviews to help you in your decision. On average in Chicago, IL, residents and their loved ones rate Independent Living communities 4.2 out of 5 stars.
178 Results
8300 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619
4.3
(10 reviews)
"I thought this place was GREAT for many reasons. It was very clean and the staff was amazingly welcoming. Ms. Lashaunda specifically has been GREAT!!! I love how they are very concerned and engaged with their Senior Community. If there is a need,..."
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6650 West Belden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707
4.8
(5 reviews)
"My visit at Montclare Senior Residences of Galewood was pretty good. They offer the residents so many activities. The place looked nice, and the rooms were pretty big. I liked it. The people who work there were pretty good, and they were interacting ..."
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5550 South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
4.0
(16 reviews)
"Montgomery Place was the most convenient place for me. I was impressed with it because it was a lovely looking institution. They had a lot of different activities. When I was there, there was a group in a choir singing absolutely beautifully. It was ..."
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13550 S. Avenue O., Chicago, IL 60633
4.4
(7 reviews)
"Senior Suites of Hegewisch is independent living. I was totally surprised at how large the room was. There was a laundry room on each floor. My view would be of the garden. It was clean, but I got a sterile feeling when I first entered the building. ..."
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2355 East 67th Street, Chicago, IL 60649
3.8
(19 reviews)
"I toured the Senior Suites of South Shore. My dad liked that. It's convenient for him. He's going into a one-bedroom. The apartment was nice. It's not like a regular apartment, but it's good enough for him. He doesn't need a lot of space anymore. The..."
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335 N. Menard Avenue, Chicago, IL 60644
4.1
(6 reviews)
"She toured me around Senior Suites, and the place was nice. She showed me the area around the building and explained the details of the room, and I liked it. I am moving by the end of the month. She showed me a studio with a closet and bathroom. The ..."
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4845 S. Western Blvd, Chicago, IL 60609
3.8
(8 reviews)
"Senior Suites of New City is very convenient, and they had parking that we were able to park in. They're also very close to any transit and ideally located. I didn't see anything that was negative at all. The manager who welcomed us that day was very..."
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2825 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60608
3.7
(10 reviews)
"I went to visit Senior Suite of Bridgeport. It’s very nice. I did see a one bedroom that they had, and it’s very nice. They have meals that you pay for which is not bad. They have a menu that they give, and I want that. ..."
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1400 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
3.5
(17 reviews)
"Senior Suites of Central Station had nice studio apartments. The staff was very nice, friendly, and helpful. The amenities were very nice. I liked the library and the TV area on the first floor. I also liked that therewas a laundry area...."
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2324 West Irving Park Road,, Chicago, IL 60618
4.2
(4 reviews)
"The apartment at The Martha Washington was pristine. It was beautiful. The only issue was they did not have a one-bedroom available so we looked at a two-bedroom and even though it was beautiful, it was above my friend's price point. I'm in real esta..."
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2804 E. 77th Place, Chicago, IL 60649
3.6
(11 reviews)
"Senior Suites of Rainbow Beach is a lovely facility. I would recommend it for anyone's loved ones. It's nice, clean, hospitable, and friendly place. The staff is very lovely. The grounds and location are perfect. We're very familiar with South Shore ..."
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4255 N. Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
4.0
(5 reviews)
"I was accommodated well by the staff at Senior Suites of Auburn Green at Wright Campus. The apartment that they showed me was an apartment of a resident that had agreed to show her apartment, which was very beautiful, and the facilities were perfect...."
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2800 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
3.6
(9 reviews)
"I went to the Senior Suites of Ravenswood Manor. Everybody there seemed very friendly. The residents all seemed happy. I didn't see anybody that didn't look happy. The staff were nice. They were good, too. They don't supply food though. The building ..."
READ MORE1501 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
5.0
(2 reviews)
"I went to look at Renaissance Saint Luke and this one was very promising. I liked the atmosphere. They had a patio up there with plush seats and grills. They had a TV room and a gym. The one that I'm going to be in is a studio, and it was very spacio..."
READ MORE2815 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60652
5.0
(2 reviews)
"My mother has been living at Wrightwood for five years already. It’s a brand-new facility in the city. While it was being built, my mother put in an application, and they called her up later to live there. They have very spacious one-bedroom and two-..."
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3244 West 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60629
3.5
(9 reviews)
"We toured Senior Suites of Gage Park. It looked pretty good and offered great care. They were very kind and caring. The place was very warm. They had a library where everyone could gather, and bingo and crafts. We asked for information, and they were..."
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6045 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
3.6
(6 reviews)
"I'm already in Senior Suites Belmont Cragin. The management is really good customer service. They take their time to answer any questions you might have. They've got housekeeping. All utilities are included. They have an emergency system in the bathr..."
READ MORE1450 W 69th Street, Chicago, IL 60636
4.5
(2 reviews)
"Wheeler House is worth recommending as this place is very nice. The people at this facility are also very nice. They have bingo which I love doing, movie nights, and other activities. ..."
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2715 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
4.5
(2 reviews)
"I toured Senior Suites of Kelvyn Park, and I liked that one. It was really nice. The lady that gave me the tour was very nice. She was very personable. I kind of wish I could have moved there because that one's a better location, but she only had a s..."
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3656 West Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60624
3.4
(5 reviews)
"It was very good. The staff were very cooperative and very helpful. The one-bedroom apartment -- as you walk in the door -- had the kitchen to the left, and to the right was a huge storage area. In front of you, they had the living and dining area, a..."
READ MOREThere 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.
| Resource | Phone number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood Park Senior Center | (773) 775-6071 | This 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) 744-4016 | Chicago 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) 744-4016 | Through 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) 232-7242 | The 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) 228-1320 | HandsOn 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. |
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:
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
Luis95
4.0
Review of Brookdale Lake View
Brookdale Lake View was a very nice place. It was clean and organized. They had independent living and assisted living. We need more than just independent living, but when you go to assisted living...
Independent Living
AJack
1.0
Review of Paul G. Stewart Center
The apartments need to be updated. Appliances are old. The marketing brochure information is outdated. Interior amenities are not new and some of the community amenities listed in brochure have...
Independent Living
Tameeka
5.0
Review of Senior Suites of South Shore
I toured the Senior Suites of South Shore. My dad liked that. It's convenient for him. He's going into a one-bedroom. The apartment was nice. It's not like a regular apartment, but it's good enough...
Provider response
Thank you for stopping by! It was a great pleasure meeting you, Tameeka. If you have any questions or need more information about the community, please let us know.
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