About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2026 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2026 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2026 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Independent Living Facilities in Chicago, IL

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The average starting cost of independent living in Chicago, Illinois, is $8,197 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. The top-rated independent living communities in Chicago are Clarendale Six Corners, Senior Suites Gage Park and The Clare, a CCRC, based on our ranking methodology.

Chicago’s diverse and growing senior population has an array of independent living communities designed exclusively for adults age 55+ to choose from. These communities offer a range of convenient amenities to foster carefree retirement living, such as on-site maintenance, social lounges, fitness centers, and even meal services and housekeeping. Many of these communities are located in or near downtown, which also provides convenient access for residents to the bustling city life while remaining a stone’s throw from the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.

Using our exclusive local data, we’ve created this detailed guide to independent living in Chicago, Illinois. You’ll find genuine resident reviews, average monthly costs, and trusted local resources, all designed to help you explore your options and choose the independent living community that best fits your lifestyle, interests, and budget in this vibrant Midwestern city.

Chicago Independent Living Facilities | 1900 Reviews

Showing 150 communities
Last Updated: 5/9/26
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Best of Senior Living

The highest-rated senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top reviewed senior care providers nationwide based on reviews submitted by residents and families.

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Photo of T E Brown Apartments-Elderly
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My mom was a resident in this lovely senior community for four years and she loved it. The residents were kind, caring and looked out for one another. The West Loop location can't be beat. She'd often walked...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Van Buren Place Apartments is a senior citizen independent living community where seniors can experience an enjoyable lifestyle in a convenient, secure, and pleasant setting.
Photo of Residential Enterprises
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Heritage Woods of Chicago
1010 Photos available
11 Floor plan available
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Heritage Woods of Chicago is an affordable assisted living community exclusively designed for low income seniors 65 or older. Fully certified by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Living, Heritage Woods is located on the west side of Chicago. Heritage Woods is a lovely place to call...
Photo of Deliverance Manor
Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Willa Rawls Manor Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Greencastle of Garfield II
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Pioneer Gardens
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
33%
2 star
67%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Pioneer Gardens senior residents in the windy city access to a great assisted living community within the grand city of Chicago, IL. Located just a few blocks from Lake Shore Drive, residents can enjoy the lush green park areas next to the lake during spring and summer days and enjoy the many...
Photo of Cal-Met Village Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Inline cta image

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Photo of SKY 55 AT CENTRAL STATION
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of The Apartments at 1251 South Michigan
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Paul G. Stewart Center
Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Midway Pointe
1.0
Review score
3 reviews
1.0
Review score
3 reviews
5 star
33%
4 star
33%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
34%
See all reviews
This is a nice place to live. It is secure. I like my apartment. I enjoy the security of the building. The staff is nice to deal with. There are a lot of activities for the residents to choose...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Anathoth Gardens
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Oakwood Shores
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of PACE Senior Residence
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Good Shepherd Tower
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Grant Village
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Teresa Roldan Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Mary Jane Richardson-Jones Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Alpha Towers Apartments
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Hyde Park Apartments
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Located in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois Hyde Park Apartments is a senior apartment situated in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The state of the art building is surrounded by magnificent views such as Lake Michigan. A lot of amenities surround the apartments such as the Promontory and Harold...
Photo of Tolton Manor
Provides: Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Wheeler House
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Wheeler HouseWheeler House is a 55 and older senior apartment located in the exciting and picturesque city of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Our warm and friendly community is situated within convenient transit stops, making it easy for loving friends and family to visit. This resident is a...

Our methodology

How we rank order the Chicago community options above

We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Chicago community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:

  • Proximity to your search location
  • Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
  • The amount of detailed community information available

Where we source our information

14,000+ communities

We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information

350,000+ reviews

We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities

Read our full methodology

How much does independent living cost in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, Illinois, independent living costs an average of $8,197 per month, based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the starting base rent for independent living communities and can vary depending on the amenities and services offered. Monthly costs may also be influenced by factors such as apartment size and layout, the type of community, and its location within the Chicago area.

The average monthly cost of independent living in Chicago is considerably higher than both the national average of $4,247 and Illinois’s statewide average of $5,192 per month.[01] According to the Economic Research Institute, Chicago’s overall cost of living is about 41% higher than the national average, which contributes to increased expenses for housing, staffing, and other services within independent living communities.[02]

In Chicago, independent living is slightly more expensive than assisted living ($6,192 per month) and memory care ($6,196 per month), at least initially. Since assisted living and memory care communities tend to take an a la carte approach to pricing, adding services as residents’ care needs increase over time.

Read more: Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: What’s the Difference?

Independent living costs in Chicago, IL, vs. nearby cities

Chicago, IL
$8,197/mo
$8,078/mo
$7,995/mo

Independent living costs in Chicago, IL, vs. state and national averages

Chicago, IL
$8,197/mo
U.S. national average
$4,247/mo

Independent living costs in Chicago, IL, vs. other senior living options

$8,814/mo
Independent Living
$8,197/mo

Independent living costs in Chicago, IL, by floor plan type

Studio
$36,293/mo
1 Bedroom
$3,513/mo
2 Bedroom
$7,059/mo

Senior living costs in Chicago vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Chicago, IL
Column state: Illinois
Column national: U.S.
Community typeChicago, ILIllinoisU.S.
Independent Living$8,197/mo$5,192/mo$4,247/mo
Assisted Living$8,781/mo$6,307/mo$4,784/mo
Memory Care$8,814/mo$6,342/mo$5,056/mo
Independent Living
Chicago, IL:$8,197/mo
Illinois:$5,192/mo
U.S.:$4,247/mo
Assisted Living
Chicago, IL:$8,781/mo
Illinois:$6,307/mo
U.S.:$4,784/mo
Memory Care
Chicago, IL:$8,814/mo
Illinois:$6,342/mo
U.S.:$5,056/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Independent living costs in Chicago, IL, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly independent living costs have shifted over the past five years in Chicago and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Chicago, ILIL stateNational

Independent living cost trends in Chicago, IL

The table below shows how monthly independent living costs in Chicago have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Chicago, IL$2,381/mo$2,348/mo+1.4%
Illinois$3,106/mo$3,068/mo+1.3%
National$3,257/mo$3,166/mo+2.9%
Chicago, IL
2024 average cost:$2,381/mo
2023 average cost:$2,348/mo
Percent change:+1.4%
Illinois
2024 average cost:$3,106/mo
2023 average cost:$3,068/mo
Percent change:+1.3%
National
2024 average cost:$3,257/mo
2023 average cost:$3,166/mo
Percent change:+2.9%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

How to pay for independent living in Chicago

Because independent living communities don’t provide personal or medical care services, residents generally pay for their living expenses out of pocket. Many older adults cover these costs using a combination of Social Security benefits, personal savings, retirement funds, pensions, or proceeds from the sale of a home or other assets, allowing them to comfortably maintain their independent lifestyle.

Private pay options

Families often use a combination of personal income and assets to help pay assisted living expenses. Common sources include:

VA benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a variety of programs to help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. Several of these benefits can be used to help cover independent living expenses, including:

  • Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
  • Disability Compensation
  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

If you or your spouse ever needs extra assistance while living independently, many communities can coordinate in-home care services to meet your needs. You may also be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which can help pay for these added care costs.

Because the VA application process can be detailed and time-consuming, it’s a good idea to begin early and seek help from a VA-accredited benefits counselor. These professionals can verify eligibility, ensure your paperwork is complete, and guide you through each step to help you receive the benefits you’ve earned.

Resources for veterans in Chicago

Over 60,000 veterans call Chicago home, and many are 65 or older.[03] To help these veterans and their families access the benefits and care they’ve earned, several local organizations and agencies provide personalized assistance and support.

Consider reaching out to:

  • Chicago VA Clinic
    1141 S. California Ave.
    Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC)
    Chicago, IL 60612
    Phone: 312-569-5750

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps people with limited income and resources access health care and long-term care services. In Illinois, Medicaid doesn’t cover independent living, but eligible residents can use it to pay for certain care-related services regardless of where they live.

Should you or your eligible spouse eventually need care, Illinois Medicaid supports residents who have low incomes through two programs, both of which are entitlements, meaning that any Illinois citizen who meets the program’s requirements is eligible.[04,05]

Eligibility requirements vary, but generally include the need to:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or meet requirements for noncitizens
  • Be at least 60, or 65, years of age, blind, or disabled
  • Meet certain income, asset, and medical need guidelines

Illinois also offers Home and Community Based Services waivers, including:{{citation 6,7}}

Read more: Medicaid Long-Term Care: What Is It and What’s Covered?

Medicaid resources in Chicago, Illinois

In Illinois, elderly residents can apply for Medicaid in one of four ways:

For more detailed information or assistance applying for Medicaid, consider these offices of the Department of Human Services (DHS):

  • DHS Family Community Resource Center in Cook County – Lower North
    2650 W. Fulton St.
    Chicago, IL 60612
    Phone: 773-638-7373
  • DHS Family Community Resource Center in Cook County – Northside
    6200 N. Hiawatha Ave., 5th Floor
    Chicago, IL 60646
    Phone: 773-907-4100
  • DHS Main Office – Chicago
    401 S. Clinton St.
    Chicago, IL 60607
    Phone: 800-843-6154

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for adults age 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with certain disabilities or medical conditions such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD).[08] While Medicare won’t cover the cost of independent living, it can help pay for medically necessary care and services a resident may need, including prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and other approved treatments received while living in an independent living community.

Medicare resources in Chicago

Elderly residents of Chicago, and their families, can contact the state’s health insurance assistance program for free and unbiased information about Medicare:

What families are saying about independent living in Chicago

Recent reviews for independent living in Chicago

Liberty Village in Elmhurst, IL

5.0
I could not be happier with the Liberty Village community is every regard. [name removed] and [name removed] has been amazing and I am very happy that my father is there. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families.

Victory Centre of Elk Grove in Elk Grove Village, IL

5.0
My brother lives in Victory Centre of Elk Grove Village, IL. I visit him frequently and I have found it to be Clean, Friendly and warm. The Staff from Administration to Nursing, Dining, and Maintence are all warm and caring, they know the residents' names, are respectful and always willing ...
Read more

Arbor Terrace Glenview

4.1
My main issues relate to money. They assessed my mother at a low level of care but then raised that within a month - even though her condition did not change. At the beginning of the calendar year, the rate for each care level increased. Then at her one year anniversary, the rent portion went ...
Read more

What is independent living like in Chicago?

Chicago independent senior living communities typically offer private apartments or condos. Floor plans often include living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms with handrails. Check out some other features common to Chicago independent living communities:

  • Balconies or patios
  • High-speed internet access
  • Full kitchens
  • On-site maintenance and management staff
  • Wheelchair-accessible units and common areas

Some communities even offer the following types of on-site services for additional fees:

  • Laundry and housekeeping
  • Meal services
  • Transportation services
  • Grocery shopping and errands

Resident-only clubhouses are also common to Chicago independent living communities. These clubhouses promote socialization among residents and give them access to even more shared amenities, such as the following:

  • Social lounges and game rooms
  • Movie theaters
  • Libraries and media rooms
  • Business centers
  • Fitness centers
  • Pools
  • BBQ areas
  • Social calendars

Chicago independent living communities give active seniors an exciting urban locale with convenient access to entertainment, shopping, dining, and the sparkling Lake Michigan shoreline. On-site storage and included maintenance foster a more relaxing environment than home ownership. Some independent living communities also offer an aging-in-place option for an even more worry-free living experience.

Aging-in-place services

Chicago’s independent living communities with aging-in-place options are typically part of a larger senior living facility that includes multiple care types and accommodations on one campus, such as assisted living and memory care. If your care needs ever evolve past what can be provided in your independent living community, you can add to the care services you need without having to relocate to a new community. Aging-in-place features provide security in the event of surgery, illness, or other medical events.

Services and amenities

A diverse city, Chicago is home to large populations of people from Poland, India, and Mexico, as well as many other countries. The city’s independent living communities reflect this variation in terms of their services and amenities. For example, of our partner communities:[01]

  • 46% have staff who speak Spanish and 14% have staff who speak Polish
  • 32% offer Jewish religious services onsite and 23% have a visiting Rabbi
  • 50% have intergenerational programs
  • 46% provide vegetarian meal options and 32% offer vegan dining

Chicago independent living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Chicago independent living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Chicago, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Chicago independent living

Independent living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Chicago partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Chicago, ILNational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
18.8%
20.9%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
20.8%
35.2%
No sugar
No sugar
19.5%
31.6%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
21.5%
34.3%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
6%
11.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Chicago independent living

Our independent living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Chicago communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Chicago, ILNational
Professional chef
Professional chef
20.8%
37.1%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
25.5%
44.3%
Room service
Room service
18.8%
37.7%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
6.7%
17.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Chicago independent living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered independent living communities in Chicago offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Chicago, ILNational
Activity director
Activity director
28.9%
46%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
18.8%
28.9%
Community service programs
Community service programs
24.2%
33.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
32.9%
48.1%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
31.5%
49.6%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
37.6%
54.7%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
22.1%
43.8%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
22.8%
39.2%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
27.5%
42.6%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
30.2%
47.9%
Live performances
Live performances
28.9%
47.5%
Dances
Dances
22.1%
33.8%
Fitness center
Fitness center
24.2%
40.3%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
29.5%
47.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Explore senior care with confidence

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Know where to start.

Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.

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Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.

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Find top facilities for you.

Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.

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Tour your favorite facilities.

Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.

Unfamiliar with Chicago? Highlights for seniors

Whether you’re looking for great food, fine arts, exciting sports, or exhilarating shopping, you’ll find it in Chicago. The striking architecture of the city contrasted with the glistening Lake Michigan shoreline creates an idyllic backdrop for your golden years. Chicago is home to more than 385,000 adults over age 65.[03]

Top hospitals for seniors in Chicago

Chicago residents have many innovative and highly rated medical centers to choose from. Several of Chicago’s medical facilities also offer specialty geriatric care.

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Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Northwestern Memorial offers a variety of adult specialties including neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology and heart surgery, oncology, and pulmonology.

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Rush University System for Health 

Rush University Medical Center is highly acclaimed for its outstanding patient care, education, medical research, and community partnerships.

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University of Chicago Medicine

Established in 1927, University of Chicago Medical Center is a highly rated, nonprofit academic hospital.

Transportation for seniors in Chicago

Chicago is known for its excellent public transportation options and 96% of A Place for Mom’s partner communities are located conveniently near public transit.[01] In fact, many Chicago residents choose to use public transportation instead of driving a car due to the city’s heavy traffic and limited parking. Public transportation includes:

  • Chicago Transit Authority “L” train. The most convenient and cost-effective way of getting around in the city. The CTA also offers free and reduced fares for seniors.
  • Divvy bike-share system. For active older adults, a classic or e-bike can be a fun way to get around without having to worry about storage.
  • Metra RailTake a train to Chicago’s suburbs for more activities and opportunities for exploration.
  • AC Med Tran. This transportation service provides non-emergency transport for wheelchair users.

Beyond public transportation, nearly 82% of A Place for Mom’s partner independent living communities offer complimentary transportation, and 96% provide parking for residents.[01]

Finally, Chicago is a very walkable city, according to Walk Score.[09] Based on factors such as public density, availability of walking and bike paths, and public transportation, this means that most errands can be completed on foot.

Transportation card image
77

Walk Score

Transportation card image
72

Bike Score

Transportation card image
65

Transit Score

Things to do in Chicago for seniors and their families

The closer to Chicago’s city center, the more social opportunities you have with others who are in the same stage of life. Lovers of the arts can explore the offerings of the Belmont Theater District and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or catch an outdoor concert in the summer at The Shell (The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park).

When the family comes to visit, the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park – Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary offer free admission daily, and many of the city’s museums offer free admission one day per week. Chicago residents can also discover the wonders of the ocean for a reduced rate at Shedd Aquarium.

When the grandkids go back home, take a trip to nearby Elgin for a scenic evening at Grand Victoria Casino on the river.

The following are just a few Chicago attractions with senior discounts and specials:

Independent living laws and regulations in Illinois

Independent living communities aren’t typically licensed or regulated in the same way as assisted living and memory care communities. However, these communities must often meet state and city requirements, including building codes, fire safety regulations, and tenant rights laws that protect residents and renters. Learning about how independent living is regulated can help you make informed senior living decisions.

Read more: Independent living regulations in Illinois

Frequently Asked Questions

The average cost of independent living in Chicago, Illinois, is $8,197 per month.
No, Medicare won’t pay for independent living in Chicago.
Yes, seniors in Chicago can use their Social Security benefits however they see fit, including paying for independent living.
Illinois Medicaid program won’t pay for independent living but can be used to cover the cost of care services, should you ever need them.

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2026). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. Economic Research Institute. (2026, February 6). Cost of living data in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

  3. United States Census Bureau. (2024, July 1). QuickFacts, Chicago city, Illinois.

  4. Illinois Department on Aging. Community Care Program.

  5. Illinois Department of Human Services. Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD).

  6. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Illinois Supportive Living Program.

  7. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Illinois Persons who are Elderly waiver.

  8. U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Get started with Medicare. Medicare.gov.

  9. Walk Score. (2026). Living in Chicago.

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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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1.

A Place for Mom. (2026). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

2.

Economic Research Institute. (2026, February 6). Cost of living data in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

3.

United States Census Bureau. (2024, July 1). QuickFacts, Chicago city, Illinois.

4.

Illinois Department on Aging. Community Care Program.

5.

Illinois Department of Human Services. Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD).

6.

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Illinois Supportive Living Program.

7.

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Illinois Persons who are Elderly waiver.

8.

U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Get started with Medicare. Medicare.gov.

9.

Walk Score. (2026). Living in Chicago.