Illinois’ capital city, Springfield, has all of the perks of a Midwest metropolis with the hospitality of a small town. Springfield famously features the home, tomb, and significant sites of the life of 16th President Abraham Lincoln, including the Presidential Library and Museum. It’s also the site of a Frank Lloyd Wright house, sparkling Lake Springfield, and several wildlife preserves and parks. As a stopping point along Route 66, Springfield has a wealth of experiences, stays, and restaurants to enjoy.
Combined with everything there is to see and do in the city, Springfield’s below average cost of living makes it an ideal place for families and retirees. Springfield’s independent living options offer low-maintenance living accommodations with plentiful amenities and on-site dining. In this guide, browse independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of Springfield’s city center, as well as cost information, tips on paying for living and health care expenses, local resources, and life in Springfield.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Springfield, IL
Illinois’ capital city, Springfield, has all of the perks of a Midwest metropolis with the hospitality of a small town. Springfield famously features the home, tomb, and significant sites of the life of 16th President Abraham Lincoln, including the Presidential Library and Museum. It’s also the site of a Frank Lloyd Wright house, sparkling Lake Springfield, and several wildlife preserves and parks. As a stopping point along Route 66, Springfield has a wealth of experiences, stays, and restaurants to enjoy.Read more
Combined with everything there is to see and do in the city, Springfield’s below average cost of living makes it an ideal place for families and retirees. Springfield’s independent living options offer low-maintenance living accommodations with plentiful amenities and on-site dining. In this guide, browse independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of Springfield’s city center, as well as cost information, tips on paying for living and health care expenses, local resources, and life in Springfield.
Springfield Independent Living Facilities | 237 Reviews
What a great place for me to move to after losing my husband. I have been here just 10 months and been in the rehab facility here twice for three weeks each time. Having such caring and kind people to help...
My brother is doing good in this community. He likes that cleanliness and is wanting a smaller room. The staff is helpful and we would recommend this community to others to enjoying living here.
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- What families are saying about independent living in Springfield
- Costs of independent living in the Springfield area
- How people pay for independent living in Springfield
- Understand Illinois laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Springfield
- What to expect from independent living in Springfield
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Springfield? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about independent living in Springfield
Recent reviews for independent living in Springfield
Centennial Pointe Senior Living in Springfield, IL
Brenden Gardens in Springfield, IL
Concordia Village in Springfield, IL
Costs of independent living in the Springfield area
Based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, independent living in Springfield costs an average of $2,676 per month.[01] This cost represents the amount paid per month by real seniors referred to our Springfield independent living community partners in 2022 – 2023. This includes not only their baseline rent, but also what they paid for optional amenities.
Optional amenities and features that may affect your independent living costs include the following:
- Pet deposits
- Parking access
- Storage units
- Floor plan choice
- Utilities
- Salon and spa services
- Concierge services
- Community social outings
- Medical and personal care
- Special dietary accommodations
Amenities that will most likely be included in your baseline independent living cost before add-ons include the following:
- Monthly rent for the apartment unit
- Apartment features, such as laundry units or kitchen appliances
- On-site amenities like fitness centers, pools, or other common areas
- Apartment maintenance services
- Community meals and dining
The costs outlined in the following chart represent baseline costs, and may be affected by add-ons and chosen features. These figures should give an idea of what to expect when paying for a Springfield independent living.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Springfield, IL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Springfield, IL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Springfield vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Springfield, IL by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Springfield over time
How people pay for independent living in Springfield
Public funding sources like Medicare or Medicaid won’t cover the costs of independent living, though you may be eligible for assistance in paying for care services in the community. There are many private methods of paying for independent living. Find information on covering independent living and care services below.
Your private pay options can include your income or other assets. These resources may be enough to cover your living and care expenses in Springfield independent living. Your income and assets may include your savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, and any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Springfield
About 47% of Springfield veterans are 65+
If you or your spouse served in the U.S. military, you may be qualified for veterans benefits that can help cover your living and care expenses. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides eligible veterans with financial resources such as veterans pension benefits and additional stipends like Aid and Attendance. These benefits provide supplemental monthly income to senior veterans and their surviving spouses with the intent of improving their quality of life.[03]
Get help with your VA benefits application
Effectively applying for VA benefits can be difficult. The application can be confusing, and even qualified veterans can be denied eligibility due to a simple mistake.
Don’t worry — the VA has veterans service officers available to help you successfully get through the vetting process. Veterans services officers are fellow U.S. veterans who have been trained and certified in VA eligibility and benefits.
The resources listed below can help you find veterans services officers near you. Find links to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs website and relevant pages, as well as the veterans service organization (VSO) directory, which can help you find your local VSO.
Resources for Springfield veterans
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)
833 S. Spring St.
Springfield, IL 62791
Phone: 217-782-6641
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sangamon County: 084-C FT IL Dept. of Veterans Affairs
833 S. Spring St. Springfield, IL 62704
Carlos English, veterans service officer
Phone: 217-557-0358
Fax: 217-557-1428
Email: Carlos.English2@illinois.gov
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Appointments only. Please call for an appointment.
Anthony Harrison, veterans service officer
Phone: 217-782-6645
Fax: 217-557-1428
Email: Anthony.Harrison@illinois.gov
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Appointments only. Please call for an appointment.
Medicaid is a state- and federal-funded medical insurance program for low-income individuals and persons with disabilities. While each state has its own unique Medicaid program, all Medicaid programs are required to comply with federal guidelines. The Medicaid program in Illinois is called Illinois Medical Assistance.
Like any other form of medical insurance, Medicaid cannot be used to cover living expenses like rent, even in an independent living community. However, if you are eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to use it to cover medical expenses and in-home care services in Springfield independent living.
Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD)
Illinois Medical Assistance has a program called Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD), which provides medical coverage to Illinois residents who have a disability, are legally blind, or are 65 or older. Just like with any Medicaid program, you’ll need to meet Medicaid’s low-income parameters in order to qualify for AABD Medicaid.
Illinois Medical Assistance AABD recipients can use this program to cover the costs of in-home care services and other medical care, in order to offset other living expenses.[04]
Home and community based service waivers
Illinois Medical Assistance offers some home and community based service waivers that can be used for some long-term care services in your home or independent living community. One such waiver is known as the Supportive Living Program (SLP) Medicaid waiver. The SLP waiver enables qualified seniors to receive coverage for care services that are ordinarily not covered by Medicaid, such as the following:[05]
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Medication administration
- Social and health-related care services
- Dementia care in specified locations
Illinois Medical Assistance also offers a home and community based services waiver for seniors known as the Persons Who are Elderly waiver. The Persons Who are Elderly waiver offers coverage for in-home care so that seniors who might otherwise need to be moved into skilled nursing can instead age in place in their home or other senior living community. This waiver will typically cover care services such as the following:[06]
- Housekeeping and personal care
- Adult day and respite care
- Home emergency response
- Medication administration
You can receive additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other services by visiting your local Area Agency on Aging (AAAs). If you need advice and advocacy on your rights in senior living, a long-term care ombudsman can help you. You’ll find these and other resources listed below.
Springfield resident Medicaid resources
Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland
AgeLinc
2731 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62704
217-787-9234
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Illinois Department on Aging
IDOA Home Page
Find your AAA
Medicare is federally-funded medical insurance designed to extend coverage to individuals 65 or older or who have qualifying disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that each cover a different category of health care services. Some health care services covered by Medicare include the following:
- Skilled nursing care and hospital stays
- Physician visits, medical procedures, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Because it’s a type of medical insurance, Medicare will not cover the cost of room and board in independent living. However, qualified Medicare recipients who require in-home medical care may be able to pay for these services using Medicare benefits.
The U.S. Social Security Administration can help eligible seniors access Medicare benefits. You may be able to receive additional support in paying for Medicare coverage through a Medicare Savings Program. A long-term care ombudsman can advocate for your rights, look into your complaints, and help make sure you receive high-quality care and support. If you qualify for dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid, you can pay your Medicare premiums and other fees using Medicaid benefits. You’ll find links to these and other Illinois Medicare resources below.
Springfield resident Medicare resources
Understand Illinois laws and regulations for independent living communities
Illinois senior apartments and independent living communities are limited to tenants 55 and older, as required by the Illinois Administrative Code.[07] Minimum age requirements help ensure that the independent living community remains relatively insulated, reserved just for seniors who may have similar lifestyle preferences. Assisted living communities are generally more heavily regulated than independent living, though communities that include both support levels may be subject to assisted living regulations. View our Springfield assisted living guide for more information.
Illinois tenants’ rights
Independent living communities are required to uphold Illinois laws for apartments and rental properties. Your landlord or property manager in Illinois independent living is obligated to make sure that as a tenant, you have safe and livable conditions. Your landlord’s responsibilities include the following:[08]
- Adherence to health and safety standards required by local building codes
- Performance of repairs and maintenance
- Individual units fit for habitation
Illinois tenants’ obligations
As a resident of Illinois independent living, you’ll also have responsibilities in alignment with state apartment laws. Your obligations as a tenant include the following:[08]
- On-time payment of rent and any other utilities in the lease agreement
- Keep your apartment clean and free of damage
- Refrain from making changes to your apartment or unit without prior approval from your landlord or property manager
ADA compliance for Springfield independent living
Independent living communities are obligated to maintain compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), just like any other apartment community. Compliance with ADA includes making reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals who have disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are also protected by federal law from being denied residency.
Reasonable accommodations
Under ADA, reasonable accommodations mean adjusting community policies so that residents with disabilities can still be included in any activities or amenities offered to the other residents. Reasonable accommodations may include the following, for which the property manager is responsible:
- Provide convenient parking
- Adjust monthly rental due date to correspond to tenant’s disability payments
- Enable equal access to the communities shared spaces or activities
Modifications
Modifications typically mean making alterations to the apartment unit and/or property to provide more access to residents who have disabilities. Modifications may include installation of things like the following:
- Wheelchair ramps
- Hands-free entrances and exits
- Bathroom handrails
The property owner is responsible for incurring the costs of these modifications, rather than the tenant with disabilities.[09]
Illinois Department of Health — Springfield Locations
[1] IDH Home Page
[2] 535 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761
Phone: 217-782-4977
[3] 825 N. Rutledge St.
Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: 217-782-6562
[4] 422 S. 5th St.
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217-558-0560
COVID-19 regulations for Springfield independent living communities
There are currently no COVID-19 regulations in place for Springfield independent living.
Get to know independent living in Springfield
What to expect from independent living in Springfield
Springfield independent living communities are thoughtfully designed with elegant shared spaces, cozy private apartments, and luxurious amenities. You won’t have to worry about lawn care or home maintenance. In fact, thanks to on-site dining services, you’ll only have to cook if and when you want to. On-site amenities will cut down your errand running hours to nearly nothing, but you can venture out into the beautiful city just for your own pleasure and Springfield’s exciting offerings.
Some of Springfield’s independent living communities are on campuses that combine multiple types of senior living, including assisted living, and some even providing memory care. Communities with multiple levels of support available can be an ideal arrangement for couples with differing needs, or for aging in place.
Community-wide luxury amenities in Springfield independent living
As a resident of Springfield independent living, you can attend fitness classes, enjoy pampering spa services, keep up your favorite hairstyle, get coffee with a friend, and more, all without leaving the property. You’ll enjoy an array of luxurious community amenities like the following:
- Spas
- Beauty salons/barber shops
- Fitness centers
- Swimming pools
- TV and movie lounges
- Libraries and media centers
- Dining areas
- Cafes/bistros
- Pubs/bars
Home maintenance and support services in Springfield independent living
Springfield independent living communities offer services to ease your day-to-day so you can enjoy worry-free retirement. Let the staff in your independent living take care of the details, so you can kick back and enjoy your golden years. Services offered in our Springfield independent living partners typically include the following:
- Restaurant-style dining
- Laundry and linen services
- Grocery and errand services
- Housekeeping services
- Maintenance services
- On-site management staff
- Transportation services
- Planned social events
Apartment features in Springfield independent living
In Springfield independent living, you’ll enjoy your own private apartment with inviting features and cozy living areas. Most of our independent living partners in the area offer private apartments with features such as the following:
- Multiple floor plan options
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Private balconies/patios
- High-speed internet
- Wheelchair-accessible showers
Explore senior care with confidence
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See what you can afford.
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Springfield? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Springfield
Springfield is home to several exceptional medical centers, including a top notch teaching hospital and specialty clinics offering expert cardiovascular care. Find more on Springfield hospitals below.
Springfield Memorial Hospital
Springfield Memorial is a teaching hospital affiliated with Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Founded in 1970, Springfield Memorial provides exceptional heart and vascular care, cancer care, rehabilitative care, orthopedic care, emergency services, and more.
HSHS St. John’s Hospital
As part of the Hospital Sisters Health System, St. John’s Hospital strives to uphold the Franciscan mission of dignified patient and family care. With nearly 150 years in operation, St. John’s offers exceptional medical services, including cancer care, stroke care, surgery, sleep disorders, neuroscience, orthopedics, home health, hospice care, and more.
UChicago Medicine at Prairie Heart Institute
UChicago at Prairie Heart is an exceptional cardiovascular care clinic that offers comprehensive treatment for heart failure. At UChicago at Prairie Heart, patients can receive transplants, heart disease care and prevention, cardiac rehabilitation, treatment for aortic and vascular diseases, and more.
Transportation for seniors in Springfield
In addition to having a good public transit system, downtown Springfield is bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly. If your independent living community is in or near downtown, getting around should be pretty easy even without a vehicle. All of our Springfield independent living communities offer complimentary transportation services if you need to get around other parts of the city.
The public transit system in Springfield is called Sangamon Mass Transit District, or SMTD. The SMTD has fixed-route bus services that run Monday through Saturday. The daytime bus routes run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the nighttime routes from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Each SMTD bus is designed with ADA-compliant features, but for individuals whose disabilities cause them to require additional accommodations, the SMTD offers Access Sangamon rides. To use Access Sangamon, you will need to apply for the service.
Walk Score, which ranks cities by their accessibility and transportation provisions, gives downtown Springfield the following transportation scores, out of 100:[11]
Walk Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Springfield
Springfield is a hub of activity, with historical landmarks and sites, beautiful parks, plenty of shopping and dining, and more. Whether you’re entertaining the grandkids or just enjoying the freedom of retirement, you’ll never run out of things to do in Springfield.
Springfield for history lovers
From arts and entertainment to historic sites, Springfield has many one-of-a-kind attractions fit for all ages. In addition to being Abe Lincoln’s hometown, Springfield was also the home of poet Vachel Lindsay. Both men’s homes are available for tours. Perhaps the most popular historical attraction in the city is Presidential Library and Museum. History buffs and patriots alike will enjoy visiting the following Springfield offerings:
- The Lincoln Home
- Vachel Lindsay Home
- Air Combat Museum
- 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour
- Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum
- Springfield & Central Illinois African American History Museum
Fun for the grandkids and more in Springfield
Springfield is a famous pit stop on Route 66. Here are a few fun places where the whole family can get their kicks, and have even more adventures:
- Route 66 Twin Drive-In
- Henson Robinson Zoo
- Washington Park Botanical Garden
- Slide Down 66
- Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum
Springfield outdoors
Springfield is perfect for nature lovers and fur babies alike. Go for a boat ride or a dip in beautiful Lake Springfield, or take a refreshing and scenic walk in one of Springfield’s many nature centers. Several of Springfield’s most popular parks include the following:
- Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
- Riverside Park
- Sangamon Valley Bike Trail
- Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center
- Stuart Park Dog Run
- Veterans Memorial Pool
If having the time to hit the golf course is what you’ve most been looking forward to about retirement, Springfield is the place to be. Choose from Springfield’s most popular golf courses, including the following:
- Brook Hills Golf Club
- Bergen Park Golf Course
- Lincoln Greens Golf Course
- Pasfield Golf Course
- Piper Glen Golf Club
- The Oaks Golf Course
Springfield dining
Springfield has a few famous dishes to try, including their specialty chilli (yes, spelled with two Ls), the piled-high-with-fries horseshoe sandwich, the cozy dog, and more. A few places to try these local bites include the following:
Of course, that’s just the beginning of places to eat in Springfield. Springfield has a wealth of local options, from breweries and wineries to coffee roasteries. In addition to good ol’ Midwestern pubs, you’ll find mom-and-pop sushi parlors and taquerias, barbecues, cafes, sandwich shops, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carriage Crossing Rochester, Brenden Gardens and Holiday Montvale Estates are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Springfield, IL. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Springfield is $3,225 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Springfield [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Illinois Department of Human Services. Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD).
Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services. Illinois Supportive Living Program.
Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services. Illinois Persons who are Elderly waiver.
Public Buildings, Facilities, & Real Property, 71 IL Admin Code § 2300.35 (2008 & rev. 2022).
Office of the Illinois Attorney General. (2022). Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Springfield. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Downtown Springfield.
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