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If you’re looking for independent living in the Chicago area, our local senior living advisors can help you each step of the way. From affordable independent living for seniors to luxury options, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of independent living in Chicago. From there, we’ll show you the best independent living communities for your lifestyle, interests, and budget.
Discover unique independent living amenities, social activities, dining, and more independent living benefits. With 155 independent living facilities in Chicago, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find your new, maintenance-free home.
We are also serving Independent Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Park Manor, South Shore and North Park.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Cicero, Evanston or Stickney.
Types of care available in Chicago, IL
Independent Living
They're short of help, all the way around. That's the main challenge. Sometimes it's hard to find a nurse on the nursing floor. But I really like the assisted living building. They're very good with their activities and keeping their people up to date on things. I had one relative move to the wellness center from assisted living, and I would not do that if you can avoid it. They don't have the activities, and they're kind of isolated in wellness.
The Memory Care staff was always polite, friendly, and always willing to assist in my mother's needs. My family and I are very satisfied with how my mother was cared for.
My brother [Removed] lived there for 2 1/2 years. I can't say enough good things about this facility. He had a lot of health needs but was able to be there and maintain a good amount of independence. The staff were always attentive to him and responsive to me. They helped us find wonderful aides who were able to assist him with things that he couldn't do and this allowed him to be as independent as possible. The staff are very caring and personable. The food was home cooked and he raved about it all the time. There were a number of activities and the residents always seemed very social with one another. It was very home like and affordable.
800 N Harlem Ave, River Forest, IL 60305
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The staff members at the community are so friendly that we would give them 10 stars. We brought a friend with us one day to visit our loved one and she liked it so much that she said when the time comes she...
1035 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302
Belmont Village of Oak Park is located in the heart of historic Oak Park, a western suburb of Chicago. Our senior living residents don't have to go far to enjoy all the 'Windy City' has to offer. Close to the facility are shops, galleries, places of worship, and RUSH Oak Park Hospital. And when...
The management and higher ups are great however the lower staff needs improvement. The management is great at taking care of any problems and response time is responded in a timely manner. I like that they...
2800 Des Plaines Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546
Caledonia Senior Living is a small, private home providing both assisted living and 24-hour nursing care in a beautiful, intimate setting. Our home is nestled on five wooded acres, and offers a wide range of services and activities to meet all of your needs. We are a non-profit organization,...
Since mom became a resident in [date removed] our overall experience has been a very positive one. Mom will turn [age removed] in June and lived in her house for 70 years. She, time and again tells me, "If I...
711 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302
Everybody has growing pains, it is a brand new facility but the people are here wonderful and doing the best that they can - the biggest difficulty has been staffing just like everywhere else in the world...
8700 W 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513
Cantata Adult Life Services is committed to enabling older adults to achieve the greatest possible level of self-sufficiency and independence. The overarching goal of our not-for-profit organization is to facilitate active living and the continuation of healthy relationships with and among people...
They were very helpful in selecting what type of assistance is appropriate. [name removed], the head nurse goes above and beyond to assist with setting up doctors visits, communicating issues with my mother...
51 East Cossitt, La Grange, IL 60525
Nestled in the heart of downtown La Grange, Illinois, LaGrange Pointe is the very best in Senior Living!LaGrange Pointe is a unique living experience geared for independent seniors who value their freedom of choice.A unique concept in senior living, LaGrange is an upscale retirement community...
We chose La Grange Pointe because it is more of an apartment complex facility but has special services for seniors so it doesn't feel like you are going into a nursing home. The apartment sizes are really...
35 Shawmut Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
The Aspired Living family is excited to welcome Aspired Living of La Grange to the rapidly growing family of independent living, assisted living and memory support communities. Joining Aspired Living of Westmont and Aspired Living of Prospect Heights, La Grange’s newest state-of-the-art assisted...
They are doing a beautiful job. The interaction with the staff has been excellent. My loved one loves the food. The food is good. They offer wonderful opportunities to do things, for the activities. It's...
6800 S. Keating Avenue, Chicago, IL 60629
Senior Suites of Midway Village is a welcoming, secure independent living community in Chicago for seniors ages 62 and over. We provide the opportunity for seniors to forego home maintenance chores in favor of private apartments with housekeeping in a convenient location. We want our residents to...
It would be helpful for others to know that they have adequate handicap parking for residents, but not so much for others. There is limited parking for the guests. It is a locked facility so you have to have...
335 North Menard Avenue, Chicago, IL 60644
Imagine being able to live in a beautiful building, in a community of friends, receive monthly housekeeping services and benefit from specially designed safety features - all for one low affordable monthly rate and in the Chicago neighborhood you've called home for most of your life. As a...
Management is understaffed and that has been my biggest concern. If they were fully staffed, I believe the facility and experience would be better. Not having any type of food service is a negative. ...
13550 South Avenue O, Chicago, IL 60633
Imagine being able to live in a beautiful building, in a community of friends, receive monthly housekeeping services and benefit from specially designed safety features - all for one low affordable monthly rate and in the Chicago neighborhood you've called home for most of your life. As a...
The staff is really good. My loved one lives in, the senior apartments, which includes a refrigerator and stove. They do have some activities, such as Bingo Night. It is a little pricey but the utilities is...
4707 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
A case of “ you can’t judge a book by its cover.” The area is on a culdesac close to a busy retail area. The Supportive facility ‘s exterior (housed in the historic old Goldblatt building) is unremarkable....
4339 W 18th Place, Chicago, IL 60623
The Montclare Supportive Living Community is the choice for an affordable assisted lifestyle community in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. Welcome to a gracious, affordable assisted lifestyle in your community. At the Montclare, you’ll enjoy friendly neighbors to share common life...
I am very happy and pleased with this facility so far. All of the staff members have been so helpful and very accommodating. I really like the director and she was amazing in getting my cousin set up and...
3244 West 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60629
Imagine being able to live in a beautiful building, in a community of friends, receive monthly housekeeping services and benefit from specially designed safety features - all for one low affordable monthly rate and in the Chicago neighborhood you've called home for most of your life. As a...
This facility is good. A nice and clean atmosphere. We haven't had any problems so far and we're happy with it. Maintenance is quick to fix things when they need it. My loved one is happy here. I would...
1400 South Indiana Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
Imagine being able to live in a beautiful building, in a community of friends, receive monthly housekeeping services and benefit from specially designed safety features - all for one low affordable monthly rate and in the Chicago neighborhood you've called home for most of your life. As a...
I would be careful on which apartment you take. Some apartments have high temperatures and the community can't fix that per the management. It is a nice building.
3443 S 55th Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804
Drexel Horizon is located Cicero, Illinois which is a town in Cook County. This area is a serene environment that allows residents to relax and interact with each other. The community offers independent living that enables residents to enjoy a stress-free life.A live in Maintenance couple oversee...
My mom is a new resident and she is doing fine. She has been there for quite some time and she is all settled in. Things are going good, it is a good fit for her budget and the space around. The community is...
2626 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60629
Churchview Supportive Living is an assisted living community located in Chicago, IL. The city of Chicago is located in Cook County and home to over 2.7 million people. It's an exciting city with lots of great restaurants and shops. Residents can enjoy going on outings when the weather is warm and...
[name removed] , Dir. of Mktg. was very thorough & friendly. She invited us back with relative for lunch. The staff was friendly & [name removed made sure we were introduced to any staff that came in our...
3656 West Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60624
Imagine being able to live in a beautiful building, in a community of friends, receive monthly housekeeping services and benefit from specially designed safety features - all for one low affordable monthly rate and in the Chicago neighborhood you've called home for most of your life. As a...
Happy being here. Friendly neighbor they provide entertainment/activities/the staff is a big help to us. They come and check on the senior seeing that we all are ok.
55 East Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
The Clare rises as an integral part of downtown Chicago—with the blue of Lake Michigan at one hand, the proud skyline at the other and at its feet all you could ever desire for enrichment, excitement and fulfillment. This premiere retirement residence and the unique lifestyle it offers await you...
My parents have been at The Clare since 2008, first in Independent Living, then my Father in Memory care and now my mother in Assisted Living. They chose the Clare as their plan for retirement. They both...
7430 South Rockwell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60629
Senior Suites offers affordable, high quality apartments homes with specially-designed amenities to meet the needs of Chicago's older adults, those 62 years of age and better.
Our loved one is able to cook her meals in the room and because of covid they have not really had any meals. We do believe the activities are starting to come back, however our loved one has not ventured to...
5550 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Montgomery Place is a Continuing Care Retirement Community with a range of living options. Located in Chicago's historic Hyde Park, with spectacular views of Lake Michigan, there's something for everyone here! Modern apartments support active lifestyles and Independent Living. Assisted Living...
Will you pass on to the staff the following thank you for doing, not only the job you were hired to do, but an additional variety of tasks you never signed on for - delivering hot meals to our doors, taking...
1050 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620
Imagine being able to live in a beautiful building, in a community of friends, receive monthly housekeeping services and benefit from specially designed safety features - all for one low affordable monthly rate and in the Chicago neighborhood you've called home for most of your life. As a...
My brother is really enjoying his time in this community. I'am comfortable with his move here. I know he is safe, and in good hands. The director is great, and he has a very good staff at this community....
408 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302
Built as a luxury hotel in 1922, the Oak Park Arms retained the original charm of the grand hotels of the 20th century. The apartments, Ballroom, Georgian Room Restaurant, Lounge, and meeting rooms have been renovated on an on-going basis. A rental retirement community for 26 years, the Oak Park...
I toured several places during my search for Independent Living. Oak Park Arms was my last place to see and I was highly impressed with not only [name removed], who showed me a couple of units, but was truly...
2710 Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614
In elegant, residential environments, we deliver the finest in senior care, and are recognized internationally for both quality and innovation. Guided by our Principles of Service, Sunrise affords families peace-of-mind by providing today's seniors with a range of personalized assisted living...
Very friendly and welcoming. Definitely can be slightly overbearing in terms of safety and what residents can do independently but that is understandable. Just a heads up for any family member where the...
7848 Ogden Ave, Lyons, IL 60534
Golden Years Retirement Home is an independent living community located in the beautiful village of Lyons, Cook County, Illinois, just 14 miles from the City of Chicago. Our vibrant community is located near the great Des Plain-es River and the historic Cream City Amusement Park both of which are...
The lady they had taking care of our loved one, [name removed] was the best. She stayed with him and provided him with amazing care. [name removed] who runs the facility was amazing too. We would recommend...
5839 South Harlem Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638
Imagine being able to live in a beautiful building, in a community of friends, receive monthly housekeeping services and benefit from specially designed safety features - all for one low affordable monthly rate and in the Chicago neighborhood you've called home for most of your life. As a...
The people here are amazing. The process took a little longer than we anticipated, but the staff were totally on top of it and made up for it by working harder. They have a lot of great activities provided....
The cost of an independent living community within 10 miles of the Chicago city center averaged $3,203 per month in 2022, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. This figure includes rent as well as any add-on fees that the community offers. Chicago independent living costs can vary based on floor plans, amenities and add-ons, and location. North of downtown Chicago tends to have a higher cost of living, whereas south of downtown often has lower costs. The following figures represent baseline Chicago area independent living rental costs, not including add-on fees.
8.11 miles from you
Your zip code
7.75 miles from you
Independent living community costs are not covered by public sources like Medicare or Medicaid, though in-home care services may be covered for medically qualifying seniors. However, there are many private ways to pay for independent living. Veteran Affairs (also known as VA) pensions and benefits may also help to offset costs of independent living for eligible senior veterans and their spouses.
Housing support for independent living in Chicago
Illinois independent living communities are required to enforce a 55 year age minimum per the Illinois Administrative Code. While families and children of seniors may be able to live in independent living depending on the community, residents will need to verify that at least one member of their household is 55 or over.
While Illinois does not have many requirements specific to independent living, these buildings must comply with the legal standards of any type of housing. While building codes vary across the state of Illinois, Chicago living spaces are required to maintain standards such as:
To report a building code violation in Chicago, you can call 3-1-1 or fill out an online service request.
All living spaces are also required to be ADA compliant, which means that reasonable accommodations and modifications are made for individuals with disabilities. Under federal law, owners of housing facilities cannot deny tenancy to individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations are adjustments to rules or policies so that tenants with disabilities are not left out of the activities or benefits offered to other tenants. Property managers may provide accommodations, such as the following:
Modifications involve making changes to the apartment complex and unit to make it more accessible to those with disabilities. This can mean adding a wheelchair ramp or hands-free entrance or simply installing handrails in bathrooms. The costs of these modifications are to be covered by the owner of the rental property rather than by the tenant with the disability.
Find contact information and resources for tenant rights’ advocacy, housing discrimination, housing-related legal aid, eviction assistance, and more through Illinois’ Tenant Rights, Laws and Regulations website.
Illinois Department of Public Health — Chicago headquarters offices
122 S. Michigan Ave., 7th and 20th Floors
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-814-2793
69 W. Washington St., 35th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-814-5278
There are currently no COVID-19 regulations in place for Chicago independent living communities.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
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 hand rails. Check out some other features common to Chicago independent living communities:
Some communities even offer the following types of on-site services for additional fees:
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:
Chicago independent living communities provide the active senior with an exciting urban locale that has convenient access to entertainment, shopping, dining, and the sparkling Lake Michigan shoreline. On-site storage and maintenance foster a more relaxing environment than home ownership. Some independent living communities even offer an aging-in-place option for an even more worry-free living experience.
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. Communities that offer these add-on care services are ideal for the senior who may need more assistance down the line. If a senior’s care needs ever evolve past the care offered in the independent living community, they can just add on the care services they 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. A Place for Mom has 17 partnered communities in Chicago that offer aging-in-place services, with access to home care agencies, memory care, and skilled nursing services on site.
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Percent of Chicago residents age 65+
Percentage of Chicago’s older adults who self-report being in overall good health, according to Center for Community Health Equity
Chicago residents have many innovative and highly rated medical centers to choose from. Several of Chicago’s medical facilities also offer specialty geriatric care.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the highest ranking hospital in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties, and it partners with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to foster world-class patient care and medical innovation.
Rush University Medical Center is ranked No. 2 out of all Chicago hospitals, according to U.S. News and World Report. Rush is known for outstanding patient care, education, and medical research, with roots going back nearly 200 years.
University of Chicago Medical Center is the third-highest ranked hospital in Chicago and in the state of Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report. Known for exceptional geriatric care services, University of Chicago Medical Center is a nonprofit academic hospital established in 1927.
NorthShore University Health System is the fourth-highest ranking Chicago hospital, according to U.S. News and World Report. The NorthShore system includes six hospitals and over 140 medical centers all over the Illinois area.
While driving in the city is an option, heavy traffic and limited parking can make it a challenge. Fourteen of A Place for Mom’s partnered independent living communities in Chicago offer transportation services at an additional cost. For those without transportation, many Chicago residents count on public transportation. The most convenient and cost effective way to get around is the Chicago Transit Authority “L” train. The Chicago Transit Authority also has over 100 bus routes.
While Chicago is relatively walkable, it’s quite big, so it can be helpful to know what other options are available. For the active individual, Chicago’s Divvy bike-share system can be a fun way to get around, and the Metra Rail train is great for commuting to the Chicago suburbs. Chicago also provides AC Med Tran transportation services specifically for seniors, veterans, and individuals who require a wheelchair or mobility assistance.
Compiled from data about Chicago’s population, public transportation, walking and bike routes, and more, the Windy City has received the following WalkScore ratings, each out of 100:
77
72
65
As the most populous city in the Midwest, Chicago always has something exciting to offer. 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 against the glistening Lake Michigan shoreline creates an idyllic backdrop for your golden years.
The closer to the city center, the more social opportunities seniors have with others who are in the same stage of life. The Norwood Park Senior Center sits just outside the city center’s 10-mile radius. It features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a library, and a reading room. Additionally, lunch is served Monday through Friday. Chicago seniors can make new connections as they partake in games, Zumba and yoga classes, seasonal water aerobics, music appreciation, and educational classes.
Chicago’s lovers of the arts can explore the offerings of the Belmont Theater District, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, to name just a few local art centers.
When the family comes to visit, the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Bird Sanctuary offer free admission daily, or you can take advantage of the Children’s Museum senior discounts. Chicago residents can also visit 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. Or, stay local and dine, sample locally crafted wines, and enjoy entertainment at City Winery — Riverwalk Winegarden in the spring and the City Winery — West Loop all year round.
The following are just a few Chicago attractions with senior discounts and specials:
The Admiral at the Lake, a CCRC, Independence Village Naperville and Brookdale Glen Ellyn are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Chicago, 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 Chicago is 3,098 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Chicago [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Illinois General Assembly. Health Facilities and Regulation(210 ILCS 9/) Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act.
International Code Council. (2019, December 1). 2019 Chicago building code with revised April 2022 supplement.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021, July 21). Chicago city, Illinois. QuickFacts.
Laflamme, E., Harper-Jemison, D., Jorgensen, E., Reina, M., Rushovich, T., Weaver, K., Prachand, N., Shah, R., Lange-Maia, B., & De Maio, F. (2019, August). Healthy Chicago databook: Older adult health. Center for Community Health Equity.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Chicago.
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