• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

NewHomeSource

  • Learning Center
  • Just For You
    • First Time Home Buyers
    • 55 Plus
    • International Buyers
    • For The Military
    • Single Women
  • Home Types
    • Custom Homes
    • Condos & Townhomes
    • Luxury Homes
    • Tiny Houses
    • Manufactured Homes
  • Resources
    • Home Buying Tools
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Home Affordability Calculator
    • Trustbuilder Ratings & Reviews
  • Learning Center
  • Just For You
    • First Time Home Buyers
    • 55 Plus
    • International Buyers
    • For The Military
    • Single Women
  • Home Types
    • Custom Homes
    • Condos & Townhomes
    • Luxury Homes
    • Tiny Houses
    • Manufactured Homes
  • Resources
    • Home Buying Tools
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Home Affordability Calculator
    • Trustbuilder Ratings & Reviews
Home » 55+ » The 10 Best Places to Retire in Illinois in 2021

The 10 Best Places to Retire in Illinois in 2021

Illinois state capitol

Illinois is a slice of heaven in the Midwest that many retirees find to be a desirable destination. There’s much more to Illinois than the large urban hubs like Chicago and Peoria; the state is flush with smaller cities that are attracting retirees like magnets. With amazing cultures, thriving communities and an affordable cost of living, retirees can finally make their dream retirement a reality in Illinois.

Are you ready to get out of the office and into your newfound freedom? NewHomeSource identified the top 10 cities to retire in Illinois, so you can start planning your new life in the perfect town and home.

Top 10 Cities to Retire in Illinois

Skip To Your Favorite City
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Illinois
1. East St. Louis
2. Danville
3. Freeport
4. Harvey
5. Galesburg
6. Alton
7. Granite City
8. Decatur
9. Kankakee
10. Belleville
Common Questions About Retiring in Illinois

1. East St. Louis

View of Saint Louis, Missouri

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.7%

Median Home Value: $54,500

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 268

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 415

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 22 Retirees who want an urban retirement in St. Louis can enjoy everything the city offers but at a lower price point in its comfortable suburb, East St. Louis. This town gives you easy access to a thriving urban hub, but without the expense. 

2. Danville

Scenic view of Danville

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.8%

Median Home Value: $66,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 536

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,370

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1

Danville sits on the shore of Lake Vermillion, giving retirees the perfect place to relax and enjoy life. Danville has a low cost of living and median home price. Retiring in this affordable town lets you enjoy the best quality of life without having to worry about putting a strain on your budget.

3. Freeport

Scenic view of a waterfall in Freeport, Illinois

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.7%

Median Home Value: $72,100

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 50

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 498

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

No matter how you want to spend your retirement, you’ll love life in Freeport. This charming town is filled with beautiful parks like Krape Park. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature, while walking along meandering trails that lead to spectacular waterfalls. The Freeport Art Museum and the Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad & Museum offer exciting tourist attractions that will take you back in time.

4. Harvey

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.4%

Median Home Value: $73,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 290

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 854

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 52

Harvey is located just south of Chicago, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to live near the big city without the daily hustle and bustle. With plenty of shops and restaurants, there’s no need to leave Harvey. If you’re looking for fresh air and nature, be sure to visit the parks, and Gensburg Markham Prairie Nature Preserve, which is just outside the city.

5. Galesburg

Courthouse in Galesburg, Illinios

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.2%

Median Home Value: $75,900

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 138

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,249

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

If you’re looking for a serene place to call home during your retirement, you’ll love Galesburg. This rural town is affordable and peaceful, with numerous parks to explore. Spend your days hiking and biking through Rotary Park, or set sails on nearby Lake Story. 

6. Alton

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.2%

Median Home Value: $79,900

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 268

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,101

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 19

Alton is located along the mesmerizing Mississippi River and the Illinois-Missouri border. Golf fans will love the multiple golf courses within city limits, and history buffs will enjoy the Alton Museum of History & Art and the National Great Rivers Museum. Folks can also enjoy restaurants, parks, and even a casino in this riverside city.

7. Granite City

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.6%

Median Home Value: $83,500

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 233

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 655

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 23

Retirees who want to stay active and healthy will love life in Granite City. This lovely St. Louis suburb offers beautiful parks like Horseshoe Lake State Park and the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, with miles of scenic trails and swimming spots. At Columbia Bottom, you can feast your eyes on the breathtakingly beautiful sunflower fields. 

8. Decatur

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.7%

Median Home Value: $83,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 381

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,967

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

With a population of over 70,000 residents, Decatur is one of the most populated cities on our list. There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy here; whether you’re visiting the Scovill Zoo, the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum, or strolling down the famous Merchant Street, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. The city is split in two by Lake Decatur, and folks can visit one of the several waterfront parks located on either side.

9. Kankakee

Scenic view of Kankakee, Illinois

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14%

Median Home Value: $88,500

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 236

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 873

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

Kankakee is a charmingly historic community in Eastern Illinois. This picturesque town has plenty of scenic parks for nature lovers to enjoy during their retirement, and offers numerous local history museums. If you want to enjoy an engaging retirement, then you’ll love life in Kankakee.

10. Belleville

Shopping district in Belleville, Illinois

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.6%

Median Home Value: $93,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 227

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,115

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 12

Belleville is a beautiful and lush St. Louis suburb. This lovely community is filled with fountains and historic architecture, allowing retirees to live a comfortable and elevated life. Numerous museums fill Belleville, so you can easily find something new to explore. The parks in Belleville beckon retirees to get outside, drink in nature, and stay healthy. 

Common Questions About Retiring in Illinois

How much money do I need to retire in Illinois

Illinois’ cost of living is actually lower than the national cost of living, despite its slightly higher housing cost. Retirees looking to live comfortably need to have about $1.1 million dollars saved, similar to the rest of the country.

Is Illinois tax friendly for retirees?

Illinois is a tax friendly state for retirees! Retiring in Illinois means that almost all your retirement income is tax exempt including social security benefits, pension income, and income from retirement saving accounts, including 401(k)s.

Do seniors pay property taxes in Illinois?

The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program in Illinois means that anyone 65 or older can defer all or some of their real estate taxes and special assessments up to $5,000.

City NamePeople Over 65Violent CrimesProperty CrimesAccess to DoctorsMedian Home Price
East St. Louis17.7%26841522$54,500
Danville16.8%5361,3701$66,700
Freeport21.7%504982$72,100
Harvey13.4%29085452$73,700
Galesburg20.2%1381,2492$75,900
Alton16.2%2681,10119$79,900
Granite City16.6%23365523$83,500
Decatur19.7%3811,9672$83,000
Kankakee14.0%2368732$88,500
Belleville14.6%2271,11512$93,700
Rockford 16.7%1,7284,9204$91,600
Rock Island16.2%1398784$104,600
Chicago Heights13.8%22859131$105,900
Pekin18.0%1336245$106,200
Calumet City13.1%1861,05156$106,000
North Chicago 5.7%895416$108,100
Belvidere 15.4%642584$110,300
Quincy20.9%11282$116,300
Carbondale 8.9%2151,0213$117,500
Moline20.2%21919784$119,500

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.

Other Illinois Resources

Best Tiny Home Builders in Illinois
The 10 Best State Parks in Illinois
The Top 9 Best Places to Live in Illinois
How to Build a House in Illinois
10 Most Affordable Cities in Illinois
20 Most Affordable States in 2021
Your 2021 Guide to Closing Costs in Illinois
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Illinois
Top 10 Safest Cities in Illinois
Moving To Chicago? Our Relocation Guide Will Help
sarah-scott-photo
Sarah Scott

Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.

Get our FREE guide on how the home construction process works

By downloading our guide, you can also look forward to receiving our New Home 101 short email series. You may opt out of this subscription any time you wish.

Previous Post: «Living room design from Pulte Trillium Cove home How to Create a Cohesive Design Feel in Your New Home
Next Post: Pet Amenities Now More Popular in Urban Communities Dog park in the Basil Run townhome»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search new homes

New Home 101

  • The Basics of Newly Built Homes
  • Why Buy a Newly Built Home
  • Shopping for Your New Home
  • Building Your New Home
  • Designing Your Dream Home
  • Buying Your New Home
  • Moving Into Your New Home
  • New Home Glossary

Footer

Quick Links

  • 55+ Communities
  • Condos & Townhomes
  • Custom Home Buyers
  • First-Time Buyers
  • Luxury Homes
  • Manufactured Homes

Related Sites & Resources

  • Learning Center
  • CasasNuevasAqui.com
  • HomLuv.com
  • Real Estate Professionals
  • NewHomeSource App
  • Trust Builder Ratings & Reviews

Helpful Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Builders: List your homes!
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Copyright © 2023 · Builders Digital Experience, LLC. All rights reserved. NewHomeSource.com is a trademark of Builders Digital Experience, LLC and all other marks are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.