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
1. East St. Louis
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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 Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| East St. Louis | 17.7% | 268 | 415 | 22 | $54,500 |
| Danville | 16.8% | 536 | 1,370 | 1 | $66,700 |
| Freeport | 21.7% | 50 | 498 | 2 | $72,100 |
| Harvey | 13.4% | 290 | 854 | 52 | $73,700 |
| Galesburg | 20.2% | 138 | 1,249 | 2 | $75,900 |
| Alton | 16.2% | 268 | 1,101 | 19 | $79,900 |
| Granite City | 16.6% | 233 | 655 | 23 | $83,500 |
| Decatur | 19.7% | 381 | 1,967 | 2 | $83,000 |
| Kankakee | 14.0% | 236 | 873 | 2 | $88,500 |
| Belleville | 14.6% | 227 | 1,115 | 12 | $93,700 |
| Rockford | 16.7% | 1,728 | 4,920 | 4 | $91,600 |
| Rock Island | 16.2% | 139 | 878 | 4 | $104,600 |
| Chicago Heights | 13.8% | 228 | 591 | 31 | $105,900 |
| Pekin | 18.0% | 133 | 624 | 5 | $106,200 |
| Calumet City | 13.1% | 186 | 1,051 | 56 | $106,000 |
| North Chicago | 5.7% | 89 | 54 | 16 | $108,100 |
| Belvidere | 15.4% | 64 | 258 | 4 | $110,300 |
| Quincy | 20.9% | 11 | 28 | 2 | $116,300 |
| Carbondale | 8.9% | 215 | 1,021 | 3 | $117,500 |
| Moline | 20.2% | 219 | 1978 | 4 | $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
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.
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