55+ Communities Near the Illinois-Wisconsin Border

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What You’ll Gain From Reading This Article: This article provides insights into active adult communities near the Illinois-Wisconsin border in the Chicagoland area. Highlighting four distinct communities, it covers key benefits such as strategic location, lower taxes, and reduced traffic, while still offering access to Downtown Chicago.


Active adult homebuyers can find age-restricted and active lifestyle communities throughout the Chicagoland area. One of the more unique regions worth exploring is the area along the Illinois-Wisconsin border. In this area, there are four Northern Illinois communities within roughly 10 miles of Wisconsin.

These active adult communities still provide access to Downtown Chicago, but they offer lower taxes, affordable cost of living, and less traffic. These communities also put residents close to the outdoor recreation opportunities found near Chain O’Lakes, Lake Michigan, and Southern Wisconsin. Active adults can easily drive to Wisconsin cities such as Kenosha, Madison, and Milwaukee, all while living in Illinois.

If this location piques your interest, keep reading for a detailed look at four communities near the Illinois-Wisconsin border.

Leisure Village – Fox Lake, IL

Low $100ks – High $100ks

Exterior view of a home at Leisure Village in Fox Lake near the Illinois-Wisconsin border.

Leisure Village has some of the most affordable homes for sale in Northern Illinois. This community is just 4.2 miles from the Illinois-Wisconsin border and less than 2 miles from the Chain O’Lakes system.

At Leisure Village, residents have a variety of floor plans to choose from as well as an abundance of amenities. Additionally, the well-maintained attached homes range from 755 to 1,705 square feet with one or two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and attached one-car garages. Some homes also include open floor plans, covered patios, dens, and master suites with en-suite bathrooms. This community is ideal for snowbirds and those who want to downsize.

The amenities include a recreation center with an exercise room, a 250-seat lecture hall, a woodworking shop, an arts and crafts room, and a ceramics studio. Additionally, there are multipurpose gathering spaces where residents participate in activities, clubs, and classes. Outside, residents can also enjoy an Olympic-size pool, a nine-hole golf course, two private boating lakes, community gardens, athletic courts, and walking and biking trails.

Carillon at Heatherstone – Beach Park, IL

Low $100s – Mid $200s

Chairs surrounding the outdoor pool at Carillon at Heatherstone in Beach Park, Illinois.

Carillon at Heatherstone is also just 4.2 miles from the Illinois-Wisconsin border, offering an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition to easy access to America’s Dairyland, active adults can reach Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park.

Built from 2003 to 2007, the gated 55+ community consists of 173 single-family and attached homes. The attached homes range from 1,107 to 1,332 square feet with one or two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Also, the ranch-style single-family homes range from 1,530 to 1,951 square feet with two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.

Additionally, a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse provides an exercise room, a ballroom, and rooms for billiards and cards. The outdoor amenities include a swimming pool, a patio, a tennis court, a walking trail, and a scenic pond.

Carillon North – Grayslake, IL

Mid $100s – Low $300s

Tables and chairs on the outdoor patio at Carillon North in Grayslake near the Illinois-Wisconsin border.

With 361 single-family and attached homes, Carillon North is a gated 55+ community that offers a low-maintenance lifestyle. The community’s location also puts residents 7.9 miles south of the Illinois-Wisconsin border and adjacent to the Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve.

The attached homes offer the most low-maintenance lifestyle thanks to a homeowners’ association (HOA) that takes care of all exterior home maintenance, landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal. Also, the ranch-style homes range from 1,268 to 1,694 square feet, while the single-family homes range from 1,680 to 2,322 square feet.

With a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center, and an indoor pool, residents can enjoy the amenities throughout the seasons. At the clubhouse, neighbors can also gather for social activities, including bingo, poker, computer club, and art class. Some of the regular social events include happy hours, live theater, and Friday morning coffee meetups as well as planned outings.

Briargate – Lindenhurst, IL

High $200ks – Low $300ks

A wood, walking platform through a meadow filled with fall foliage in Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa, Illinois.

Briargate, a burgeoning 55+ community crafted by Pulte Homes, promises an exceptional living experience. Comprising 228 single-family homes, the development blends a low-maintenance lifestyle with upscale amenities. Situated in Northern Illinois, Briargate also ensures residents are a mere 50-minute drive from the vibrant city of Chicago.

Residents of Briargate can revel in resort-style amenities, including a 2,600-square-foot clubhouse and outdoor spaces. Pulte Homes initiated construction in 2021, offering homes with open-concept designs and spacious living areas as well as modern kitchens. An HOA facilitates a low-maintenance lifestyle, allowing residents to enjoy quality time with family and pursue hobbies. Also, the community’s strategic location provides easy access to daily conveniences, health care facilities, and a variety of entertainment options, making Briargate an ideal haven for active adults.

Start Your Homebuying Journey With 55places!

These communities near the Illinois-Wisconsin border offer a blend of scenic beauty, vibrant amenities, and proximity to major urban centers. From the serene landscapes to the carefully planned developments, these areas offer a unique living experience for residents seeking a balance between tranquility and convenience.

Ready to start your journey today? No problem! We have a network of local real estate experts standing by the help you find your dream home. Contact us today and discover what’s next!

Discover what’s next.

To learn more information or connect with a real estate expert, contact us today.

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan™ Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

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