Master-Planned Communities in Illinois: The Best Picks for 55+ Homebuyers

7 minute read

What You’ll Gain From Reading This Article: This article provides valuable insights into non-age-restricted communities in Illinois, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle with convenient access to Downtown Chicago. The featured neighborhoods provide a diverse range of options to cater to various preferences and retirement needs.

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You don’t have to live in Downtown Chicago to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Almost all of the surrounding suburbs provide convenient access to The Windy City with a more comfortable suburban lifestyle.

The Chicago suburbs feature dozens of 55+ communities for active adult homebuyers. But there are also neighborhoods without age restrictions that still offer some of the most desirable features of age-restricted developments. Whether it’s because of the low-maintenance homes, the opportunity to downsize, or the abundant amenities, one of these master-planned communities in Illinois may be perfect for your retirement years.

Lake Barrington Shores – Barrington, IL

High $100ks – High $500ks

Many features of Lake Barrington Shores in Barrington appeal to active adult homebuyers who want to live northwest of Chicago. The amenities, which center around a private lodge, match those offered by many 55+ communities. At The Lodge at The Shores, there’s a fitness center, a billiards room, and a banquet hall as well as multipurpose spaces. Additionally, the outdoor amenities include a pool, a patio, and courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and bocce. The grounds also have parks, natural areas, and trails.

A private marina on the shores of Lake Barrington allows residents to boat, canoe, kayak, swim, and sunbathe with ease. Also, the adjacent Lake Barrington Shores Country Club offers an 18-hole golf course with reduced rates for residents.

The community consists of 1,317 attached homes offering 933 to 4,600 square feet, one to four bedrooms, one to four bathrooms, and attached one- or two-car garages. Some homes also feature finished or unfinished basements, and most include first-floor master suites for one-level living.

Conveniently located near Interstates 90 and 94, this community is less than 30 minutes from Schaumburg, Elgin, and Fox Lake. Those who want to travel farther can reach O’Hare International Airport in about 45 minutes.

The Lakes of Boulder Ridge – Lake In The Hills, IL

High $300ks – High $600ks

Located within the master-planned golf community of Boulder Ridge, The Lakes of Boulder Ridge is a secluded neighborhood of 242 single-family and attached homes. This community boasts plenty of customization options when it comes to homes for sale.

Residents of The Lakes of Boulder Ridge have several membership options to access the community amenities. The range of memberships allows residents to determine how much or how frequently they want to access their preferred amenities. This creates a degree of flexibility for those who may not have as much time to use the amenities extensively.

The Boulder Ridge Country Club includes a fitness center, a golf shop, meeting and multipurpose rooms, and an onsite restaurant. Outdoor offerings also include a pool, a whirlpool spa, tennis courts, a 27-hole golf course, and walking trails.

Additionally, the attached duplex and single-family homes range from 1,710 to 2,254 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Many homes also feature dens, screened-in porches, finished basements, and master suites. This allows active adults to downsize into a home that better suits their lifestyle.

Rob Roy Country Club Village – Prospect Heights, IL

Low $200ks – High $300ks

One of the premiere master-planned communities in Illinois, Rob Roy Country Club Village features various townhouses and duplex homes. These 650 homes range from 1,200 to 2,215 square feet with two to three bedrooms and attached two-car garages. Additionally, residents enjoy onsite amenities like a clubhouse, pools, tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course.

Situated near daily necessities and recreational opportunities, Rob Roy Country Club Village provides easy access to grocery stores, retailers, health care providers, and entertainment options. Whether exploring nearby parks or enjoying a drive into Chicago, residents can balance a relaxed lifestyle with proximity to urban amenities.

Lincoln Valley – North Aurora, IL

High $200ks – Low $500ks

Lincoln Valley is a vibrant community offering 374 homes with diverse styles. The community also features onsite amenities like a clubhouse, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a dog park. Positioned along the Fox River, it provides a scenic backdrop and easy access to nearby attractions.

For those in search of master-planned communities in Illinois, Lincoln Valley is an attractive option. Constructed by D.R. Horton, the community features ranch townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes across three collections. Though it’s conveniently located near daily necessities and health care facilities, Lincoln Valley residents can also explore the surrounding area with its restaurants, museums, parks, and golf courses. Additionally, the community is a one-hour drive from Chicago and 45 minutes from O’Hare International Airport.

Stonegate West – Aurora, IL

Low $200ks – Mid $600ks

Stonegate West is an active lifestyle community offering architecturally distinct ranch-style homes and townhouses with up to four bedrooms. This neighborhood also boasts Energy Star-certified single-family residences in seven ranch-style floor plans.

The community provides a low-maintenance lifestyle, customizable homes, and access various activities organized by the onsite lifestyle director. Additionally, residents enjoy amenities such as a clubhouse with a pool, a multipurpose room, a demonstration kitchen, bocce ball courts, and walking trails.

Situated near I-88, Stonegate West also offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and golf courses like Orchard Valley Golf Course. With proximity to Chicagoland attractions, Stonegate West is an ideal choice for those seeking a well-connected yet low-maintenance home.

Timbers Edge Villas – Joliet, IL

Low $200ks – High $200ks

Timbers Edge Villas offers a laidback lifestyle with low-maintenance attached homes. The ranch-style townhomes showcase “European Country” exteriors with stone accents, providing a unique architectural charm. Each residence also offers two bedrooms, two baths, a fireplace, generously sized windows, and a four-season veranda.

Additionally, residents have access to a 3,000-square-foot clubhouse, featuring pool tables, an exercise room, a fireplace, a big-screen TV, and an outdoor swimming pool with a picnic pavilion. The community also ensures worry-free living with a homeowners’ association (HOA) that handles lawn care, snow removal, and exterior maintenance. Timbers Edge Villas stands as a master-planned community in Illinois with a convenient and enjoyable living environment.

Wentworth of Kildeer – Kildeer, IL

Low $500ks – High $600ks

Wentworth of Kildeer is an exclusive neighborhood near Kemper Lakes Golf Club. This community offers 54 luxury single-family homes with scenic golf course views and a country club ambiance. The ranch-style homes also feature spacious primary suites, full basements, and optional second stories, providing a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Residents enjoy a 3,000 square-foot clubhouse and numerous amenities, fostering a vibrant community. Located in Kildeer, this community also provides easy access to daily needs, shopping, dining, entertainment, fitness centers, multiple golf courses, parks, and health care facilities. Downtown Chicago is an hour away, and O’Hare International Airport is just 30 minutes from Wentworth of Kildeer.

55places Can Help You Find Your Dream Home

If you’re seeking a vibrant neighborhood without age restrictions, there are many master-planned communities in Illinois for 55+ homebuyers to consider. From picturesque neighborhoods with scenic golf course views to active lifestyle communities with low-maintenance homes, there are many options.

Luckily, 55places can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect home in the right active adult community. We’ll listen to your lifestyle preferences, budgetary needs, and retirement goals to help you find your next place. Contact us today and we’ll connect you with a local real estate expert!