Algonquin 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

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55+ Active Adult Retirement in Algonquin, IL

Algonquin, IL, located in McHenry County, is a suburban town that offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere for residents. The town is surrounded by plenty of green spaces, parks, and forests. It is a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and walking. The Fox River runs through the town, providing opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Residents enjoy the best of both worlds- a peaceful smaller city environment with easy access to the amenities of a very large city.

Here are three websites that can provide information on visiting or moving to Algonquin:

  • McHenry County Living: This website provides information on local events, activities, and businesses in McHenry County, including Algonquin. It is a great resource for anyone looking to explore the area.
  • Village of Algonquin: The official website of the Village of Algonquin provides information on local government, services, and events. It is a useful resource for anyone considering moving to the town.
  • Visit McHenry County: This website provides information on attractions, events, and accommodations in McHenry County. It is a great resource for anyone planning to visit the area. 

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Compared to the national average, the cost of living in Algonquin is higher, particularly in terms of housing and groceries. According to BestPlaces.net, the cost of living in Algonquin is about 7.8 percent higher than the national average. The median home price in Algonquin is $331,600, which is just a little lower than the national average. Groceries, healthcare and utility costs are in line with the rest of the country but transportation costs are 32 percent higher than the national average.

Illinois has a flat 4.95 percent income tax rate and Social Security or other types of retirement income are usually exempt. Illinois has a very high sales tax, the average local and combined rate is 8.73 percent and in some locations can reach as high as 11 percent. Property taxes in Illinois are the second highest in the country, exact amounts vary by county. The average property tax in Algonquin (McHenry County) is 2.09 percent. 

Climate and Geography 

The Algonquin area sees about 36 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of July. Average winter temperatures range from 17 to 34 degrees. Summer in Algonquin is warm and somewhat humid with summer temperatures averaging between 63 and 82 degrees with 66 to 75 percent humidity. Average snowfall in Algonquin is 36 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of January. Algonquin is prone to severe weather during spring and summer, thunderstorms are common and do occasionally cause tornadoes.

Algonquin is surrounded by rolling hills, lakes and forests. The Fox River runs through town and the Fox River Trail is a popular place for walking, biking and fishing. Algonquin features several golf courses, including the Golf Club of Illinois and Terrace Hill Golf Course. The area’s proximity to Chicago provides easy access to urban amenities and entertainment while allowing residents to enjoy life away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Located in Northern Illinois, Algonquin is a charming and picturesque village with a variety of recreational activities, cultural events, and entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. 

Golf and Racquet Sports

  • Golf Club of Illinois
  • Terrace Hill Golf Course
  • Algonquin Lakes Park and Recreation Center
  • Willow Hill Golf Course

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

  • Fox River Trail
  • Algonquin Hill Path
  • Brunner Family Forest Preserve
  • Lake in the Hills Fen Nature Preserve

Museums and Historical Sites

  • Illinois Railway Museum
  • McHenry County Historical Society and Museum
  • Algonquin Area Historical Society and Museum

Performing Arts

  • Raue Center for the Arts
  • The Hemmens Cultural Center
  • Elgin Symphony Orchestra
  • Algonquin Summer Concert Series

Shopping

  • Algonquin Commons
  • Spring Hill Mall
  • Huntley Outlet Center

Festivals and Fairs

  • Founders’ Days Festival
  • Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Food Truck Festival
  • Scarecrow Festival
  • McHenry County Fair

Health and Wellness 

Algonquin offers several health and wellness opportunities for 55+ active adults. The area is home to several medical facilities, including Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, and Centegra Health System. These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments.

For those interested in keeping fit, Algonquin has several gyms and fitness centers that offer a range of fitness classes, equipment, and personal training options to help individuals stay healthy. The town also has several parks and nature preserves that are perfect for hiking, walking, and biking. Some of the most popular parks in the area include the Algonquin Lakes Park and Recreation Center and the Fox River trail.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Algonquin, IL, is a popular destination for individuals considering moving to an active adult retirement community. Here is a suggested 2-day itinerary for visitors looking to explore the area and get a feel for what it’s like to live in Algonquin.

Day One

Morning: 

Afternoon:  

  • Head over to Buona for delicious Italian sandwiches.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the downtown area and browsing through the unique shops and boutiques.

Evening: 

  • Enjoy dinner at the historic Bold American Fare, known for its delicious steaks and seafood.

Day Two

Morning: 

  • Have breakfast at Butter Toast, a favorite local spot known for its extensive breakfast menu.
  • Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss retirement community options in the area.

Afternoon: 

Evening: 

End the day with dinner at Port Edward Restaurant, a local seafood favorite.

Getting to Algonquin

Algonquin, IL is located in the north-central region of Illinois, approximately 45 miles northwest of Chicago. There are several transportation options available for visitors coming to the area, including driving, flying, and taking public transportation.

Driving:

The major highways that lead to Algonquin, IL are Interstate 90, which runs east and west, and Illinois Route 31, which runs north and south. Visitors traveling from Chicago can take I-90 westbound and exit at Randall Road, which is just south of Algonquin. From there, it is a short drive north on Randall Road to reach Algonquin.

Flying:

The closest major airport to Algonquin, IL is O’Hare International Airport (ORD), located approximately 25 miles southeast of Algonquin. O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves many major airlines, including United Airlines and American Airlines, with direct flights to and from several national and international destinations.

Visitors arriving at O’Hare can take a rental car or taxi to Algonquin, which is approximately a 45-minute drive away. Another option is to take public transportation via the Metra commuter rail system, which provides direct service from downtown Chicago to the nearby town of Crystal Lake. From there, visitors can take a taxi or ride-share service to reach Algonquin.

Train:

The closest Amtrak station is in Chicago and visitors can take the Metra commuter rail system from downtown Chicago to Crystal Lake, which is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Algonquin. From there, visitors can take a taxi or ride-share service to reach Algonquin.

Bus:

Greyhound Bus Lines provides bus service to the nearby town of Elgin, which is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Algonquin. From there, visitors can take a taxi or ride-share service to reach Algonquin.

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