Aurora, IL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

A western suburb of Chicago, Aurora is a residential community with an active downtown. Residents love the area’s variety of local shopping and dining as well as easy access to a major metropolitan city. Besides this, the city’s affordable housing and pleasant summers make it an attractive destination for active adults looking for 55+ communities in Aurora.

Climate & Geography

Aurora is located in Northern Illinois and experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate. All four seasons are distinctly represented, with warm to hot summers and cold winters with occasional extreme wind-chill factors. There is average rainfall and snowfall, which is evenly distributed throughout the year, and 194 days of sun.

The region is located on the flat plains typical of Northern Illinois, and Aurora is located in several different counties. Fox River bisects the city vertically, and Interstate 88 on the northern border of the city heads directly east to Chicago.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

With Fox River cutting through the city, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating along the riverfront. RiverEdge Park, on the east side of the river, is a large park with trails, a public pier, and a concert venue. In addition, the Oakhurst Forest Preserve is a marsh in the city with fishing, walking paths, and wildlife viewing.

Aurora’s downtown area hosts community events, cultural festivals, public art exhibits, and the longest-running farmers market in the state. There are also local restaurants and boutiques as well as the Paramount Theater, which produces world-class musicals.

Residents also enjoy several golf courses in the city and surrounding suburbs and easy access to the amenities of Chicago, just over an hour away.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Aurora’s cost of living is below the national average. Major factors like housing, health care, utilities, and groceries are all below average, while transportation is just above average.

Illinois is tax friendly for retirees. All forms of retirement income, including Social Security benefits, 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions are untaxed. Though property taxes in the state are high, homeowners above the age of 65 qualify for an additional homestead exemption. Sales taxes are also above average, but groceries and medicine are taxed at a lower rate.

Health Care

According to Gallup’s Well-Being Index, the Chicago metro area, which includes Aurora, ranks in the top 90 communities across the country.

Aurora has two hospitals that are rated as high-performing by U.S. News: Rush-Copley Medical Center and AMITA Health Mercy Medical Center Aurora. There are several other high-performing hospitals in nearby cities as well, including Edward Hospital in Naperville, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Additionally, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is nationally ranked by U.S. News.