Elgin 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Located in Northern Illinois, Elgin is a popular Chicago suburb. The city has a vibrant downtown and historic district, complete with a local museum, boutique shopping, and a weekly farmers market. In addition to this, active adults enjoy the nearby nature preserves and greenspaces that offer plenty of walking trails and other outdoor recreation.

Climate & Geography 

Elgin has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and bitterly cold winters. Without the moderating effects of nearby water or mountains, extreme temperatures can occur. Residents can expect 38 inches of rain, 33 inches of snow, and 190 days of sun per year.

Located in the Prairie State, Elgin is flat and covered in grasslands. The city is directly west of the Arthur L. Janura Forest Preserve, and the Fox River flows through the middle of town.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Active adults looking to get outside in Elgin are in luck. There are several parks and greenspaces throughout the city, including the popular Lords Park, which has a museum and zoo in addition to walking trails. Nearby LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, Poplar Creek Forest Preserve, and Walton Island Park have even more trails. 

Residents of the city enjoy the local boutiques and eateries of Downtown Elgin, which also has a weekly farmers market in the summer. This is also the historic area, has the popular Elgin History Museum and hosts an annual historic home tour. Other popular amenities include a local orchestra and theater company, a casino, and an expansive art gallery.

Elgin residents also have easy access to Chicago either by train or car.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Elgin is below the state and national average, making it an affordable place to live. 

Illinois is a tax-friendly state for retirees. Social Security benefits, 401(ks), IRAs, pensions, and any other form of retirement income are not taxes. However, the state has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Luckily, retirees over 65 may be eligible for an additional homestead exemption to help reduce these taxes. Sales taxes are also above average. 

Health Care

The Chicago metro area ranks in the top 85 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.

Elgin has three hospitals located in town. Two of them, Advocate Sherman Hospital and Amita Health St. Joseph Hospital Elgin, are rated high performing by U.S. News. The closest nationally ranked hospital is Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, located 14 miles away.