Plainfield 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Located in Northern Illinois, Plainfield is a popular suburb of Chicago. Its active downtown and access to numerous green and natural spaces make it attractive for active adults seeking a quieter lifestyle near the big city. In addition, residents love local golfing, concerts, and historic preservation. 

Climate & Geography 

Northern Illinois has a hot-summer-subtype humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons with hot summers, cold winters, and sometimes extreme temperatures. Plainfield is too far inland to receive the moderating effects of Lake Michigan. There is average rainfall and snowfall as well as about 188 days of sunshine each year.

Plainfield is located on what used to be a lake. After the lake drained into the Illinois River valley, it left behind the flatlands that now encompass the city. The Lake Renwick Reserve is on the southeast border.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

As Plainfield’s population has rapidly expanded in the past 30 years, so has its entertainment and cultural offerings. Downtown Plainfield is the recently revitalized historic district featuring boutique shopping and art. Residents can dine outside in the summer months and enjoy the classic architecture. The city also hosts free summer concerts at Settlers’ Park.

Retirees seeking outdoor recreation can head to Lake Renwick or the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve for birding and scenic views. The DuPage River Trail is just south of the city, offering 30 miles of running, walking, and biking paths through parks and forest preserves. The city also has three local golf courses, as well as numerous others in the surrounding suburbs. 

Outside of the city, nearby Chicago has world-class dining and high-end shopping. Residents can get downtown in under an hour.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

Plainfield’s cost of living is just higher than the national average. Housing and transportation are the biggest costs, while utilities, groceries, and health care all hover at or below the national average.

Illinois is moderately tax friendly for retirees. Social Security benefits and all other forms of retirement income are subtracted from any taxable income. Property taxes are high with a homestead exemption available. In addition, sales taxes are high, and medicine and groceries are taxed at a lower level.

Health Care

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

There are no hospitals in Plainfield, but there are several hospitals that are rated high performing by U.S. News in nearby cities and towns. These include AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, and Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. The closest nationally ranked hospital is Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, and the city of Chicago has some of the top hospitals in the country.