Chicago 55+ Communities

As you get ready to retire, there are many things to consider and anticipate. You have more time to spend with your family and loved ones, more time to travel and pursue hobbies, and more time to simply relax and enjoy life. One thing that you probably don’t want to spend the majority of your time on is worrying about taking care of your house. Fortunately, there are 55+ communities that can help you enjoy your retirement years without burden.

These places are geared towards helping you live a comfortable life without hassle or worry as well as offer certain amenities and perks. You won’t have to worry about taking care of your yard or maintaining your house. Perks may also include services like errands as well as meal planning and preparation. Each community has something different to offer, so it’s easy to find exactly the style of life you’re looking for.

If you’re looking to live in a place that has everything a big city has to offer as well as the comfort of a 55+ community, then Chicago is an excellent place to look. Chicago, Illinois is home to dozens of these 55+ communities and many of them have excellent ratings. These include places like Brookdale on Lake Shore Drive and Autumn Green at Midway Village, both of which received the 2016 Best of Senior Living Award from SeniorAdvisor.com.

The Cost of 55+ Communities In Chicago

It’s important to note that an independent living facility is going to cost a little more than average apartment rental rates, but that is because you are getting more for your money. In December 2015, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago was $1,956, and two-bedroom apartments were $2,231. The monthly rent for an independent living apartment in Chicago will be substantially higher. Again, this is all going to depend on how big an apartment you decide to get, the amenities and services offered, and the particular neighborhood you decide to rent.

With so many factors to consider, it is advisable to visit SeniorAdvisor for the latest information, facility reviews, and price points. Researching initially online will save time and money both now and in the future.

Paying For A 55+ Community

While there are some communities that accept Medicaid or other insurance plans, you will most likely pay for your new home with your own personal finances. That doesn’t mean that you have to give up hope for living in an independent facility. There are a few ways that you can save money and pay for your new community.

If you have retirement savings, this is the perfect time to utilize these funds. You can also use Social Security benefits to defray the rental cost. If you’re single and rent is too much to consider alone, consider getting a roommate to help split the cost. Some places will let you pick and choose what services you want to receive, which may lower the total cost of rent as well.

There may be some instances where you might be able to negotiate a lower price for monthly rent. Whatever you choose, there are ways to find money to enjoy your life after retirement.

Making A Retirement Community Your Own

Going from the workforce into retirement is a big transition and there are a lot of things in your life that are going to change. It might be overwhelming to think about what you should look for in a retirement community. Each one is different and the list of amenities can be long and confusing. The best thing to do before you start researching 55+ communities is to make a list of things that are important to you.

The first points on your list should be what you want in your home or apartment. Do you want to live in an apartment building where everything is centrally located, or have your own individual home in a neighborhood type setting? Is it important to have someone come in and take care of house maintenance, or do you want to handle that yourself? Do you have a pet that you want to bring with you? These are all good questions that can help you choose the right community.

After you decide on the type of community you want, then you can think about the extras. Chicago is a great place to settle into a 55+ community. There are so many activities to enjoy in the downtown area such as shopping, concerts, shows, restaurants, and tours. Many living facilities will arrange special trips at discounted prices so you can really enjoy the city.

You can also find places that are relaxed and laid back and offer services like:

cooking classes

art or music lessons

fitness classes

language classes

board and card games

swimming and golfing

a variety of therapies, like massage or physical

onsite medical tests, such as screenings

Whatever lifestyle you desire for your retirement years, an independent living community is the best place to enjoy your free time and live life to the fullest.