here are a surprising number of great towns for retirees in Illinois.
The following list presents 25 outstanding retirement destinations across Illinois, with each town I’ve evaluated based on seven key criteria: cost of buying a home, healthcare access, weather, cultural activities, outdoor activities, crime rate, and airport proximity.
The grades I’ve assigned (A+ to D-) reflect my subjective assessments based on current data and research.
I’ve listed towns alphabetically for easy reference. Importantly, these grades are relative to other Illinois communities only, not compared to locations nationwide.
Here’s the list:
1. Alton
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: B
Alton shines as a retirement destination primarily due to its exceptional Mississippi River views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The housing market offers strong mortgage affordability with median home prices around $95,000, making it one of the more budget-friendly options in the region for retirees looking to secure a home loan.
The town boasts a rich historical district with numerous antique shops and art galleries, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway and numerous hiking trails. Alton is approximately 40 minutes from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and the local Alton Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive medical services.
2. Belleville
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Belleville attracts retirees with its blend of urban amenities and small-town charm, anchored by excellent healthcare options. The median home price of around $125,000 makes mortgage payments manageable for most retirees, with numerous housing options available in well-established neighborhoods.
The historic downtown area features numerous festivals throughout the year, while nearby parks and golf courses provide ample outdoor recreation. The town is just 25 minutes from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and Memorial Hospital Belleville offers extensive medical services.
3. Bloomington
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: A+
Bloomington stands out for its excellent combination of cultural amenities and healthcare facilities. The median home price of $165,000 offers reasonable mortgage terms for retirees, with a mix of historic homes and modern developments available throughout the city.
The city features the renowned Illinois Symphony Orchestra, multiple theaters, and numerous parks and golf courses. Central Illinois Regional Airport is just 10 minutes away, and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center provides top-tier healthcare services.
4. Carbondale
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Carbondale offers exceptional value for retirees, particularly due to its highly affordable housing market. With median home prices around $85,000, securing a home loan is notably affordable, and the presence of Southern Illinois University adds vibrancy to the community.
The town offers rich cultural experiences through university events and local festivals, while the nearby Shawnee National Forest provides endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Veterans Memorial Airport is within 30 minutes, and Memorial Hospital of Carbondale offers reliable medical care.
5. Champaign
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: A
Champaign excels as a retirement destination thanks to its vibrant cultural scene powered by the University of Illinois. The median home price of $180,000 means mortgages require careful consideration, but the city offers diverse housing options from downtown condos to suburban homes.
The community enjoys numerous cultural attractions, including the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and extensive park systems. Willard Airport is just 15 minutes away, and Carle Foundation Hospital provides comprehensive medical services.
6. Charleston
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: C+
Charleston stands out for its exceptional housing affordability and college-town atmosphere. With median home prices around $90,000, retirees will find mortgage payments particularly manageable, and the Eastern Illinois University campus adds energy to the community.
The town offers various cultural events through the university, while Lake Charleston and Fox Ridge State Park provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The nearest major airport is in Champaign, about an hour away, while Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center serves the community’s medical needs.
7. Decatur
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: B+
Decatur attracts retirees with its combination of affordable living and rich community amenities. The median home price of $80,000 makes securing a home loan particularly accessible, with numerous well-maintained neighborhoods available.
The city features the Decatur Arts Council, multiple museums, and Lake Decatur for recreation. Decatur Airport offers regional flights, and Decatur Memorial Hospital provides quality healthcare services within easy reach.
8. Edwardsville
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B+
Edwardsville offers an upscale retirement experience with excellent safety ratings and cultural amenities. The median home price of $195,000 means mortgages require more substantial investment, but the quality of life justifies the cost for many retirees.
The town features the Wildey Theatre, numerous parks, and an extensive trail system. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 45 minutes away, and Anderson Hospital provides reliable healthcare services.
9. Effingham
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: C+
Effingham shines for its small-town charm and strategic location at the crossroads of major highways. The housing market offers excellent mortgage affordability with median home prices around $120,000, providing good value for retirees.
The community enjoys the Effingham Performance Center and Lake Sara for recreation. The nearest major airport is in Champaign, about 90 minutes away, while HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive medical care.
10. Galena
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: B-
Galena captivates retirees with its stunning historic architecture and picturesque setting in the Driftless Area. The median home price of $235,000 means home loans may be more expensive, but the unique character and tourism-driven economy make it a special retirement destination.
The town features numerous art galleries, boutiques, and historic sites, while the surrounding hills offer golf and hiking opportunities. Dubuque Regional Airport is 30 minutes away, and Midwest Medical Center provides local healthcare services.
11. Galesburg
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Galesburg offers retirees an attractive combination of cultural amenities and affordable living. With median home prices around $75,000, mortgage affordability is excellent, allowing retirees to own spacious homes without stretching their budgets.
The town features Knox College’s cultural events, the Railroad Days festival, and Lake Storey for recreation. Quad Cities International Airport is about an hour away, and Galesburg Cottage Hospital provides essential medical services.
12. Geneva
- Cost of Buying a Home: D+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: A-
Geneva attracts retirees with its charming downtown and excellent quality of life, though housing costs are significant. The median home price of $375,000 means securing a mortgage will be expensive, but the town’s amenities and charm make it worth considering for those with substantial retirement savings.
The community enjoys the Fox River Trail, numerous festivals, and upscale shopping and dining. O’Hare International Airport is 45 minutes away, and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital provides excellent healthcare services.
13. Jacksonville
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Jacksonville offers retirees a rich historical atmosphere combined with excellent affordability. The median home price of $85,000 makes mortgage payments particularly manageable, with many historic homes available at reasonable prices.
The town features Illinois College events, numerous parks, and the Jacksonville Symphony Society. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield is 45 minutes away, and Jacksonville Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services.
14. Marion
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: B
Marion stands out for its proximity to outdoor recreation and affordable living costs. The housing market offers strong mortgage affordability with median home prices around $110,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious retirees.
The city provides easy access to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and numerous wineries. Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois is nearby, and Heartland Regional Medical Center offers quality healthcare services.
15. Mount Vernon
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: B-
Mount Vernon offers retirees an excellent combination of affordability and small-town charm. With median home prices around $80,000, securing a home loan is notably affordable, allowing retirees to live comfortably on a fixed income
The city features the Mitchell Museum at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts and several local parks. Southern Illinois Airport is about an hour away, and SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital provides comprehensive medical care.
16. Normal
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A+
Normal excels as a retirement destination due to its excellent safety record and cultural offerings. The median home price of $170,000 means mortgages are moderately priced, with options ranging from downtown condos to suburban homes.
The town offers numerous theatrical performances, the Constitution Trail for recreation, and active community programs. Central Illinois Regional Airport is just 10 minutes away, and Carle BroMenn Medical Center provides excellent healthcare services.
17. Ottawa
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Ottawa draws retirees with its scenic location at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois Rivers. The median home price of $135,000 offers reasonable mortgage terms, with many properties featuring river views.
The historic downtown hosts various festivals, while Starved Rock State Park provides excellent hiking opportunities. Chicago’s airports are about 90 minutes away, and OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center offers quality healthcare services.
18. Pekin
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: B+
Pekin offers retirees an affordable lifestyle with easy access to larger city amenities. With median home prices around $105,000, home loans are quite affordable, and the Illinois River location adds scenic value.
The town features numerous parks along the river and the Pekin Park District’s recreation programs. Peoria International Airport is 30 minutes away, and UnityPoint Health-Pekin Hospital provides reliable medical care.
19. Peoria
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: A
Peoria provides retirees with big-city amenities while maintaining a manageable size. The median home price of $130,000 keeps mortgages affordable, with options ranging from historic homes to modern developments.
The city boasts the Peoria Riverfront Museum, numerous theaters, and extensive park systems. Peoria International Airport is 15 minutes away, and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center offers comprehensive healthcare services.
20. Quincy
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: B
- Airport Proximity: B
Quincy charms retirees with its Mississippi River setting and historic architecture. The housing market offers excellent mortgage affordability with median home prices around $95,000, including many well-preserved historic properties.
The city features numerous museums, the Villa Kathrine cultural center, and extensive riverfront recreation areas. Quincy Regional Airport offers convenient connections, and Blessing Hospital provides comprehensive medical services.
21. Rock Island
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Rock Island offers retirees a vibrant cultural scene as part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area. The median home price of $115,000 means home loans are quite manageable, with diverse housing options throughout the city.
The city features the District’s entertainment venues, numerous Mississippi River recreation opportunities, and vibrant festivals. Quad Cities International Airport is 15 minutes away, and UnityPoint Health-Trinity Rock Island provides excellent healthcare services.
22. Springfield
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: C+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Springfield attracts retirees with its rich historical significance and comprehensive amenities. The median home price of $140,000 offers reasonable mortgage terms, with options from historic districts to modern subdivisions.
The state capital features numerous Lincoln sites, the Illinois State Museum, and Lake Springfield recreation areas. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is 15 minutes away, and Memorial Medical Center provides top-tier healthcare services.
23. St. Charles
- Cost of Buying a Home: D+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: A-
St. Charles offers an upscale retirement experience with excellent amenities and safety. The median home price of $350,000 means securing a mortgage will require substantial resources, but the high quality of life justifies the investment for many retirees.
The city features the historic Arcada Theatre, extensive Fox River recreation, and numerous cultural festivals. O’Hare International Airport is 45 minutes away, and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services.
24. Urbana
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B-
- Airport Proximity: A
Urbana excels as a retirement destination with its academic atmosphere and cultural diversity. The median home price of $175,000 means mortgages are moderately priced, with housing options from historic homes to modern developments.
The city offers numerous University of Illinois events, the beautiful Meadowbrook Park, and active community programs. Willard Airport is 15 minutes away, and Carle Foundation Hospital provides excellent healthcare services.
25. Waterloo
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B
Waterloo stands out for its exceptional safety ratings and small-town charm. The median home price of $160,000 offers reasonable home loan terms, with many properties featuring spacious lots in quiet neighborhoods.
The community enjoys several local parks, the Monroe County History Museum, and various community events. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 35 minutes away, and Red Bud Regional Hospital provides reliable healthcare services.
Sources:
- idot.illinois.gov
- uillinois.edu
- chicagotribune.com
- newhomesource.com
- eagle1023fm.com
- kiplinger.com
- unbiased.com
- finance.yahoo.com
- safewise.com
- retirable.com
- reolink.com
- wealthtender.com
- comerica.com
