People of all ages are proud to call Chicago their home. Over 14% of people are over the age of 65. Why is there so many elderly people in Chicago? It’s a big city that young people love to visit. It’s full of tourists from all over the world. And if you are someone who wants to get some peace and quiet, you can find it in Chicago too. Let’s find out why is so many people deciding on retiring in Chicago.

Pros

Public Transportation

Many people don’t think about this, but this is a really important topic. When you are older you want to be able to move fast from one place to another. And Chicago is the city that allows you to do so. Chicago has trains, buses, bike shares, taxis, and is the 6th most walkable city in the entire country. Chicago has the second largest transportation network in the United States. You can own a car in Chicago, there is really no need to. You need it if you want to be able to travel across the State. The “L” is the gem of Chicago’s transportation system. The “L” operates 24 hours a day on eight lines with over 100 miles of track. This network is supported by a bus system too.

Chicago is also extremely bike-friendly, with over 200 miles of bike lanes. Of course, Chicago also has plenty of cabs. Shared ride services like Lyft and Uber have become very popular over the years. If you are moving from a small town to a big city such as Chicago, you will find these to be very helpful.

Healthcare

Another important factor for retirement destinations is local healthcare. Chicago is a leader in US healthcare and has several hospitals that rank nationally for geriatric care. Chicago is full of doctors who treat incontinence, heart disease, diabetes, and memory loss. With over 90 hospitals in the Chicago metro area, you are always close to great healthcare. Which is a big plus for this city. There are plenty of primary care doctors and health care services in Chicago focused on senior living. Because moving is a stressful process, you might suffer some consequences. But hopefully you don’t and you stay healthy and happy after moving.

Culture and Entertainment

The city offers plenty to do in all seasons with some of the best museums, restaurants, and beaches in the country. As elderly retired people have a lot of free time, this is perfect. Spring and summer are ideal for long walks in beautiful Chicago parks and botanical gardens and beaches. Winter and autumn are usually on the colder side.

That’s when you can visit the art galleries, go to the cinema. Chicago is filled with plenty of restaurants serving delicious international food. From Asian to Mediterranean cuisine, Chicago has it all. Chicago is worth moving for retirement. Retiring in Chicago can be really fun if you want it to be like that.

Where to Retire in Chicago and Home Prices

Chicago has many beautiful and safe neighborhoods that you’ll love. These neighborhoods are on the more expensive side though. The North Side tends to be the most expensive and charming. High rises along the lake provide wonderful views. But we think that it is worth investing a lot of money in a home in such a neighborhood. Why? Because if you are retiring in Chicago, you are going to keep living there for a while. If it’s nice and safe and the house is in good condition, you’ll be set for many years. And one day, your children and grandchildren will have something beautiful to remember you by besides the memories.

But you can find cheap homes in Chicago for renting and buying. You can live there until you are ready to invest more money in a home, and when you decide to do so you have Oak Park based moving specialists at your disposal. Having professionals by your side will make everything much easier.

Cons of Chicago

Like every city, Chicago has its cons. Even though there aren’t many, the few ones that exist can change your mind completely. Crime is often something that comes to mind when thinking of Chicago. More recently, the city has struggled with the reputation of being the nation’s “murder capital”. But the number of people shot in Chicago is down about 30% over the past two years. Chicago can be an expensive place to live in. The cost of living in the USA is generally big, but Chicago is very expensive. Not as New York of course.

The weather isn’t really the best too. When it’s warm in Chicago it’s nice and warm, but get ready for some cold winters. Having an average temperature of -5°C (21°F). So if you are thinking about retiring in Chicago you better buy a good winter coat.

Retirement homes in Chicago

Whether a more clinical setting is desired or luxury accommodations with medical care, there are facilities in Chicago that fit the bill. The first on our list is Cantata Adult Life Services. They are committed to an individualized approach with the goal of promoting independence when possible. All American Nursing offers nursing care and therapy in a 24-hour setting. They offer a variety of different religious services. Aperion Care International offers skilled nursing care including care of advanced conditions. Lakeview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers long term and short term care.

Conclusion on retiring in Chicago

As you can see, there are many options for both renting and buying a home. And even retiring in a retirement home. Consider all the factors and do some more research, but we believe that Chicago is a good place to spend the years of your life that should be peaceful and beautiful.