Top 3 Reasons to Choose Chicago for Retirement
Getting your affairs in order for retirement and considering where to live next? If Chicago isn’t already on your short list, it definitely needs to be. There’s a long list of reasons why Chicago is an ideal place for retirees.
According to US News, Chicago is among the best places to retire in the United States. Even though Chicago is a large city, it is manageable and keeps an air of Midwestern friendliness – which is impressive when considering the cold winters. The average costs for housing are about equal to the national average, and the city is well-known for its diversity and cultural offerings. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown and the Polish Triangle offer retirees a taste of culture from around the world. For the foodies among us, it’s important to know that the city offers an exciting and vibrant food scene – boasting Chicago’s signature deep dish pizza, famous hot dog joints, and renown steakhouses. It’s not an exaggeration to say there really is something for everyone in Chicago.
Still not ready to commit to Chicago? Here are some of the best things about retiring in this city:
1. Retirees Are Close to World-Class Healthcare in Chicago
Great health care can be hard to come by, and being close to renown and reliable hospitals is extremely crucial for retirees as they continue to age. Two major Chicago hospitals and health hubs, Northwestern University Memorial Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, appear on IBM Watson’s list of best hospitals in America. A few others on the list are located within an hour of Chicago, so if you choose to live in a suburb of Chicago you may have even more options when it comes to healthcare facilities.
2. Entertainment Abounds for Retirees in Chicago
Chicago falls within the top 100 cities nationwide for retirees – heavily fueled by the city’s ranking of #10 overall for things to do. One of the most noteworthy changes that come with retirement is having more time to focus on the things you want to do versus having to focus on the things you need to do. In Chicago, retirees have an opportunity to fill their newfound free time with some of the best entertainment available in the US.
Having fun doesn’t need to break the bank – and in Chicago, retirees can rest assured knowing entertainment doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. There are many free attractions seniors can enjoy all year in Chicago, including the Chicago Cultural Center, the Harold Washington Library Center, Hyde Park Art Center and Navy Pier. For those who would rather put their trust in a tour guide, Chicago also offers a Neighborhood Greeter Tours, which pairs people up with knowledgeable locals. This can help you find exactly what you’re looking for in the city.
3. Chicago Is Home to a Variety of Senior Living Options
Not every retiree wants to buy a house as they transition into their Golden Years – and this is perfectly normal. If you count yourself among that group of retirees, you’ll be relieved to hear that Chicago offers many different senior living options. The right option for you will determine your level of need for assistance and also your personal preferences.
If you are still relatively healthy and want to remain as independent as possible, but would rather not deal with the headaches of being a full homeowner, you might want to consider a retirement community. These communities are designed for seniors 55 years of age or older. They offer assistance with home maintenance responsibilities like lawn care, snow removal and roofing upkeep. These “55-plus communities” also typically have luxury amenities to help attract residents pools, fitness centers and happy hours. Your real estate agent can help walk you through these offerings and any fees that might be associated with living in one of these communities.
If you feel your health or any mobility limitations will prevent you from living independently while remaining safe, an assisted living facility might be a more appropriate option for you. There are a large number of senior living communities throughout the Chicago area and many more in the nearby areas. This type of facility is a great option for retirees who require assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, managing medications or keeping up with general housework.
Ready to make your move in Chicago? Contact Robert Bailey with American Realty Network to discover your dream home today. He is a specialist in providing strategic counsel, creative solutions, ethical advice, and dynamic services while empowering lives through real estate.