here are a surprising number of great towns for retirees in Illinois.
The grades Ive assigned (A+ to D-) reflect my subjective assessments based on current data and research.
Ive listed towns alphabetically for easy reference.
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Importantly, these grades are relative to other Illinois communities only, not compared to locations nationwide.
Heres the list:
1.
Alton
Alton shines as a retirement destination primarily due to its exceptional Mississippi River views and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Belleville
Belleville attracts retirees with its blend of urban amenities and small-town charm, anchored by excellent healthcare options.
Bloomington
Bloomington stands out for its excellent combination of cultural amenities and healthcare facilities.
The city features the renowned Illinois Symphony Orchestra, multiple theaters, and numerous parks and golf courses.
Carbondale
Carbondale offers exceptional value for retirees, particularly due to its highly affordable housing market.
Veterans Memorial Airport is within 30 minutes, and Memorial Hospital of Carbondale offers reliable medical care.
Champaign
Champaign excels as a retirement destination thanks to its vibrant cultural scene powered by the University of Illinois.
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.
Charleston
Charleston stands out for its exceptional housing affordability and college-town atmosphere.
Decatur
Decatur attracts retirees with its combination of affordable living and rich community amenities.
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.
Edwardsville
Edwardsville offers an upscale retirement experience with excellent safety ratings and cultural amenities.
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.
Effingham
Effingham shines for its small-town charm and strategic location at the crossroads of major highways.
The community enjoys the Effingham Performance Center and Lake Sara for recreation.
Galena
Galena captivates retirees with its stunning historic architecture and picturesque setting in the Driftless Area.
Dubuque Regional Airport is 30 minutes away, and Midwest Medical Center provides local healthcare services.
Galesburg
Galesburg offers retirees an attractive combination of cultural amenities and affordable living.
The town features Knox Colleges 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.
Geneva
Geneva attracts retirees with its charming downtown and excellent quality of life, though housing costs are significant.
The community enjoys the Fox River Trail, numerous festivals, and upscale shopping and dining.
OHare International Airport is 45 minutes away, and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital provides excellent healthcare services.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville offers retirees a rich historical atmosphere combined with excellent affordability.
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.
Marion
Marion stands out for its proximity to outdoor recreation and affordable living costs.
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.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon offers retirees an excellent combination of affordability and small-town charm.
Southern Illinois Airport is about an hour away, and SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital provides comprehensive medical care.
Normal
Normal excels as a retirement destination due to its excellent safety record and cultural offerings.
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.
Ottawa
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.
Chicagos airports are about 90 minutes away, and OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center offers quality healthcare services.
Pekin
Pekin offers retirees an affordable lifestyle with easy access to larger city amenities.
The town features numerous parks along the river and the Pekin Park Districts recreation programs.
Peoria International Airport is 30 minutes away, and UnityPoint Health-Pekin Hospital provides reliable medical care.
Peoria
Peoria provides retirees with big-city amenities while maintaining a manageable size.
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.
Quincy
Quincy charms retirees with its Mississippi River setting and historic architecture.
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.
Rock Island
Rock Island offers retirees a vibrant cultural scene as part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area.
The city features the Districts 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.
Springfield
Springfield attracts retirees with its rich historical significance and comprehensive amenities.
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.
St. Charles
St. Charles offers an upscale retirement experience with excellent amenities and safety.
The city features the historic Arcada Theatre, extensive Fox River recreation, and numerous cultural festivals.
OHare International Airport is 45 minutes away, and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services.
Urbana
Urbana excels as a retirement destination with its academic atmosphere and cultural diversity.
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.
Waterloo
Waterloo stands out for its exceptional safety ratings and small-town charm.
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.
