If you have been looking for retirement communities in Illinois we have the information to help you make a better choice. Our website will give you useful data and opinions about the best places to retire in Illinois, including the leading active adult retirement communities. This mid-western state had over 12.9 million people in 2008. It combines one of America's largest cities - Chicago - along with some unspoiled farming regions.
Illinois has a widely varying climate. Most of Illinois has hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. The southernmost part of the state, from about Carbondale southward, borders on a humid subtropical climate, with more moderate winters. Average yearly precipitation for Illinois varies from just over 48 inches at the southern tip to around 35 inches in the northern portion of the state. Normal annual snowfall exceeds 38 inches in the Chicago area, while the southern portion of the state normally receives less than 14 inches. Illinois averages around 51 days of thunderstorm activity a year, which ranks somewhat above average in the number of thunderstorm days for the United States.
Illinois's 2007 median income at just over $54,100 is slightly higher than the United States average. Median home prices are similar to those in most of the U.S.. In 2009's 2nd quarter the median home in the Chicago/Naperville Metro sells for $204,300 vs. the national median of $174,100. In the Champaign /Urbana area the median home goes for $141,000.
Illinois has one of the lowest income tax rates with a flat rate of 3%. State sales tax is 6.25%; local governments also sometimes charge sales tax. Cigarette taxes are about average and gasoline taxes higher than average. Total tax burden in Illinois is 30th in the nation, so the state is slightly more tax friendly than average. A very good thing for retirees is that pensions and social security income is not taxed at the state level. For more information see this IL Tax Guide.
Illinois can be a great state for active adults and people over 50, depending on your interests. Choose from Illinois retirement communities that are popular with active adults over 55 near its larger cities of Chicago, Peoria, or Joliet. Or choose a smaller town such as Galena, one of America's most charming small towns, and located on a huge bay of Lake Michigan. Galena at one time was bigger than Chicago, but now has fewer than 10,000 inhabitants! Champaign/Urbana is a top college town known as a cultural oasis. A number of active adult and 55+ communities have been built in the Elgin area.
