Best 55+ Communities in Chicago South Suburbs
The South Suburbs offer strong value and quieter residential settings while still providing desirable amenities and access to highways.
- Plainfield, IL
- Total Homes: 2,097
Price Range: $170,000 - $450,000
Condo, Townhomes, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 32,000 sq. ft.
- Crest Hill, IL
- Total Homes: 1,113
Price Range: $250,000 - $450,000
Quads, Sixplex, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 18,000 sq. ft.
- Romeoville, IL
- Total Homes: 677
Price Range: $240,000 - $425,000
Townhomes, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 13,000 sq. ft.
- Aurora, IL
- Total Homes: 800
Price Range: 450,000 - 1,000,000
Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 17,000 sq. ft.
- Naperville, IL
- Total Homes: 778
Price Range: $320,000 - $800,000
Condo, Townhomes, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 18,000 sq. ft.
- Shorewood, IL
- Total Homes: 765
Price Range: $270,000 - $550,000
Duplexes, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 17,000 sq. ft.
- North Aurora, IL
- Total Homes: 374
Price Range: $330,000 - $550,000
Duplexes, Triplexes, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 7,400 sq. ft.
- Lockport, IL
- Total Homes: 832
Price Range: $300,000 - $550,000
Quads, Duplexes, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 21,000 sq. ft.
- Aurora, IL
- Total Homes: 336
Price Range: $390,000 - $625,000
Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 8,000 sq. ft.
Active Adult Living & Retirement Communities Guide
The Chicago suburbs offer some of the most desirable 55+ communities in Illinois, providing active adults with low-maintenance homes, resort-style amenities, and strong community connections.
This guide serves as your starting point to explore active adult communities across the North, West, Northwest, and South Suburbs of Chicago.
Whether you’re downsizing, retiring, or relocating, you can explore detailed breakdowns of each region below.
Best 55+ Communities in Chicago North Suburbs
The North Suburbs of Chicago are known for upscale living, proximity to Lake Michigan, excellent healthcare access, and strong property values.
- Huntley, IL
- Total Homes: 5,481
Price Range: $250,000 - $800,000
Condo, Townhomes, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 94,000 sq. ft.
- Elgin, IL
- Total Homes: 1,040
Price Range: $320,000 - $630,000
Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 23,000 sq. ft.
- Pingree Grove, IL
- Total Homes: 943
Price Range: $390,000 - $625,000
Quads, Duplexes, Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 16,000 sq. ft.
- Mundelein, IL
- Total Homes: 725
Price Range: $390,000 - $800,000
Single-Family
Clubhouse Size: 17,000 sq. ft.
55+ Communities Map - Chicago Suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions About 55+ Communities
What is the age requirement in a 55+ community?
In most 55+ communities, at least one permanent resident in the household must be 55 years of age or older. These communities operate under the federal Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), which allows age-restricted housing as long as at least 80% of the occupied homes have one resident who is 55 or older.
Some communities may allow a percentage of residents under 55, and certain developments permit spouses or partners who are younger than 55 to live in the home full-time. However, rules vary by homeowners association (HOA), so it’s important to review the governing documents before purchasing.
In the Chicago suburbs, most active adult communities follow the 80/20 rule, but specific occupancy policies can differ depending on the development.
Are 55+ homes a good investment?
55+ homes in the Chicago suburbs can be a strong long-term investment, particularly in well-established communities with desirable amenities and solid HOA management.
Demand remains consistent due to:
- Baby Boomers downsizing
- Retirees relocating from larger homes
- Buyers seeking low-maintenance living
- Limited new construction inventory in some areas
Communities with strong amenities (clubhouses, pools, golf courses) and convenient locations near healthcare, shopping, and major highways typically hold their value well.
However, resale value depends on factors such as:
- HOA financial health
- Community reputation
- Home condition and updates
- Market conditions at time of sale
Working with a local real estate specialist familiar with Chicago area 55+ communities can help you evaluate long-term appreciation potential.
Do all 55+ communities have HOA fees?
Yes, nearly all 55+ communities in the Chicago suburbs have homeowners association (HOA) fees. These monthly or quarterly dues fund community maintenance and amenities.
HOA fees typically cover:
- Lawn care and landscaping
- Snow removal
- Exterior maintenance (varies by community)
- Clubhouse and amenity upkeep
- Insurance for common areas
- Community management services
Some communities include more comprehensive exterior coverage, while others may only cover landscaping and common spaces.
HOA fees vary widely depending on:
- Size of the community
- Level of amenities
- Age of the development
- Reserve funding
Before purchasing, it is important to review the HOA budget, reserve study, and governing documents to understand what is included and assess financial stability.
Can younger family members visit?
Yes. Age restrictions apply to permanent residents, not guests. Children, grandchildren, and younger family members are typically allowed to visit.
However, most communities limit how long guests under 55 may stay consecutively. Some HOAs restrict extended stays beyond a certain number of days per year.
For example:
- Short-term visits are almost always allowed
- Extended stays (30–90+ days) may require approval
If you expect frequent long-term visits from younger family members, reviewing community guest policies before purchasing is essential.
Are 55+ communities only for retirees?
No. While many residents are retired, you do not need to be retired to live in a 55+ community. As long as at least one resident meets the age requirement, you can still be working full-time or part-time.
Many active adult residents continue working or operate businesses while enjoying the benefits of low-maintenance living and community amenities.
Can I rent out a home in a 55+ community?
Rental policies vary significantly by community. Some 55+ communities in the Chicago suburbs restrict rentals entirely, while others allow them with limitations such as:
- Minimum lease terms
- Age-qualified tenant requirements
- Caps on the number of rental properties allowed
If purchasing with future rental potential in mind, it’s important to verify rental rules with the HOA.
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
George Kolar, SRES
