The first job I truly loved was the second one I had, working in dining services for a massive retirement community in my hometown. For six years, two in high school and all four in college, anytime I was home, I would work there. I got to know my senior residents like my own extra 12 dozen grandparents. In that time, I learned a lot about living life—especially in retirement. One thing is for sure: the best way to enjoy your retirement is to make the most of it. Keep moving, keep active, and see the world. That, in a nutshell, is why Illinois is the best place to retire.
Quality of Life in Illinois
Everywhere you look in Illinois, whether you’re a city dweller for life or prefer the quiet of the country, quality of life abounds here. There is always something to do, from enjoying some of the best golf courses in the country to taking a night on the town at one of the state’s over 600 live music venues. Plus, according to U.S. News & World Report, 10 cities in Illinois were named among the best places to live for 2025–2026.
That ranking was determined by several indices, including value, quality of life, and desirability. Those 10 top-ranking cities, from highest to lowest, are Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Naperville, Palatine, Elgin, Schaumburg, Bloomington, Boilingbrook, Skokie, and Des Plaines.
Unique Cultural or Lifestyle Benefits of Illinois
Where can I even begin? The culture is what brought me to Illinois in the first place, specifically Chicago. But even beyond my city’s world-class museum scene, with the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Science and Industry, Illinois has plenty to offer beyond its most populous city.
The entire state is home to over 500 museums and art galleries, over four dozen designated state historic sites, and more performing arts groups than you could shake a stick at. Heck, we’ve even got free, niche museums for the curious-minded. Around here, you can see the world without crossing state lines. The biggest bonus, though, is that you’re never too far from that classic Midwestern hospitality.
Affordability
Like anywhere, Illinois runs the gamut on affordability. Yet, several of the state’s cities have been named by FinanceBuzz as excellent places for retirees to call home. One such city is the capital of Springfield! According to FinanceBuzz, the city, known for its Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Illinois State Capitol, also has a cost of living that is 6 percent below the national average, largely due to housing costs…