10 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In Illinois
According to data from the US Census Bureau, nearly 18% of the population in Illinois is 65 years or older. This is a testament to the state's popularity as a retirement destination, offering senior citizens a diverse range of lifestyle experiences, from the big-city bustle of Chicago to the rural countryside of Southern Illinois. Access to quality medical institutions, such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and a favorable tax policy further solidify Illinois' position as one of the best states for retirement in the US. For pensioners seeking to stretch their fixed income, small towns like Princeton and La Salle offer a perfect landing spot. With numerous options to choose from, here are some of the most affordable small towns to retire in Illinois.
Mendota
Mendota offers a quiet suburban atmosphere with abundant access to nature, assuring retirees of laid-back recreational opportunities at spots like Mendota Lake Park. Strategically situated in the heart of town, this natural space offers a peaceful atmosphere for activities such as fishing, picnicking, disc golf, and wildlife observation. Meanwhile, the Mendota Golf Club invites seniors to unwind on 5 sets of tees, designed for golfers of different ability levels. Boasting 140 acres of undulating hills and lush fairways, this 18-hole course is the perfect challenge for a group of peers.
Seniors who appreciate the culinary arts will enjoy the authentic Mexican cuisine served at El Zarape Mexican Restaurant, which comprises fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, and more in a down-home setting. Mendota is also home to OSF Saint Paul Medical Center, which provides geriatric medical services, with several areas of focus, including orthopedics and rehabilitation therapy. Meanwhile, Zillow has Mendota's average home value at $170,000, which is significantly lower than the Illinois state average of $278,351.
La Salle
La Salle's suitability as a retirement community is bolstered by facilities such as the OSF Elizabeth Medical Center in nearby Ottawa. The modern institution provides comprehensive primary care, focusing on senior-friendly services such as extensive rehabilitation, telehealth, and palliative care within the vast OSF network. Another critical public resource that retirees will appreciate is the La Salle Public Library. Here, residents have access to books, magazines, ebooks, and other information resources, as well as community offerings such as assistance with taxes and a wide range of clubs.
To maintain an active lifestyle, Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course that challenges players and rewards them with expansive bentgrass fairways. Senior citizens can also spend their free time browsing eccentric and unusual items in local boutiques such as Chaos and Curiosities, with items sourced from over 30 local creatives. As for affordability, the average La Salle home value is just $125,000.
Vandalia
This riverfront community encourages retirees to spend their golden years appreciating the countryside, offering a 60-acre network of park spaces and natural areas. Thanks to the Vandalia Lake Marina, they can retreat to a serene oasis to reflect and decompress. Boasting a 12-mile shoreline and access to a 660-acre reservoir, the area is perfect for activities such as boating, picnicking, and fishing for largemouth bass. For an even more unique adventure, a trip with Precision Fishing Guides is a fun way to explore the region from the water, featuring excursions on the rivers and lakes of Southern Illinois.
Vandalia Bowl has a welcoming atmosphere that encourages social bonding and physical activity, with several leagues to choose from and pizza to fuel an afternoon or evening of friendly competition. SBL Fayette County Hospital is the primary care facility in Vandalia, offering medical and surgical care, as well as 24-hour emergency services, and the region's average home value is an affordable $125,000.
Sullivan
Sullivan guarantees its senior population year-round opportunities to stay engaged and entertained, starting with live shows at the Little Theatre on the Square. This landmark stage hosts sold-out live productions in a friendly atmosphere, featuring dance, song, kids' shows, and dramas that delight the audience. Downtown Sullivan is home to numerous restaurants, pubs, and bars that also serve as excellent meeting spots. Red Apple Family Restaurant is a popular destination for many locals for a hearty breakfast in a casual setting.
Outdoor recreation awaits active retirees at Timberlake Golf Course, where they can test their swing on the 9 challenging holes, stroll down well-maintained fairways, and delight in sweeping views of Lake Shelbyville. The Moultrie County Senior Center is one of the many amenities designed to enhance the welfare of pensioners through a range of programs and activities, including bingo, pool tournaments, exercise classes, and holiday parties. Meanwhile, the average home value in Sullivan is $188,000.
Streator
Streator's average home value is $120,000, making it one of the more affordable towns to retire in Illinois. However, beyond its low cost of living, the community caters to the entertainment needs of seniors with a variety of venues, including the Engle Lane Theatre. This 247-seat performance stage enriches the community by fostering creativity and inviting the public to catch live theater by budding local talent. Alternatively, pensioners can use their free time to bowl at Bowl Mor Streator, which brings the community together with old-school fun. The 16-lane bowling center also features arcade games and a strike zone, making it suitable for both kids and adults.
Locals appreciate the idea of supporting God's Will Thrift and Vintage Store, which sells a variety of clothing items and vintage goods, with the proceeds donated to the community's veterans, first responders, and teachers. Elsewhere, the OSF Center for Health Streator provides all the necessary medical care resources for patients, featuring an emergency center and comprehensive outpatient services.
Princeton
Princeton's Park District boasts more than 200 acres of lush natural spaces in town, providing adequate room for all forms of recreational activities. From walking and picnicking to camping and even an outdoor swimming pool, the community encourages a healthy and active lifestyle. Beyond the outdoors, pensioners have a one-stop shop for year-round entertainment indoors at Festival 56. Everyone in the town comes out to watch classic and contemporary productions, ranging from musicals to dramas, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
Seniors can also go treasure hunting at Eclectic Joy, which displays a selection of vintage items. The OSF Saint Clare Medical Center is a 25-bed facility that addresses some of the healthcare needs in the region, and it works in conjunction with the larger OSF network to deliver comprehensive and reliable service. Finally, Princeton's average home value of $166,000 makes it an attractive choice for those on a limited budget.
Pontiac
Pontiac lies along historic Route 66, providing residents and visitors alike with a nostalgic experience through an array of treasures commemorating the iconic highway. The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum is an excellent example, exhibiting photographs, murals, artifacts, and relics that highlight the story of the Mother Road since its early days. Besides history, residents stay connected with the arts by catching a show at the Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center. This public gathering space can accommodate approximately 250 people, who regularly attend lectures, conferences, concerts, and other cultural events.
Meanwhile, those who love the outdoor lifestyle can escape to the secluded trails of Humiston Woods Nature Preserve for fresh-air adventures. Spanning over 300 acres, this sprawling sanctuary on the banks of the Vermilion River offers excellent hiking, fishing, and biking opportunities. While the average home value is a reasonable $146,000, Pontiac is also home to multiple retirement communities where seniors can feel a sense of support and belonging, including Evenglow Senior Living with options for independent and varying degrees of assisted living.
Pittsfield
Pittsfield boasts a rich slice of history linked to President Abraham Lincoln, which is preserved at the John Shastid House, where Lincoln once stayed while practising as a lawyer. Today, the timber-frame structure from the 1830s brings these early days to life, as does the East School Museum, which is managed and supported by the Pike County Historical Society. The All Wars Museum is another favorite, particularly among seniors and veterans. It honors the lives and stories of those who fought, showcasing artifacts and photographs donated by local veterans and their families.
Alternatively, those who enjoy gaming can take advantage of the slots at Lucky Z's. The establishment provides a premier casino experience, featuring six of the latest games and a comfortable atmosphere. With access to Illini Community Hospital, residents are guaranteed high-quality medical services locally, and Pittsfield boasts an average home value of only $127,000.
Peru
Peru is a small steamboat port town along the Illinois River with fun water-based adventures to excite retirees. At the South Shore Boat Club, residents come for fishing and sailing opportunities, with a chance to explore the water during an easygoing cruise. For a bit of leisure indoors, AMC Peru Mall 8 is a modern movie theater that features reclining, plush seating and showcases first-run films on massive 3D digital screens, while serving a wide range of classic concessions.
When it comes to housing, Liberty Village of Peru presents the full spectrum of options, from detached single-family homes and apartments to assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation, and for those looking to purchase, the region's average home value is just $172,000. Whether you have your own kitchen or a seat in the dining room, dinner nights out never disappoint in Peru, thanks to a selection of local eateries and their diverse flavors, such as Koi Sushi & Hibachi. This welcoming Japanese restaurant is renowned for its sizzling hibachi grills, bento boxes, teriyaki, and sushi rolls.
Ottawa
Ottawa sits at the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers, serving as a gateway to Buffalo Rock State Park. This means retirees have plenty of opportunities to indulge in outdoor recreation throughout the 298-acre reserve. Miles of scenic trails criss-cross the area, inviting hiking and biking excursions, as well as sweeping vistas of the water. Elsewhere, Open Space Art Gallery & Studios provides a lovely spot where art lovers and aspiring creatives come together through exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, and classes.
When the grandchildren come to town, a great place to spend quality time with family or friends is Paramount Skating Arena, an excellent venue to hold birthday parties. Meanwhile, the OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center provides a 97-bed facility to address any medical care needs in Ottawa, where the average home value is $202,500.
Easy Living In Illinois
Whether seeking a new start or simply looking to wind down, these affordable towns to retire in Illinois offer comfort, community, and financial breathing room. From walkable downtowns to reliable healthcare and access to outdoor opportunities and welcoming neighbors, each place balances rural charm with overall practicality. Together, they offer many of the ingredients needed to have a fulfilling retirement shaped by simplicity, stability, and Midwestern warmth for years to come.
