Best Independent Living in Chicago, IL

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 47 independent living communities in Chicago, IL using IL Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in IL
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Chicago, IL our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Chicago, IL.
47 homes
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Info below is compiled from the IL Dept. of Public Health (IDPH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Total count of deficiencies (cited regulatory issues) recorded in the selected reporting period. Read alongside inspection counts for context.
The average number of deficiencies this facility receives each time it's inspected, calculated as total deficiencies ÷ total inspections. A lower number suggests more consistent compliance with safety and care standards.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Smith Village
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Chicago (South Side)
82
Facility 82
IL AVG 70
Rank #35 / 123
Yes
71
Facility 71
IL AVG 51
Rank #58 / 229
17
Facility 17
IL AVG 15
Rank #29 / 71
A+The Washington And Jane Smith Community-Beverly10
25
Facility 25
IL AVG 7
Rank #89 / 98
2.5
Facility 2.5
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #74 / 98
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 111
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #1 / 111
1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Selfhelp Home Senior Living Community
IL
AL
NH
RC
SNF
Chicago (Uptown)
72
Facility 72
IL AVG 70
Rank #47 / 123
No
92
Facility 92
IL AVG 51
Rank #13 / 229
19
Facility 19
IL AVG 15
Rank #28 / 71
A+The Selfhelp Home, Inc4
25
Facility 25
IL AVG 7
Rank #89 / 98
6.3
Facility 6.3
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #97 / 98
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 111
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #24 / 111
Studio / 1 Bed
The Sheridan at Oak Brook
IL
AL
MC
RC
Oak Brook
73
Facility 73
IL AVG 70
Rank #45 / 123
No
34
Facility 34
IL AVG 51
Rank #166 / 229
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 15
Rank #44 / 71
-Bmsh II Oakbrook Il, LLC2
4
Facility 4
IL AVG 7
Rank #47 / 98
2.0
Facility 2.0
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #59 / 98
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 111
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #24 / 111
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Mercy Circle Senior Living
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Chicago (Mount Greenwood)
43
Facility 43
IL AVG 70
Rank #98 / 123
Yes
44
Facility 44
IL AVG 51
Rank #132 / 229
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 15
Rank #44 / 71
-Mercy Circle2
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 7
Rank #1 / 98
0.0
Facility 0.0
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #1 / 98
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 111
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #24 / 111
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Autumn Green at Wright Campus
IL
AL
CCRC
Chicago (Dunning)
25
Facility 25
IL AVG 70
Rank #120 / 123
Yes
68
Facility 68
IL AVG 51
Rank #61 / 229
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 15
Rank #44 / 71
-Bre Rook Sh Autumn Green At Wright Campus LLC1
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 7
Rank #1 / 98
0.0
Facility 0.0
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #1 / 98
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 3
Rank #30 / 111
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #24 / 111
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Clarendale Six Corners
IL
AL
MC
RC
Chicago (Old Irving Park)
144
Facility 144
IL AVG 70
Rank #5 / 123
Yes
92
Facility 92
IL AVG 51
Rank #13 / 229
-C+Portage Park Operations, LLC1
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 7
Rank #1 / 98
0.0
Facility 0.0
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #1 / 98
4
Facility 4
IL AVG 3
Rank #91 / 111
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #1 / 111
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Encore Village of Schaumburg
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Schaumburg
109
Facility 109
IL AVG 70
Rank #16 / 123
Yes
58
Facility 58
IL AVG 51
Rank #87 / 229
52
Facility 52
IL AVG 15
Rank #1 / 71
A+Il Ccrc, LLC31
122
Facility 122
IL AVG 7
Rank #98 / 98
3.9
Facility 3.9
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #87 / 98
4
Facility 4
IL AVG 3
Rank #91 / 111
3
Facility 3
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #77 / 111
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Montgomery Place
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Chicago (East Hyde Park)
40
Facility 40
IL AVG 70
Rank #103 / 123
Yes
82
Facility 82
IL AVG 51
Rank #38 / 229
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 15
Rank #44 / 71
A+-8
35
Facility 35
IL AVG 7
Rank #94 / 98
4.4
Facility 4.4
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #92 / 98
2
Facility 2
IL AVG 3
Rank #63 / 111
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #1 / 111
1 Bed / 1 Bed
Admiral at the Lake
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Chicago (Uptown)
56
Facility 56
IL AVG 70
Rank #74 / 123
No
90
Facility 90
IL AVG 51
Rank #17 / 229
-A+The Admiral At The Lake2
12
Facility 12
IL AVG 7
Rank #81 / 98
6.0
Facility 6.0
IL AVG 1.4
Rank #96 / 98
2
Facility 2
IL AVG 3
Rank #63 / 111
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #1 / 111
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Lake View
IL
AL
CCRC
MC
NH
SNF
Chicago (Lake View East)
41
Facility 41
IL AVG 70
Rank #100 / 123
Yes
90
Facility 90
IL AVG 51
Rank #17 / 229
48
Facility 48
IL AVG 15
Rank #2 / 71
A+Blc-Kenwood Of Lake View, LLC5--
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 3
Rank #30 / 111
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 2.1
Rank #24 / 111
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each independent living community is ranked against every other IL independent living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 47 analyzed for Chicago. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Smith Village

Enjoy a vibrant life with­out the demands and costs of home own­er­ship with Smith Village, a classic senior living community in Cook County, Chicago, IL, that offers care continuum with their independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. Make yourself at home in well-designed apartments with an array of one- or two-bedroom apartments to choose from–all fea­turing a kitch­enette, full bath­room with walk-in show­er, lots of clos­et space, and plen­ty of nat­ur­al light. Residents never have to lift a fin­ger with maintenance and housekeeping handled by the attentive team.

A licensed nurs­ing team is available on-site any time of the day to ensure residents’ needs are met immediately. The community provides compassionate care services, including assis­tance with activ­i­ties of dai­ly liv­ing, med­ica­tion administration, phys­i­cal, speech, occu­pa­tion­al and res­pi­ra­to­ry therapies, making sure residents have access to necessary care and support even as their needs evolve. A full cal­en­dar of recre­ation­al, social, cul­tur­al and edu­ca­tion­al programs foster social connection and lifelong learning opportunities, which help residents maintain their abilities while living a fulfilling life.

Contact Smith Village

Overview of The Selfhelp Home Senior Living Community

Catering to older Jewish residents in Chicago, IL, The Selfhelp Home Senior Living Community offers a full continuum of care to accommodate residents’ changing needs. Residents here enjoy the convenience of having independent living, assisted living, long-term care, and rehabilitation services on one campus. As a non-profit and award-winning community, The Selfhelp Home ensures that residents are provided with care services focused solely on their well-being.

Apart from comprehensive care plans, residents here enjoy access to a wellness center where they can meet various healthcare professionals for their medical needs. Other amenities like a movie theater, library, and a sanctuary for meditation and worship are also available to meet residents’ diverse interests. Here, you can confidently enjoy the life you want while receiving the support you need without hassles and worries.

Contact The Selfhelp Home Senior Living Community

Overview of The Sheridan at Oak Brook

The Sheridan at Oak Brook offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Oak Brook, IL. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps a private apartment, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care.

Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Respite care offers a short stay for a family caregiver who needs to travel or recover. Having several care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since care can change without leaving the community.

The home has 73 beds and is at 100% occupancy, meaning all beds are occupied. Housing options include studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences; a studio is a single private space, while a two bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. A Walk Score of 34 places the area in a car dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride, including trips for a resident who no longer drives. BMSH II Oakbrook IL operates the community.

Contact The Sheridan at Oak Brook

Overview of Mercy Circle Senior Living

Mercy Circle Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing in Chicago, Illinois. Independent living provides private living with community services, while assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing and medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

As a continuing care retirement community, Mercy Circle brings several care levels together. It may suit a resident whose needs grow over time and who could move between levels without leaving the community. The community has 43 beds, with studios, one bedroom apartments and two bedroom apartments; the two bedroom layout can work for a couple moving together or for someone who wants a companion.

Medicare and private pay are accepted. Medicare can cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, while private pay means paying directly for care. Total nurse staffing is 4h 14m per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. Rehabilitation services, including short term rehab, support residents during a temporary recovery period. Religious services are available, and pets are allowed, so a resident may keep a pet in the community. Mercy Circle operates in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood; with a Walk Score of 44 / 100, the area is car dependent, so most errands require a car or a ride.

Contact Mercy Circle Senior Living

Overview of Autumn Green at Wright Campus

Autumn Green at Wright Campus in Chicago offers assisted living, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, and independent living. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks, while independent living offers a private residence with community services and no daily care. Because the campus provides multiple levels of care, a resident’s needs can change over time without requiring a move to another campus. The range may suit someone who wants independent living now but may need more support later.

With 25 beds, the community has a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Housing includes studios, one bedroom units, and two bedroom units. A studio provides one private living space, while the larger layouts offer a separate bedroom. Pets are allowed, so residents may bring a pet to live with them.

A Walk Score of 68 places the area in the somewhat walkable band. Some errands can be completed on foot, and a resident who no longer drives may be able to manage certain outings independently. Bre Rook Sh Autumn Green at Wright Campus operates the community.

Contact Autumn Green at Wright Campus

Clarendale Six Corners

4715 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Overview of Clarendale Six Corners

Clarendale Six Corners offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood. Independent living means a resident has a private home with community services but no daily care, while assisted living adds help with dressing, bathing, and medication without taking away the resident’s apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and respite care offers a short stay when a family caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The community opened in 2026 and has 144 beds, with studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences. A studio suits one resident seeking a single living space, while a two bedroom can accommodate a couple moving together or a resident who wants a companion. Having several care levels under one roof may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, or a family caregiver who needs a short term arrangement.

Starting monthly prices are $3,800 for independent living, $4,195 for assisted living, and $4,800 for memory care. A Walk Score of 92 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, where daily errands do not require a car, so a resident who no longer drives can handle routine errands on foot. Pets are allowed, and the community offers the Health and Wellness Navigation program and the Heartfelt Connections Memory Care Program; it is operated by Portage Park Operations.

$4,195/Month

Contact Clarendale Six Corners

Overview of Encore Village of Schaumburg

Encore Village of Schaumburg is a highly recognized retirement community in Schaumburg, IL, that offers independent living and assisted living. Here, older adults experience the best of their retirement, accompanied by its resort-style amenities. Well-balanced dining options, 24-hour care, and transportation services are among the high-quality services provided to improve residents’ quality of life. Alongside world-class amenities, personalized care plans are also provided to help residents live to their potential in retirement.

Cultural programs, educational activities, and social events provide residents with more opportunities to explore new interests and make friends. Pickleball courts, a dog park, and an on-site market are among the many amenities dedicated to residents’ leisure and wellness. Ideally situated near Olde Schaumburg Centre Park in the quiet residential area of Schaumburg, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. As one of the best choices for senior living in Illinois, this retirement community ensures older adults can thrive in their later years.

Contact Encore Village of Schaumburg

Montgomery Place

5550 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Overview of Montgomery Place

For over thirty years, Montgomery Place is a retirement community and has been one of the best independent living communities in Chicago. Their vision has always been to prioritize each senior’s comfort and safety while they live an enriching life for the residents of independent living and assisted living services. The well-trained staff are encouraged to compassionately care for the residents so there would be an in-depth connection– to build memories, friendships, and experiences. Montgomery Place Retirement Community strives to provide connection within the community while encouraging an enriching quality of life.

Montgomery Place promotes a lifestyle that is stress free. Their list of amenities and services are built into the community so as to practice a vibrant social life; they have designed the features in the community that has reimagined retirement living. Their essential amenities and services included: 24-hour security, wellness programs, transportation, room service, and housekeeping with laundry– as they try to ensure that residents are able to live with easy accessibility. The facility has a lot more to offer that awaits endless possibilities.

Contact Montgomery Place

Overview of Admiral at the Lake

Admiral at the Lake is a continuing care retirement community in Chicago, Illinois, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home and skilled nursing services. Having several care levels means a resident whose needs change over time may be able to move to a different level of care without leaving the community.

The range of care options may make Admiral at the Lake a good fit for someone planning for changing support needs. With 56 beds, it is a smaller setting where residents and staff can get to know one another.

Housing includes one bedroom and two bedroom residences. The two bedroom option may suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion, while Medicare and private pay provide two listed ways to cover care.

Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 57 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident. Rehabilitation services and short term rehab support people who need therapy during a temporary recovery period, and the on site pool provides another place for activity within the community.

A Walk Score of 90 makes the area a walker’s paradise, so daily errands do not require a car. A resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby destinations independently.

Contact Admiral at the Lake

Overview of Brookdale Lake View

Brookdale Lake View is a continuing care retirement community in Chicago, Illinois, with independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home, skilled nursing, and respite care. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing and nursing home care include licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Respite care provides short stays when a family’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, while the range of care levels can accommodate a resident whose needs grow over time.

The community is in the Lake View East neighborhood and has 41 beds in a high rise building. Residents can choose a studio, one bedroom residence, or two bedroom residence. The larger layout may suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. With a Walk Score of 90 out of 100, the area is considered a walker’s paradise, so daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Restaurant style meals are prepared by the culinary team, and residents can use the fitness center and salon or spa. Activities include memoir class, ceramics, movie nights, drawing classes, and chair yoga, giving residents several ways to spend time creatively, socially, or through gentle movement. Transportation is available for activities or appointments, so residents do not have to arrange every ride themselves. Pets are allowed, which means a resident can bring a pet when moving into the community.

Staff are present day and night through 24 hour staffing. Brookdale Lake View is operated by Blc-Kenwood Of Lake View.

Contact Brookdale Lake View

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Independent Living in Chicago at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 75/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Chicago, IL. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 62The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Chicago, IL. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Chicago, IL

What is the average cost of independent living in Chicago, IL?

The average monthly cost of independent living in Chicago, IL is approximately $2,019. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for independent living in Chicago, IL?

Independent living in Chicago, IL typically ranges from $576 - $3,575 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 47 independent living communities in Chicago, IL. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Chicago, IL?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Chicago, IL, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in Chicago, IL?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.