Best Independent Living in Chicago, IL

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 48 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.
48 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.
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
18
Facility 18
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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 48 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

Overlooking the quaint neighborhood of Oak Brook, IL, The Sheridan at Oak Brook is an excellent senior living community that offers a range of care options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Short-Term Care. The community blends culture and luxury, providing a sophisticated environment where seniors can make new friends, explore passions, and enjoy a variety of delightful amenities. Families can find the ideal lifestyle for their loved ones, supported by attentive, round-the-clock staff.

Residents at The Sheridan at Oak Brook can enjoy a variety of amenities and programs designed to enhance their lifestyle. From the “Explore” Independent Living program, which encourages cultural, recreational, and educational pursuits, to convenient services like 24-hour team support, on-site maintenance, and transportation. The community boasts a game room, creative studio, theater, fitness gym, and more. With a welcoming atmosphere, planned social activities, and comprehensive on-site healthcare services, seniors can truly enjoy a carefree and fulfilling life.

Contact The Sheridan at Oak Brook

Overview of Mercy Circle Senior Living

Mercy Circle is an independent living, assisted living, and memory care facility that promotes independence regardless of living options. Mercy Circle emphasizes the importance of each individual; that is why they want to ensure that residents are able to grow in a community that gives them exceptional care while being able to do what they want freely. From watching a movie at their very own movie room to relaxing at their beautiful courtyard, Mercy Circle has ensured that their community will be built with the idea that every detail in the facility is able to provide each residence with comfort and care.

Mercy Circle prides itself on being a community that is an ideal place for residents to find feasibility– residents are available to do things whenever and wherever they need. 

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.

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

Overlooking the beautiful Lake Michigan, Admiral at the Lake is a serene and inviting senior living community in the vibrant neighborhood of Chicago, IL, offering luxury independent living. Ensuring residents enjoy a comfortable and convenient lifestyle even as their needs change, the community also offers residents access to assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and skilled nursing services through its Lifecare policy. Residents are provided with spacious, maintenance-free apartments, just steps away from the city’s vibrant neighborhood, natural wonders, and cultural opportunities for a dynamic city life experience.

With its robust programming, including wellness and fitness programs, classes, arts & crafts programs, and more, the community ensures residents are provided with the opportunities they need to live a full, enriching life. Exceptional dining, featuring varied menus and an in-house dietitian that works with the Executive Chef to create healthy and delicious meals, further enhances residents’ lifestyle and health. A fitness & wellness center, swimming pool & jacuzzi, a movie theater, green spaces and other amenities are offered to further enhance residents’ living experience.

Contact Admiral at the Lake

Overview of Brookdale Lake View

Considerably one of the trusted independent living and assisted living in Chicago, IL; its ideal location sits right near Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, and seniors are able to enjoy the natural scenery the city has to offer. The residents and their families entrust the caring staff at Brookdale Lake View to help them live a life of ease during their senior years. The senior living community promotes a lifestyle that only one can imagine; they want residents to have the time of their lives– having a worry-free daily living that allows them to pursue more of their interests. They ensure that residents are also able to create a vibrant social life, so they provide engaging activities for them to take part in, as a chance to create meaningful relationships among staff and residents. Brookdale Lake View is an assisted living Chicago community that explores all possibilities ever imagined.

The community has staff available 24/7 with all-around-the-clock activities ready for seniors to sign up for. Their essential services like their personal care assistance, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry services– are helpful in making day-to-day activities easier for residents. On the other hand, their featured amenities include their emergency alert system, fitness center library, cafe and bistro– among others– help in maintaining an active lifestyle for their residents. 

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: 64The 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 48 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.