Best Independent Living in Illinois

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 232 independent living communities in 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 Illinois our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Illinois.
232 homes
Other senior care options in Illinois:
Avg Walk Score: 52/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Illinois. 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: 85The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Illinois. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Illinois

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 to lowest based on our ranking 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.
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.
Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes
IL
AL
Vernon Hills
50
Facility 50
IL AVG 85
Rank #286 / 418
Yes
64
Facility 64
IL AVG 52
Rank #202 / 634
48
Facility 48
IL AVG 16
Rank #3 / 189
A+Blc-The Willows, LLC1
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 7
Rank #1 / 276
0.0
Facility 0.0
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 276
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 3
Rank #62 / 315
2
Facility 2
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #165 / 315
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Smith Village
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Chicago (South Side)
82
Facility 82
IL AVG 85
Rank #166 / 418
Yes
71
Facility 71
IL AVG 52
Rank #148 / 634
17
Facility 17
IL AVG 16
Rank #84 / 189
A+The Washington And Jane Smith Community-Beverly10
25
Facility 25
IL AVG 7
Rank #249 / 276
2.5
Facility 2.5
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #203 / 276
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 315
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #1 / 315
1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Selfhelp Home Senior Living Community
IL
AL
NH
RC
SNF
Chicago (Uptown)
72
Facility 72
IL AVG 85
Rank #204 / 418
No
92
Facility 92
IL AVG 52
Rank #28 / 634
18
Facility 18
IL AVG 16
Rank #77 / 189
A+The Selfhelp Home, Inc4
25
Facility 25
IL AVG 7
Rank #249 / 276
6.3
Facility 6.3
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #272 / 276
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 315
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #90 / 315
Studio / 1 Bed
Vi at The Glen
IL
NH
AL
MC
Glenview
36
Facility 36
IL AVG 85
Rank #364 / 418
Yes
52
Facility 52
IL AVG 52
Rank #310 / 634
28
Facility 28
IL AVG 16
Rank #33 / 189
A+Cc-Lake, Inc3
6
Facility 6
IL AVG 7
Rank #180 / 276
2.0
Facility 2.0
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #165 / 276
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 315
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #1 / 315
1 Bed / 2 Bed / Villa
Mercy Circle Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Chicago (Mount Greenwood)
43
Facility 43
IL AVG 85
Rank #329 / 418
Yes
44
Facility 44
IL AVG 52
Rank #392 / 634
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 16
Rank #126 / 189
-Mercy Circle2
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 7
Rank #1 / 276
0.0
Facility 0.0
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 276
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 315
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #90 / 315
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Vernon Hills
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Vernon Hills
90
Facility 90
IL AVG 85
Rank #147 / 418
Yes
25
Facility 25
IL AVG 52
Rank #529 / 634
48
Facility 48
IL AVG 16
Rank #3 / 189
A+S-H Opco Park At Vernon Hills, LLC3
4
Facility 4
IL AVG 7
Rank #136 / 276
1.3
Facility 1.3
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #134 / 276
3
Facility 3
IL AVG 3
Rank #202 / 315
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #90 / 315
Studio / 1 Bed
Church Creek
IL
AL
MC
RC
Arlington Heights
69
Facility 69
IL AVG 85
Rank #212 / 418
Yes
40
Facility 40
IL AVG 52
Rank #418 / 634
28
Facility 28
IL AVG 16
Rank #33 / 189
A+Sptmrt Properties Trust2
4
Facility 4
IL AVG 7
Rank #136 / 276
2.0
Facility 2.0
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #165 / 276
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 3
Rank #1 / 315
2
Facility 2
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #165 / 315
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Colonnade Senior Living
IL
AL
MC
O'fallon
125
Facility 125
IL AVG 85
Rank #71 / 418
Yes
40
Facility 40
IL AVG 52
Rank #418 / 634
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 16
Rank #126 / 189
A+Colonnade Senior Development, LLC3
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 7
Rank #1 / 276
0.0
Facility 0.0
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 276
7
Facility 7
IL AVG 3
Rank #293 / 315
2
Facility 2
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #165 / 315
Studio / 1 Bed
New Perspective Senior Living Silvis
IL
AL
MC
Silvis
61
Facility 61
IL AVG 85
Rank #243 / 418
Yes
40
Facility 40
IL AVG 52
Rank #418 / 634
19
Facility 19
IL AVG 16
Rank #74 / 189
A+Hcri Illinois Properties, LLC4
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 7
Rank #67 / 276
0.3
Facility 0.3
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #71 / 276
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 3
Rank #62 / 315
4
Facility 4
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #258 / 315
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Autumn Green at Wright Campus
IL
AL
Chicago (Dunning)
25
Facility 25
IL AVG 85
Rank #390 / 418
Yes
68
Facility 68
IL AVG 52
Rank #164 / 634
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 16
Rank #126 / 189
-Bre Rook Sh Autumn Green At Wright Campus LLC1
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 7
Rank #1 / 276
0.0
Facility 0.0
IL AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 276
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 3
Rank #62 / 315
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 1.9
Rank #90 / 315
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IL community we track that reports that metric, not just the 232 on this page.

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Overview of Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes

Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes is an exceptional senior living community settling in east Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL, that offers independent living and assisted living. With a wide selection of elegant and pet-friendly floor plans including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, residents experience comfort and safety like no other. Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes promises a relaxing and graceful retirement with round-the-clock care and assistance from a compassionate, respectful, and highly skilled team. Live confidently and explore scenic views with the community’s beautifully landscaped grounds.

Promoting a cozy and inviting environment, the community hosts activities that encourage seniors to remain active and interact with their surroundings. Enjoy hassle-free dining with friends as the culinary team serves delightful and healthy meals from breakfast to dinner. Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes is a great place to live retirement like a lifetime vacation with its wonderful amenities including a library, a greenhouse, a bank, a general store, a fishing pond, a fitness center, a beauty and barbershop, a therapy room, an arts and crafts studio, and a clinic.

Contact Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes

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 VI at the Glen

Nestled in the serene lands of Indigo Lane, Glenview, IL, VI at the Glen is an idyllic senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Relax within the beautifully crafted and spacious floor plans including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. A kind and highly skilled team strives to deliver round-the-clock care and support for seniors to flourish and maximize their independence.

VI at the Glen promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment, ensuring seniors experience meaningful interactions and gain new friends in the community. Revel in delightful and healthy meals catering to dietary needs and tastes. With its state-of-the-art amenities and lush grasslands, VI at the Glen is a safe place for seniors to spend their golden years without worries.

Contact Vi at The Glen

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 Brookdale Vernon Hills

Tucked in the beautiful neighborhood of North Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills, IL, Brookdale Vernon Hills is an idyllic senior living community providing a wide range of living options including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Offering warm and cozy floor plans ranging from studio to one-bedroom apartments, the community promises a relaxing and secure residence. With around-the-clock care and assistance from a compassionate, and well-trained team of professionals, residents live a maintenance-free lifestyle.

Brookdale Vernon Hills focuses on the wellbeing of its residents, paving the way for them to explore and learn. Enjoy healthy and delicious chef-prepared meals with friends at the community dining room. Amenities include a beauty and barbershop, a courtyard and garden, an indoor, therapy, and whirlpool, computers, a fireside living room, a cafe, a library, a greenhouse, an arts and crafts studio, and walking paths.

Contact Brookdale Vernon Hills

Church Creek

1250 W Central Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Overview of Church Creek

Discover stress-free living at Church Creek, an extraordinary senior living community in Arlington Heights, IL, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Residents here enjoy a comfortable residence with spacious studio, one or two-bed apartments and access to convenient services, such as on-site maintenance, weekly housekeeping, linen, and towel services, and a dedicated team available to provide support 24/7. Offering a variety of activities, the community ensures a vibrant and engaging lifestyle to its residents.

At Church Creek, residents can leave all the worries behind with personalized care services, access to comprehensive therapy solutions, and a wealth of conveniently designed amenities. Here, residents can give themselves a makeover in the beauty salon, attend an on-site religious service or get hooked to a new book from the library. Delicious and nutritious meals are available with the help of the exceptional culinary team that serves an array of classic comfort and healthy dishes. Church Creek helps residents to live their life to the fullest through its wide array of services and compassionate care.

Contact Church Creek

Overview of The Colonnade Senior Living

The Colonnade Senior Living at O’Fallon boasts a resident-focused lifestyle that helps seniors achieve healthy and balanced well-being. As an upscale affordable assisted living, independent living, and memory care community, the individual-focused atmosphere practices an outstanding and compassionate approach where individuals thrive while living an active and independent senior living. 

The Colonnade means an experience built on luxury, convenience, and flexibility. Accommodations include all-inclusive services and amenities, including medication management, 24/7 supervised care, specialized memory care programs, chef-prepared meals, engaging activities, and ADLs for stress-free living. Amenities include well-lit common spaces, a game room, spacious outdoor spaces, and an exquisite dining hall.

Contact The Colonnade Senior Living

Overview of New Perspective Senior Living Silvis

Sit by the porch and enjoy the refreshing breeze of 10th Street, Silvis, IL, with the outstanding senior living community of New Perspective Senior Living Silvis offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features cozy and elegant accommodations in various studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring the utmost comfort and security. With a kind and compassionate team delivering top-notch care and support, seniors enjoy a maintenance-free retirement and optimize their freedom.

Explore new adventures and rekindle passions with engaging activities and fun programs for leisure and wellness. Have the finest dining experience with healthy and tasty meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. With its bright and welcoming environment, seniors enjoy their golden years living as they prefer in New Perspective Senior Living Silvis.

Contact New Perspective Senior Living Silvis

Overview of Autumn Green at Wright Campus

A newly built community bringing contemporary hospitality to Chicago’s assisted living market, Autumn Green at Wright Campus is an assisted living residence in Chicago’s Dunning neighborhood at the intersection of Oak Park Avenue and nearby transit routes. This intimate 25-bed community opened recently and offers studio plus one- and two-bedroom housing options for residents’ varying needs and preferences.

The facility has a Walk Score of 68, indicating average walkability where some daily errands are walkable, with easy access to nearby shops and services. The mid-rise building design creates an efficient residential setting that balances personal space with accessible common areas. Autumn Green at Wright Campus accepts pets, making it an inviting choice for residents wanting their animal companions nearby during senior years. It’s legally operated by Bre Rook Sh Autumn Green at Wright Campus LLC.

As per inspection records, the facility was found in full compliance with all applicable assisted living regulations, with no deficiencies cited. While the community addressed incident investigations over a recent period, the submitted correction plan demonstrated active management oversight. During recent reviews, no resident complaints were substantiated.

For interested residents and families considering Autumn Green at Wright Campus, touring it would provide insight into the layouts of available units, common amenities, and the daily environment this young community provides.

Contact Autumn Green at Wright Campus

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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Illinois

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 232 independent living communities in Illinois. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Illinois?

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 Illinois, 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 Illinois?

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.