Illinois for Retirement (Chicago, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg: sales, apartment, rent)

[GaWander]

Has anyone ever move in their sixties from the Deep South to just north of Chicago to retire? Guess one never hears of people moving that far north to retire. Just curious and hearing opinions and views. Thanks

If so why and how was the transition, Especially with Illinois greater cost of living expenses, property taxes and extreme weather?

Georgia and Florida also exempt most retirement incomes as Illinois but at a far less cost of living.

[MSchemist80]

On the one hand Illinois does not tax retirement income. On the other hand sales taxes are high and property taxes are insane. Also, a lot of older people do not like the ice and snow in winter. Public Transit inside Chicago though can be a big plus for people who no longer drive.

[GaWander]

Yep! Just never knew anyone who traveled north to Illinois to retire. Just threw question out there for that reason.

[MSchemist80]

I can't say I know anyone who came here to retire unless they had family here. Most of the retirees I know here have been here all their lives. A lot of retirees are leaving due to property taxes.

[GaWander]

Is it any better (neighborhoods, communities, traffic, and cost of living) to live in Cook, Lake or another county? I heard that some area are transitioning, some too rural, others too costly. We Have a Granddaughter in Arlington Heights, so did not want an hour one way commute. But dont want to on top of them either. They are the ONLY reason for question and thread.

[ToriaT]

I really don't know the various pros and cons tax wise of living in the various counties that comprise Chicago. If your grand daughter lives in Arlington heights I believe that is Cook County. There are plenty of nice places to live that are close to Arlington Heights but not actually in it. Some of it depends on if you want to buy something or just rent an apartment. Places to look might be Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Itasca, Mt. Prospect. These are typical, safe suburban areas and very close to Arlington Heights. In response to your question about people moving north to retire, typically those that do have family in the area and have decided its better to be near them. In other cases, our medical services here may be better or more accessible than those in parts of the south. The cold weather lasts a few months and most retirees stay in doors and don't need to go out in the bad weather so its not that much of an issue. Also the street and sidewalk plowing is good here.

[flamadiddle]

If it were me, I'd do everything possible to avoid living in Cook County. Too many silly taxes like the bag tax, sugary drink tax, etc. and Chicago will continue to suck Cook County residents dry to feed the insatiable money pit. You can go just a little North of Arlington Heights to escape Cook County, while still a short drive to/from relatives.

Cook County residents' property taxes going up, especially in Chicago | abc7chicago.com

http://abc7chicago.com/food/cook-cou...uly-1/2151353/

[wjj]

Originally Posted by ToriaT

The cold weather lasts a few months and most retirees stay in doors and don't need to go out in the bad weather so its not that much of an issue. Also the street and sidewalk plowing is good here.

Wow. You must be a youngin'. I will tell you that the viewpoint of a retiree is quite different. Wasting four months every year trapped in the house because of winter weather is totally unacceptable. It will drive you crazy. It is very much a huge issue and the reason people either move to the south or spend the winter months in the south after they retire.

[GaWander]

Agreed on not wanting to stay trapped inside and cold affects on older person more than younger or someone who has lived there and accustomed to that weather. Can't afford to have two home locations though Florida and Illinois. lol

[knitgirl]

Originally Posted by wjj

Wow. You must be a youngin'. I will tell you that the viewpoint of a retiree is quite different. Wasting four months every year trapped in the house because of winter weather is totally unacceptable. It will drive you crazy. It is very much a huge issue and the reason people either move to the south or spend the winter months in the south after they retire.

My parents have lived in the Chicago area all their lives. They're now in their 80's and spend about 3 - 3.5 months in either Florida or the Phoenix area. I'm glad I don't have to worry about them slipping on ice and breaking an arm or a leg. That might be something to look into, either renting an apartment or buying a condo here and then renting in Florida for the winter months.