10 Best Independent Living Communities in Aurora, IL

 

Learn More About Independent Living in Aurora, IL

 

Independent living communities, also known simply as retirement communities in Aurora, IL, are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of Aurora retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Independent Living in Aurora, IL

The median monthly cost of independent living in Aurora is about $1,920 within the city proper. The median monthly cost for independent living in the state of Illinois is around $1,859.

For this type of senior living, Aurora, IL offers many great options, and A Place for Mom can help you find the right one.

Learn More About Aurora, IL

 

Cost of Living

 

An outer suburb of Chicago and the second largest city in Illinois, Aurora has a cost of living just slightly lower than the nation overall. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Cost-of-living index	Grocery index	Median rent	Rent burden	Median home value	Median family income	Estate tax
99	94	$1,440	20.4% spend over 30% of their income on rent	$170,480	$66,848	The top estate tax rate is 16% (exemption threshold: $4 million)

 

 

Local Hospitals

 

The Aurora region has several highly-rated hospitals, and the following are often ranked among the best in the area:

• Advocate Sherman Hospital – This 255-bed community is nationally renowned for its Advocate Heart Institute, staffed by 350 specialists who perform more than 20,000 heart procedures annually. The institute treats heart failure, heart rhythm, and four unique types of cardiovascular disease.
• St. Mary’s Hospital Centralia – This 125-bed hospital specializes in cancer, neurosciences, and senior health. Physicians screen for common age-related conditions and help seniors to customize health and prevention plans.

 

 

Weather and Climate

 

The climate of Aurora, IL is considered hot-summer humid continental. Residents can expect four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. On average, the humidity level for Manchester is 55%. This number peaks in December, with 60% humidity.

Seasonal Temperatures

Average summer temp	Typical summer high	Typical summer low	Average winter temp	Typical winter high	Typical winter low
72°F	85°F (July)	60°F (July)	24°F	32°F (January)	16°F (February)

 

Air Quality

Average air quality index rating	Average maximum air quality index rating
40 (Good)	62 in the month of May (Moderate)

Moderate conditions mean that those who are unusually sensitive should consider limiting the amount of time spent on outdoor exertion.

Precipitation

Average monthly precipitation	Average maximum monthly precipitation	Average yearly snowfall
5”	9” (July)	28”

 

 

Demographics and Values

 

The city leans slightly liberal, as shown by the population of Aurora, IL voting Democrat in three of the last five presidential elections. The area’s industrial roots still play a role today, as manufacturing, construction, and machinery all count among the city’s top industries. Electronics round out the list. Employers like OSI Group, First Alert, and Kelmscott Communications contribute heavily to the city’s economy.

The Aurora community has a strong Hispanic presence. The Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce aims to support this population in their business endeavors, representing 25 local establishments run by Latino leaders. Another organization, the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, acts as a pillar of the community. In addition to more widespread and general events, the group hosts three large celebrations annually: an awards and scholarship breakfast, a Day of the Dead festival, and a parade on the anniversary of Mexican independence.

2016 Presidential Election Results for Kane County

Voted Democratic	Voted Republican	Voted Third Party
52.01%	41.51%	6.48%

 

Population Statistics

Population density	Population trend
1,723 people per square mile	Shrinking at a rate of -0.49% since 2010

 

Age

Median	55+	60+	70+	80+
33	35%	7%	3%	2%

 

Highest Level of Education

High-school diploma	College degree	Graduate degree
20%	31%	11%

 

Race & Ethnicity

Asian	Black	Hispanic	Native American	Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian	White	Two or more
8.1%	10.3%	42.9%	0.3%	0.1%	56.6%	3.0%

 

Crime

Property crimes per 1,000 citizens	Violent crimes per 1,000 citizens
13	3

 

Miscellaneous

Unemployed	Participate in the labor force	Have some form of disability	Live in poverty	Widows	Veterans
6%	72%	7%	13%	4%	4%

Aurora is considered very friendly to members of the LGBTQ+ community. This means that members of the community are accepted by the general public and can actively participate in public life without fear of bigotry. The Human Rights Campaign granted Aurora a perfect ranking on the non-discriminatory laws section of their Municipal Equality Index. The city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ bar scene and recently established an annual pride festival.

 

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

 

As a Chicago suburb, Aurora teems with natural landscapes and family-friendly outings. Phillips Park Zoo, which welcomes visitors for free, focuses on native animals. Golf lovers will love Aurora, as the gorgeous Cantigny Park has a 27-hole course, and both Orchard Valley Course and Naperbrook Golf Course host tournaments. Tennis players can play a match on one of Vaughan Tennis Center’s nine newly resurfaced courts. An abundance of parks, such as Saw Wee Kee Park, Waubonsie Lake Park, and Hudson Crossing Park, makes for plenty of walking trails and waterfront views. Several nature preserves provide even more ample green space.

Air Classics Museum, a veteran-run aviation museum, showcases historic aircrafts, uniforms, and other memorabilia. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum preserves artifacts and stories related to the Aurora fire department and fire departments in surrounding areas.

Transportation

Public transportation options abound in Aurora. Pace Suburban Bus stands out as one of the largest bus systems in the United States, traversing 3,677 square miles. The bus system serves 284 municipalities, connecting many suburbs near Aurora, IL. Metra train routes also run through the city. Seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans are all eligible for discounts.