These Illinois Cities Landed On The “Best Places To Retire” List

Let's just be honest about this, okay?

Most people, especially those of us who actually live here, probably don't fantasize about retiring to Illinois.

There's a good reason for that. As you might guess, it's probably a combination of taxes and weather...and not necessarily in that order.

WalletHub just released its 2026 ranking of the best and worst places to retire, comparing 182 American cities based on affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care.

Unsurprisingly, Illinois didn't exactly set the retirement world on fire.

Elderly couple sitting together outdoors

We're Not A Retirement Destination, But We Do Have Our Bright Spots In Illinois

According to the WalletHub study, Chicago ranked 97th, putting it just outside the top half of the list. Aurora did considerably worse, coming in at 130th.

Chicago did have some positives, though. It tied for first nationally in the number of recreation and senior centers per capita, and ranked 19th for activities overall. But affordability was a different story. Chicago ranked 148th in that category.

Aurora's overall ranking was hurt by affordability as well, although its health-care ranking was a respectable 47th.

couple sitting on pathway

Here's Where To Go If You're Ready To Leave Illinois' Weather And Taxes Behind

WalletHub's top five were Orlando, Miami, and Tampa, Florida, followed by Scottsdale, Arizona, and Casper, Wyoming. Orlando took the #1 spot for the third consecutive year.

And if you're looking for a few more ideas, the rest of the Top 10 included Atlanta, Minneapolis, Fort Lauderdale, Charleston, South Carolina, and Pittsburgh.

Another non-surprise is that Florida absolutely dominates the top of the list. WalletHub points to the state's lack of individual income, estate and inheritance taxes as one major reason.

Of course, Illinois retirees aren't necessarily doomed to high taxes and frozen butts. There are plenty of great things about living here like family, friends, familiar surroundings, excellent health-care options and some pretty spectacular summers.

But if your retirement fantasy involves warm weather, lower taxes and spending January without scraping ice off your windshield, WalletHub's rankings suggest you might want to start looking south of Illinois.