Senior Living Blog | Cedarhurst Senior Living

Finding the Best Senior Living Community in Chicago, IL

Written by Cedarhurst Senior Living | Feb 24, 2026 3:51:44 PM

Moving to senior living in the Chicago area doesn't mean leaving behind the things you love. In fact, this transition to community living opens the doors to rich, meaningful relationships, active routines, and a full calendar of events built around your routines and interests.

In Chicagoland, you don’t have to travel far to find high-quality care. The city and its surrounding suburbs are home to a range of independent living, assisted living, and memory care options with access to leading local healthcare networks.

In this article, you’ll learn how to evaluate the best senior living communities in and around Chicago and how you can find the best fit for you or your family member.

In this guide, we'll discuss:

What to Look for in the Best Senior Living Community in the Greater Chicago Area

When searching for a community, look for a place that prioritizes meaningful social connections and offers daily events and programs tailored to your unique history and preferences.

Services and Amenities Built for Older Adults

If you’ve lived in your current residence for a long time, you may be feeling the stress that regular home maintenance and chores cause. Cedarhurst Senior Living offers a tailored experience that includes tailored services and amenities, such as:

  • Dining your way: Flexible dining options, such as all-day dining and seasonal menus, that let you choose when and what you eat
  • Active living: Access to fitness centers and classes led by specialists who understand the needs of older adults
  • Predictability: A maintenance-free life where 24/7 on-site staff are available to assist with daily tasks

Overall Quality of Care

We understand your needs may evolve. At Cedarhurst, residents receive the appropriate level of support without having to leave the community they’ve grown to love. Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, or specialized memory care, personalized care plans are regularly reassessed to match your needs.

Cost vs. Long-Term Value

While cost is a factor in your community search, it’s also important to consider the overall value, including housing, dining, utilities, and social opportunities that can actually enhance your independence.

Proximity to Chicago's Best Resources

Living in the Chicago suburbs means being close to some of the best amenities. When evaluating a community, consider its proximity to:

  • Hospital systems: Fast access to renowned local healthcare networks, such as Advocate Health Care or UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, ensures you can receive specialized care whenever it's needed. UChicago Medicine was recently ranked among the top hospitals nationwide in 10 adult specialties.
  • Local attractions: The best communities are often just a short drive from the shopping at Chicago Premium Outlets or the cultural events and festivals in nearby towns, such as Geneva or Long Grove.

Questions to Ask Yourself During a Community Visit

During your visit, pay attention to the atmosphere—is it warm and inviting? Do the apartments feel like a modern, accessible residence where you can truly feel at home? Ultimately, the best senior living community for you is one that honors your voice and helps you to live life to the fullest.

How to Evaluate Your Senior Living Options

You can only determine so much from the internet; it's another thing entirely to be in the space and see it for yourself. To truly understand the culture of a community, we recommend a hands-on approach:

  • Take a tour. Walk through the common areas and residences to see the quality of the building’s maintenance.
  • Stop by for lunch. Experience the Crafted by Cedarhurst® dining program firsthand to taste the variety and quality of the meals.
  • Visit during a daily event. See how residents interact during opportunities to engage, including in creative classes and social gatherings.

Find a community near you to schedule a tour.

Top Cedarhurst Communities in the Greater Chicago Area

The Cedarhurst communities listed below are within 60 miles of Chicago and come highly rated by residents and their families.

All Google ratings and pricing are current as of February 2026.

Cedarhurst of Dyer

This community features welcoming shared spaces that encourage social wellness, with dynamic activities, such as happy hours and group outings.

Care options: Assisted living, memory care

What you’ll love: This peaceful location is situated just minutes from leading healthcare providers, such as Franciscan Health Munster and Community Hospital.

What others say: Cedarhurst of Dyer is rated 4.5 stars on Google* and recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best of Senior Living award winners. Families appreciate the friendly staff and spacious, modern apartments. Residents often comment on the welcoming courtyards and daily events and programs.

Family review: “I sleep well at night knowing that my Mom is happy and is well taken care of at Cedarhurst. And she was able to bring her cat along!” —Leslie M., 5-star review

Cedarhurst of Naperville

At Cedarhurst of Naperville, residents enjoy a supportive environment with a private movie theater, a physical therapy gym, and a pet-friendly atmosphere.

Care options: Assisted living, memory care

What you’ll love: Tailored dining options through Crafted by Cedarhurst® include regional favorites, and the community is conveniently located near The Promenade at Bolingbrook for local shopping.

What others say: The community has a 4.4-star rating* on Google, with residents and family members highlighting the exceptional move-in process and compassionate support from friendly staff members.

Family review: “My Dad moved to Cedarhurst from out-of-state in November 2022. He’s enjoyed his spacious apartment, care, and his physical therapy sessions. ... The team went above and beyond by moving his things into his new apartment for us ahead of his return. He feels at home again!” —Eric Z., 5-star review

Cedarhurst of Frankfort

Known for its continuity of care, this community focuses on building trusting, long-term relationships between staff, residents, and family members.

Care options: Independent living, assisted living, memory care

What you’ll love: The recent addition of independent living at Cedarhurst Cottages invites residents to enjoy a maintenance-free life with access to on-site campus amenities.

What others say: Cedarhurst of Frankfort is rated 4.5 stars* on Google, with families praising the compassionate and hardworking care team. This community was also recognized for excellence in assisted living (for activities and enrichment specifically) in 2025 by U.S News & World Report.

Family review: “The facility and staff are amazing. ... The aides there as well are always there to help and genuinely care for the residents and see to all their needs. We are so fortunate to have our dad so well cared for. —Jennifer T., 5-star review

Cedarhurst of Yorkville

This community is designed to make the most of every day with expansive outdoor spaces, patio options, and scheduled transportation for group outings.

Care options: Assisted living, memory care

What you’ll love: Cedarhurst of Yorkville boasts a beautifully landscaped outdoor courtyard with paved walking paths and raised garden beds, perfect for enjoying fresh air and gardening.

What others say: Cedarhurst of Yorkville has a 4.5-star rating on Google.* Families praise the community for its cleanliness and the kindness of the staff. Residents enjoy delicious dining and a variety of daily events that foster friendship.

Family review: “Cedarhurst of Yorkville is a great place for your loved one who needs assistance in their daily lives. ... Abundance of activities, companionship, and everyday interactions sets this facility apart from others.” —Page, 5-star review

Cedarhurst of McHenry

Focusing on a tailored experience, this community provides weekly housekeeping, daily social events, and personalized wellness plans to support independence.

Care options: Assisted living, memory care

What you’ll love: Diverse programs and events offer opportunities to connect with fellow residents with similar talents and interests.

What others say: The community has a rating of 4.5 stars* on Google and won best memory care from U.S. News & World Report in 2025. Cedarhurst of McHenry is highly recommended by families for its small, quiet atmosphere and exceptionally welcoming team. Residents especially enjoy the dining room, courtyard, and overall cleanliness of the community.

Family review: “I absolutely cannot say enough about this facility and especially Josh! ... He really truly cares about not only the residents, but their families as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.” —Ryan D., 5-star review

Cedarhurst of Woodstock

With a full-service salon and a curated events calendar, this community prioritizes senior wellness and a variety of opportunities to stay active.

Care options: Assisted living, memory care

What you’ll love: Enjoy an intimate atmosphere where staff members are truly dedicated to their work, offering compassionate care and a positive daily outlook.

What others say:  Cedarhurst of Woodstock has a 4.6-star rating on Google.* Families appreciate the welcoming team and the smooth transition for their family members, while residents often comment on the calming courtyards and spacious apartments.

Family review: “Cedarhurst of Woodstock is the only facility of its kind in town that offers nothing but the best amenities for their residents! Working with Amanda has been a pleasure! Staff is very compassionate, informative, and truly cares about their residents!” —Josh, 5-star review

Cedarhurst of Crown Point

This new community, which opened in January 2026, was designed with open, modern spaces that reflect the future of senior living.

Care options: Assisted living, memory care

What you’ll love: The modern, 20-acre campus was thoroughly designed to maximize natural light and ease navigation for residents.

What others say: As one of Northwest Indiana's newest senior living options, it’s already being recognized for its resident-centered approach, where residents and family members alike truly feel supported. Cedarhurst of Crown Point is highly recommended for its communicative and exceptionally friendly team.

Family review: “What truly sets this community apart, however, is its heart. The amenities are stunning, from the elegant dining room to the incredible movie theater, matched only by the compassionate spirit of the staff. We are in awe, and more importantly, we are at peace knowing our grandmother is in such caring hands.” —Jessica, 5-star review

Whether you are looking in the north, west, or southwest suburbs, the Chicagoland area offers unique senior living options catered to your needs. Choosing the right community is a big decision for any family, but with the right resources, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

We encourage you to use this guide as a starting point. No website can fully capture the feeling of a community, but a community tour can. We invite you to take the next step: Visit a campus, meet our team, and see the social interactions firsthand.

Not sure which senior living options may be right for yourself or your family member? Find a community near you to begin your search.