Remain Confident With A Guide to Independent Living Costs in 2025

After you retire, you’re looking forward to all the perks of free time to explore your passions and make the most of each day. But how much does independent living cost, and what does this lifestyle really offer? You’re likely also planning for the future – and you might find that you want a lifestyle that promotes community and wellness. Independent living at a senior living community can be the answer to your needs.

When you move to independent living, you can be among peers, have access to amenities and services that create opportunities for a fulfilling and vibrant life, and receive healthcare if needed. Here’s a look at the different types of independent living costs and other associated fees with them.

Types of Independent Living

There are different types of independent living communities with varying levels of services and lifestyles. Three main ones include:

1. Continuing Care Retirement Communities or Life Plan Communities

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan Community, offers a range of health services, amenities, and housing options. While our community has Independent Living, we also have:

• Assisted Living
• Memory Support
• Skilled Nursing
• Rehabilitation
• Respite Care

This is because in a Life Plan Community, residents have access to long-term care if they need it. With this peace of mind, older adults move into Independent Living and embrace the dynamic lifestyle offered in the community. Some of those amenities and services can include:

• Social activities and events
• Dining services in formal dining rooms and bistro-style dining
• Maintenance-free living
• Access to a community auditorium with presentations and guest speakers
• A fitness center with a pool and exercise room
• Beautiful grounds with walking paths

You can broaden your social circle and make many new friends in group activities, club meetings, at the gym or in the dining rooms. There’s so much for you to take advantage of in a Life Plan Community.

If you’re looking for independent living for your loved one, a Life Plan Community can provide and meet their healthcare needs within the community, allowing your loved one to age in place.

2. Retirement Communities

In a retirement community, residents will have types of housing options, on-site amenities and services, and medical care services. Older adults will be able to enjoy social activities and attend events on-site. While they may offer similar services to a Life Plan Community, retirement community costs and offerings may not be as comprehensive or provide higher levels of care if needed.

3. Senior Apartments

Senior independent apartments offer some amenities and have communal spaces for the older adults living in the complex. These apartments often have age requirements, like 55+ or another set age, depending on the apartment. A senior apartment may have recreational activities, but will likely be more limited than other communities.

“With so many types of living options, it’s important to understand their differences and what they offer seniors,” said Valerie Gostele, Director of Sales and Marketing at Lake Forest Place, a Life Plan Community in Lake Forest, IL. “Residents in our Life Plan Community gain access to premier amenities, services, and peace of mind because they can rely on the continuum of care if and when they need it.”

The Cost of Independent Living: Entrance Fees

If you’re moving into a Life Plan Community, you can expect to pay for senior living through a one-time entrance fee. You pay this fee up front because it covers the independent living cost of the continuum of care. This means that if you need a higher level of care, your healthcare services are already covered.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost Monthly?

Another key factor when asking, “How much does independent living cost monthly?” is the community’s base monthly fee. Your monthly cost will depend on several factors, including the type of housing you choose and the amenities and services the community provides.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment will generally cost less than a two-bedroom apartment. Your community’s amenities and services can also affect your monthly fee, including items like:

• Maintenance (yard work, buildings, appliances)
• Dining
• Housekeeping
• Utilities
• Cable
• Internet
• Resident clubs
• Classes for lifelong learning

However, with everything consolidated to one monthly fee, you’re getting access to everything the community has to offer. Keep in mind that if you weren’t in one of these communities, you’d still be paying for many of these services or still doing the labor yourself.

What Can Impact Independent Living Cost in Lake Forest, IL?

Several factors can influence Independent Living prices in Lake Forest, IL, and understanding them can help you plan your budget effectively.

• Location: Communities closer to downtown areas or major cities often have higher costs, but they may also offer convenient access to shopping, cultural attractions, and medical services.
• Apartment Size and Layout: One-bedroom apartments generally cost less than two-bedroom units, while premium views, patios or larger layouts can increase monthly fees.
• Amenities and Services: Communities vary in what’s included in the monthly fee. Services like housekeeping, maintenance, dining, utilities, cable, internet, fitness centers, clubs, and lifelong learning classes all factor into the cost.
• Lifestyle Offerings: Some communities provide transportation to city excursions, organized trips or cultural events, which may be reflected in the monthly fee but also add value to your lifestyle.
• Community Type: Not-for-profit communities like Lake Forest Place may reinvest revenue into services and amenities, offering long-term value compared to for-profit communities.

By considering these factors, you can better understand how much Independent Living costs and how different features impact pricing while still enjoying a vibrant, convenient, and maintenance-free lifestyle in Lake Forest, IL.

Extra Costs of Independent Senior Living

When you’re looking at senior living communities, it’s important to consider all the factors that can affect independent living prices. Your location is a major factor – independent living costs in a major metropolitan areas is often more expensive compared to senior living communities outside the city.

However, living outside the city doesn’t mean you miss out on urban experiences. Many communities near a major city provide trips and transportation so residents can enjoy cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment. This is one of the benefits of Independent Living in Chicago – residents can take advantage of the city’s amenities while still enjoying the comfort and community of a suburban or nearby location.

“At Lake Forest Place, we’re only a little over an hour away from Chicago. We plan trips for all kinds of outings in the Windy City. Residents love the day trips to Milwaukee, WI, as well as touring a variety of museums and other cultural exhibits. We also plan trips to see theatrical and musical performances in the Chicagoland area,” said Valerie.

Discover Independent Living Costs at Lake Forest Place

Lake Forest Place provides older adults with a welcoming community filled with engaging activities and robust programming so residents can live the retirement they deserve.

Our wellness services give you all kinds of opportunities to nurture the many facets of your health:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Social
• Spiritual
• Intellectual
• Environmental
• Community

You’ll have a variety of fun things to choose from each day to promote a sense of well-being, belonging, and community. Our staff will do everything possible to support you and your autonomy.

If you’re ready to learn more about Independent Living at Lake Forest Place, contact us today to schedule a tour or hear about our Priority Waitlist Program, Club 1904.