Elmhurst has been ranked one of the top 100 Best Small Cities in America by WalletHub. Not only has Elmhurst been ranked due to its affordability, but it is also considered to be a safe city with great education and health options for residents. This small city is the perfect place for retirees to live, offering various options for recreation and entertainment.
The Cost of Living in Elmhurst, IL
One of the key factors that goes into choosing one of the 100 Best Small Cities in America is affordability. Elmhurst has a relatively moderate to low cost of living for its location, and surveys have shown that Elmhurst residents typically make a significantly higher income than the national average.
Many retail stores are located within Elmhurst, so residents don’t have to travel far to get everything they need. Plus, with low to average prices in town, residents usually have good financial health.
Things to Do in Town
Elmhurst is home to plenty of attractions, including many public parks and nature preserves. The Morton Arboretum, a garden and preserve, is found on the outskirts of the city, and this 1,700-acre destination is great for picnicking, hiking, and biking in nature. Downtown, you can find the Wilder Park Conservatory, a public park and greenhouse, as well as the Elmhurst Art Museum and Elmhurst History Museum.
Since the city is near Lake Michigan, residents can always take a short drive to check out a local beach or enjoy swimming and boating. With a quick drive to Chicago, residents may also enjoy attractions such as the Skydeck Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
For those who don’t mind taking a longer drive, the Indiana Dunes National Park is located just 55 miles away. This national park is a great destination for beachgoing, hiking, biking, and birdwatching, plus it offers options for overnight stays at an on-site campground.
Weather of Elmhurst
Elmhurst experiences typical weather of the Midwest, although it is slightly milder in the summer and winter due to its location near Lake Michigan. In the summer months, temperatures are usually in the low 80s, and in the winter months, averages are in the 30s.
The rainfall in Elmhurst is typically highest in August, with an average of 4.5 inches during the whole month. In the winter, snowfall averages 8.5 inches in December, 11.2 inches in January, and 9.4 inches in February.
Shopping and Dining of Elmhurst
Elmhurst is a great destination for shopping since there are multiple shopping centers scattered all over town. Some of the top centers include the Fineley Square Shopping Center, Oakbrook Center, and Yorktown Center. At these outdoor and indoor malls, you will find big chain stores ranging from Michaels to Crate & Barrel, Apple, Kate Spade, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Von Maur.
As for dining, Elmhurst offers a variety of options, including chain restaurants, such as Chipotle, Olive Garden, and Dunkin’, as well as numerous small businesses. Some of the top-rated options for fine dining include Redstone, Parkers’ Restaurant & Bar, J. Alexander’s Restaurant, and Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse. If you’re looking for hidden gems in town, check out places like Simon’s Restaurant, which doubles as a bakery, or Yard House, which is a sports bar that serves local and international draft beers.
Healthcare in Elmhurst, IL
Elmhurst has its own hospital complex, and there are additional healthcare facilities all over town. Many of the healthcare options in this city have high ratings given by other residents, and the hospitals in neighboring cities have great ratings too.
Elmhurst is home to some great senior living communities offering independent living and a continuum of support on-site such as Park Place of Elmhurst. Park Place of Elmhurst is a not-for-profit Life Plan community offerings spacious independent plus healthcare services for older adults, providing peace of mind and a secure future. The community offers multiple dining venues, a vast array of amenities on-site, robust cultural, social and recreational programming, along with intergenerational and lifelong learning opportunities.
If you or a loved one is looking for a rewarding retirement lifestyle in Elmhurst, consider taking a tour of Park Place. Here, you can meet like-minded individuals, continue to age healthily, and enjoy stress-free living.