Independent living at Beacon Hill in Lombard, IL means more than just a new address — it’s a lifestyle built around freedom, connection, and convenience. Imagine starting your day in a private apartment that feels like home, with housekeeping, dining, and maintenance already taken care of. Instead of chores, your time is free for fitness classes, social events, or exploring nearby favorites like The Morton Arboretum or Yorktown Center.
At its core, independent living for seniors is about simplifying daily life so you can spend more time on what energizes you. At Beacon Hill, you’ll find modern residences, engaging programs, and the confidence of a community designed to support you today — and adapt with you tomorrow.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living communities are all about spending your days doing what’s on your schedule, not your to-do list. They’re designed for older adults who want a right-sized home, meaningful social opportunities and convenient services without the need for daily hands-on care.
You get a private apartment home, hospitality services like dining and housekeeping, plus a calendar packed with clubs, classes, and local outings. The goal is to remove friction from daily life so you can spend more time on the people and passions that brighten your days.
In Lombard’s “Lilac Village,” that can mean morning walks beneath tree-lined streets, lectures at nearby colleges, or quick day trips around town for a moment of educational, cultural, or recreational experiences. Independent living makes those choices easy.
Types of Independent Living
Independent living comes in a few shapes and sizes. Knowing the differences helps you match the setting to your retirement goals.
If you love being in the center of the excitement, apartment-style communities offer multistory buildings with elevators, indoor corridors, and shared spaces like dining venues, fitness studios, and creative spaces, perfect for staying close to friends and activities.
For those who crave a bit more privacy and fresh air, cottage or villa neighborhoods feel like cozy single-level homes complete with patios or porches opening onto green spaces, so you can enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of yardwork.
Active adults who want a social hub will appreciate 55+ active adult communities, where clubhouses and lively social calendars keep the energy high, offering fun gatherings, and flexible services designed for self-starters.
And for peace of mind that carries you into the future, Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities) combine independent living with easy access to higher levels of care on the same campus, letting you stay connected to your community as your needs evolve.
Beacon Hill’s dynamic senior living scene is situated in the heart of Chicagoland. Its independent living neighborhood captures the best of what makes Lombard a welcoming and thriving home base for active retirees.
“If you were to talk to our residents about life here at the community, I think they would tell you that it’s a community that’s extremely exciting and welcoming,” says Executive Director Elijah Heyboer. “There’s always something different to do here. We had a group of residents who went ziplining and another who went horseback riding for the first times in their lives. We work to keep people as involved in any way they’d like to be.”
How Much Does Independent Living Cost?
Understanding costs helps you compare apples to apples. Most independent living communities structure expenses in one of two ways:
With an entrance fee model, you pay a one-time entrance fee, often with a refund provision, plus a monthly service fee. The monthly fee covers your residence, most utilities, dining plan choices, housekeeping, and campus amenities. This model can offer added value if the community provides access to future care.
The rental model, on the other hand, lets you pay a month-to-month rate with a similar bundle of services and amenities. It’s best suited for those seeking a shorter-term arrangement.
Either way, that monthly fee often replaces a long list of home costs: mortgage or rent, property tax, utilities, cable or internet, lawn service, snow removal, gym membership, home repairs, and security. When you tally everything, you already pay, independent living often looks surprisingly competitive.
Pro tip for tours: Ask what is included, which services are optional, how meal plans work, and whether parking, storage, or pet fees apply. Clarity upfront helps you plan, knowing what to expect and how it impacts your budget.
What Financial Assistance Options Are Available for Independent Living?
Independent living is primarily private pay, yet several resources may help:
- Home sale proceeds to fund an entrance fee or bolster savings
- Pensions, Social Security, and investment income to cover monthly services
- Long-term care insurance can apply later if you move to assisted living or a higher level of care
- Veterans benefits may assist eligible veterans or surviving spouses
- Tax planning with a professional, especially if a portion of fees becomes medical if higher care is needed
A financial advisor can model different scenarios so you can move forward with confidence.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Independent Living Community?
Bring this handy checklist as you compare options in DuPage County and beyond:
- Location and lifestyle
Proximity to family, healthcare, shopping, and culture. Beacon Hill residents often love being near Lombard’s parks, museums, and art institutes, attending College of DuPage performances, and having easy access to I-355. - Residences
Floor plan variety, natural light, storage, kitchen features, and the ability to personalize your space. - Dining
Menu variety, flexible hours, accommodations for dietary preferences, and the feel of each venue. - Wellness
Depth of fitness offerings, availability of trainers or class leaders, and spaces that invite daily use. - Calendar and culture
Look at the monthly schedule. Are there clubs that match your interests, opportunities to try new things, and events that mix ages with local partners? - Neighbors and team
Notice the energy in common areas, how team members greet residents, and whether you hear laughter during programs. - Safety and preparedness
Ask about 24-hour staffing, emergency procedures, and how the community communicates during storms or power outages. - Hospitality Services
Typically includes housekeeping and linen service, maintenance and landscaping and transportation. Everything needed to keep life easy and stress-free.
- Pathways for the future
If needs change, how easily can you add support or transition to another level of care without moving far from friends?
When a community is right, it feels like momentum from the moment you step inside.
Independent Living Services and Amenities Offered at Beacon Hill in Lombard, IL
A common misconception with senior living is that when you move in, your life stops, but here, residents can find fun around every corner.
“We want people to live their aspirations, try new things, and enjoy it all in an environment where they can be surrounded by great neighbors who feel like family,” says Heyboer. “Residents think they’re going to spend a lot of time in their apartments but once they get here, there’s so much to do and a lot of times they’ll tell us ‘I’m never in my home, I’m in fitness classes or I’m at the pool.'”
Every senior living community offers a range of services and amenities, but at Beacon Hill, it’s the way those services come together that truly sets the tone
Picture maintenance-free living in thoughtfully designed spaces that fit your lifestyle. Whether you love quiet mornings on a balcony or hosting happy hours in open, welcoming rooms, there’s a floor plan for you that will feel just right. It’s not just a residence; it’s your personal oasis.
At Beacon Hill, dining experiences offer more than meals. It’s about fresh flavors and flexible choices paired with great conversation. With four distinct venues: Finley Terrace, O’Neil’s Café, The Courtyard, and The Lincoln Dining Room, you have the perfect setting to wine, dine, and connect every day.
Weekly housekeeping and linen service keep your space welcoming and guest-ready, while concierge support takes care of the little things, from dinner reservations to package deliveries. When it’s time to head out, scheduled transportation makes it easy to get to appointments or explore local favorites around Lombard.
Stay active at your own pace with our fitness and wellness programming. Whether it’s chair volleyball, strength and balance classes, aqua aerobics, and even guided meditations, every activity is designed so everyone can join in the fun, regardless of their ability level. You’ll always find something that fits your rhythm and keeps you moving!
Keep your calendar full of creative and educational opportunities like our art studio, billiards area, tech classes, and library, designed to spark curiosity and connection. When it’s time for fresh air, step into our inviting outdoor spaces that change with the seasons. Whether you’re strolling scenic paths or enjoying a round on the putting green, there’s plenty of ways to soak in the outdoors and recharge.
You decide the pace, watch your to-do list shrink, and see your world expand.
What If I Need More Care in the Future?
Planning ahead is a gift to yourself and your family. One of the biggest advantages of moving to independent living sooner is continuity. You can get settled, make friends, and learn the campus. If health needs change, you are already in a familiar place with a team that knows you. That saves energy and reduces stress during any transition.
Communities tied into the broader Lombard care network can help you coordinate additional services, explore on-site or nearby levels of care, and bring the right support to your doorstep. The goal never changes keeping you as independent and engaged as possible.
With Life Care at Beacon Hill, residents enjoy financial stability and peace of mind. Life Care guarantees priority access to skilled nursing and rehabilitation right here on-site so you can continue to live in the community you’ve grown to love. It’s about planning today, so you’re ready for whatever comes tomorrow.
Seniors Who Should Consider Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living is all about ease and independence, but it’s not designed for daily hands-on support. That’s where other care options come in.
If you require regular help with bathing, dressing, or medication management, assisted living may be a better fit. For individuals living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, memory care offers a secure, structured environment with cognitive support. And if you’re recovering from a hospital stay or managing more complex medical needs, skilled nursing or short-term rehabilitation may provide the right level of care.
A good community will walk you through these choices honestly and a clear plan, helping you find the right level of care at the right time.
Your Next Step
If you began this search wondering what independent living is or what is independent living for seniors, you can now imagine a lifestyle where your days feature more joy and far fewer chores.
At Beacon Hill, you’ll experience the best of Lombard right on campus. And when you’re ready to explore beyond, off-campus outings and excursions allow you to embark on new adventures in nearby Chicago. There truly is more to life here.
“Security for the future is a big focus for us here in the community,” Heyboer says. Beacon Hill has been here for 41 years, and one of the outcomes of that is 41 years of sustainable operating.
The best way to see if Beacon Hill feels like home is to visit. Tour a few floor plans, sample a meal, sit in on a class, and talk with residents about what surprised them most after moving. Discover how a retirement here in the heart of Lombard can be the right fit for you.
Featured Image: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock
