Cook County · № 01Locations / Evanston / Retirement Planning

Retirement Planning
in Evanston, IL.

Leave Work on Your Terms

Retire when you want, not when you have to.

Free 30-minute consultation Call (847) 494-4483

Retirement isn't a number, it's a feeling. It's the morning you wake up and realize you don't have to be anywhere. The Tuesday you spend with your grandkids instead of in a meeting. The trip you book without checking your balance first.

At our firm, we've helped hundreds of families across Chicago's Northern Suburbs turn that feeling into a plan. Since 1977, our family has guided yours through one of life's biggest transitions, from earning a paycheck to living on your own terms.

What this looks like in Evanston.

Evanston is home to Northwestern University and NorthShore University HealthSystem, two major employers whose faculty, administrators, and clinicians frequently approach us with pension decisions, 403(b) rollovers, and the question of when to retire relative to their benefit vesting schedules. Our office has been at 909 Davis Street since 1977, which means we have helped multiple generations of Evanston families through this transition and know its specific financial landscape better than any out-of-town firm.

Median home value

$380,000

Median income

$82,000

Over 55

28% of residents

County

Cook County

Cook County considerations

The county details.

Cook County's property tax rates, averaging 1.8-2.3% of assessed value, among the highest in the nation, are the single largest variable in most North Shore retirement budgets. A home assessed at $900,000 in Northbrook, Glenview, or Wilmette can carry an annual tax obligation of $16,000-$22,000 that persists through retirement unless the home is sold or downsized. Illinois partially offsets this with one of the most retirement-friendly income tax structures in the country: Social Security, IRA distributions, and pension income are entirely exempt from state income tax, leaving the property tax burden as the primary financial challenge to plan around.

Why Evanston.

Evanston residents benefit from proximity to world-class healthcare at NorthShore University HealthSystem, a strong public transit system (Metra and CTA), and a cultural scene that makes retirement anything but boring.

About Evanston

Home to Northwestern University and our offices at 909 Davis Street, Evanston is where our family has served clients since 1977. A vibrant, walkable city with excellent healthcare access and a strong community of retirees.

Run the numbers · Free tool

Retirement Readiness Score

Quick gut-check on whether your savings, age, and spending are in alignment for the retirement you want. Built for Evanston households.

For educational purposes only, not financial advice. Run scenarios, then book a call to discuss your specific situation.

Talk to a Evanston
advisor.

One free conversation about retirement planning, at your kitchen table, our Evanston office, or a video call.