By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Illinois’ per capita property tax collections were ranked the ninth highest among all 50 states by the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit taxpayer education organization.

Rising property values in the city of Chicago, as well as in most surrounding suburbs, means twice annual tax bills are also getting higher. The average tax bill per person in Illinois is $1,407, according to the Tax Foundation’s analysis of 2004 census data.

With Cook and DuPage County tax bills scheduled to be mailed on June 30, many people are waiting anxiously by the mailbox to see if their share of the tax burden has increased yet again.

Property taxes up 10% since 2000
If you purchased your house 20 or 30 years ago, you’ve probably watched your property tax bills climb at a dizzying rate. In fact, from 2000 to 2005, Illinois per capita property taxes climbed more than 10%.

Even if the mortgage is paid off, hefty tax bills can still put a financial strain on older homeowners—which is why more and more people are taking a good look at their options.

Erickson community living offers an alternative that makes smart financial sense to many older adults. Residents pay one monthly service fee, removing the worry that can come from unexpected expenses—like higher tax bills.

“When we sat down and figured out what Sedgebrook would cost, it came out very close to our house—and that’s not counting what we save on gas, rising taxes, and maintenance,” say Hy and Ruth Chausow, who moved to Sedgebrook from Highland Park.

Sedgebrook and Monarch Landing community members not only smooth out their budgets by paying one set monthly fee, but they can also rest easy knowing their nest egg is protected because the entrance fee is 100% refundable.

Good financial sense—and much more
Besides its cost-effectiveness, Erickson living provides amenities that money can’t buy—like a close-knit community of friends and neighbors and regularly scheduled social activities.