The communities of Chicago, Oak Lawn, Norridge and Palatine are known for their beautiful landscape, great schools, shopping and recreational opportunities. In the southern suburbs of the city of Palatine a new type of housing is being built to accommodate the increasing number of senior citizens who are finding it hard to live independently. This so called “halfway house” has become a popular option for senior citizens seeking that second home. This so called “housing plus retirement” communities allows senior citizens to have a place to live in the comfort of their own residence, while they work towards their financial independence through full-time employment with a good pension plan. The average cost of this type of housing is around eighty thousand dollars or more. Most people are looking for affordable options with a living space that they can afford to pay each month. This is an important consideration for the disabled, elderly and mentally retarded who may not be able to save enough money to make a down payment on a house in a traditional housing market. This is also an option for families or singles who wish to share a small apartment in a building with other like minded people. The availability of housing is directly related to the growth rate of the local economy. The more prosperous the area the more homes will be built and more businesses will be added to service the growing population. With the rapid growth in the local economy there will be an influx of workers that will need to find a place to live. This is where “halfway houses” can provide an opportunity for these working individuals to have a comfortable living space while they are on the job.