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Moving to Illinois means experiencing life in the Prairie State, also known as The Land of Lincoln, at the heart of the nation. With a history dating back to its statehood in 1818, Illinois is full of culture, opportunity, and heritage.
From Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, living in Illinois brings scenic views, outdoor activities, and plenty of opportunities to explore the rest of the Midwest. Illinois offers rich culinary innovation, diverse job opportunities, and the many benefits of living in Illinois.
Wondering, “Should I move to Illinois?” This guide explores why the state continues to attract newcomers.
Yes, Illinois is a good place to live. From world-class music venues to incredible nature to friendly residents, moving to Illinois offers something for everyone.
What Is Illinois Known for?
After moving to Illinois, you can explore all of the state’s most famous traditions and landmarks. Illinois is known for signature foods like deep-dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs, the start of the historic Route 66, and an incredible sports culture with teams like the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls.
Illinois is located in the Midwest, right in the heart of the country, making it a central hub for travel and commerce. It borders Wisconsin to the north, Iowa and Missouri to the west, Kentucky to the south, and Indiana to the east. To the northeast, the state meets the shores of Lake Michigan, while the Illinois River runs through its interior.
For anyone moving to Illinois, this central location means easy access to major U.S. regions. Whether you’re considering living in Illinois for work, family, or just a change of pace, the state has something for everyone, from waterways to farmland to big cities.
Is moving to Illinois in your future? Give the Illinois movers at StraightLine Moving a call. Our Illinois moving company is here for you every step of the way.
Transportation in Illinois
Illinois has one of the most connected infrastructures in the Midwest, making moving to Illinois convenient for commuters. The state is served by several major highways such as I-55, I-57, I-70, and I-90.
Does Illinois Have Public Transportation?
Yes. Chicago’s CTA system of buses and “L” trains is among the nation’s largest, and many residents rely on Metra rail lines for suburban commutes. Outside the metro areas, options for public transit are limited, but intercity buses and Amtrak routes connect communities.
What Airports Are in Illinois?
For anyone moving to Illinois, air travel will be a breeze. Illinois is home to several major airports, with Chicago O’Hare International consistently ranked among the busiest in the world. Midway International also serves Chicago, while regional airports like Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield provide added access.
The Illinois population is around 12.7 million, and when living in Illinois, you’ll be a part of the 6th-most populous state in the country. The population density of Illinois is 232 people per square mile, although you’ll see a much more populated density in big cities like Chicago.
If you’re moving to Illinois and want to enjoy easy access to a metro area, some of the biggest options include the Chicago-Naperville Metropolitan Area and the St. Louis, MO-IL Metropolitan Area.
Illinois Demographics
Sex ratio: 50.5% female, 49.4% male
Median age: 39.5
Racial & ethnic composition: 80.3% White (61.6% non-Hispanic), 12.4% Black or African American, 6% Asian, 1.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
Illinois median household income: $80,306 (compared to the national median of $77,719)
Educational attainment: 90.6% high school degree (or higher), 38.3% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
Foreign-born population: 15%
What Famous People Are From Illinois?
After moving to Illinois, you’ll share zip codes with plenty of famous residents. A few notable people from Illinois are:
When considering moving to Illinois, it helps to know the major cities that shape the state. Ranked by size, here are the top Illinois cities by population.
Chicago: With nearly 2.7 million residents, Chicago is the state’s largest and the third largest city in the United States, known for its world-class dining and culture scene.
Aurora: About 180,000 residents; a growing hub with suburban charm and family-friendly amenities.
Naperville: Roughly 150,000 residents; often ranked among the best cities to live in Illinois thanks to schools and safety.
Joliet: Around 150,000 residents; a historic city great for anyone moving to Illinois. Offers easy access to Chicago.
Rockford: About 145,000 residents; known for its manufacturing roots and revitalizing downtown.
Cities in Illinois Map
Before moving to Illinois, check out this map of the major cities in the state.
What Are the Best Places to Live in Illinois?
With diverse regions ranging from rural areas to bustling metros, the Land of Lincoln has something for everyone. If you’re thinking about moving to Illinois, here’s a look at the best cities in Illinois by lifestyle.
What Are the Best Places to Live in Illinois for Families?
Suburbs like Roscoe, Poplar Grove, and Naperville are among the best places to live in Illinois for families, offering safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and access to parks and outdoor recreation.
What Are the Best Places to Live in Illinois for Young Adults?
If you’re moving to Illinois as a young adult, Chicago tops the list for its jobs, nightlife, and strong cultural scene. Other metropolitan area options like Evanston, Rockford, and Oak Park provide a balance of city access and affordability.
Where Is the Best Place to Retire in Illinois?
If you’re moving to Illinois to retire, heading south is a good bet. The southern part of the state near Carbondale draws retirees with affordable housing, mild weather, and rural communities.
What Are the Prettiest Places to Live in Illinois?
Along Lake Michigan, towns like Evanston and Lake Forest combine lakefront beauty with big-city convenience. Further west, you’ll find plenty of small-town charm in Galena.
How much does it cost to live in Illinois? Is Illinois expensive? Or is Illinois affordable? Luckily, the average cost of living in Illinois is below the national average, making it a great spot for those who are seeking an affordable cost of living and financial stability.
The Illinois Cost of Living Index is 87.2, meaning that living in Illinois is 12.8% more affordable than the national average of 100.
Of course, after moving to Illinois, you’ll find that some areas are more expensive than others. For example, Chicago has a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, making it 15.1% more expensive than the national average. Bloomington is also slightly more expensive than the national average.
If you’re moving to Illinois on a budget, the most affordable places to live include Decatur (20.9% more affordable than the national average), Rockford (11% more affordable than the national average), and Springfield (9.5% more affordable than the national average).
Typical Living Expenses in Illinois
Here are a few expenses you’ll run into after moving to Illinois, including the average cost of utilities in Illinois.
Taxes are an important factor to consider if you’re moving to Illinois. The state has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, which applies equally to all residents. Illinois also imposes a statewide sales tax of 6.25%, though local governments often add additional percentages, meaning you’ll usually pay more when shopping in Chicago or other large cities.
One of the biggest financial considerations is property taxes. Illinois consistently ranks among the states with the higher taxes in this category, and homeowners should budget accordingly. While property taxes can feel steep, they often fund local schools and community services.
Illinois Housing Market
Will you be buying a house in Illinois? You’ll find that when moving to Illinois, you’ll have an abundance of housing options. From large farmhouses with plenty of land to cozy suburban neighborhoods to cozy city apartments, there’s something for everyone living in Illinois.
According to Redfin, Illinois real estate prices are up 3.8% from last year, while the number of homes sold fell 0.67%.
According to the 2022 ATTOM Rental Affordability Report, it’s typically more affordable to buy than to rent when moving to Illinois. However, in Chicago and the surrounding areas, renting is generally more affordable.
What Is the Average Home Price in Illinois?
According to Redfin, the average home price in Illinois is $321,000, which is below the national average of $448,000. Here’s a breakdown of the median home price in some of Illinois’ most popular cities:
Chicago: $385,000
Aurora: $340,000
Naperville: $640,000
Joliet: $318,000
What Is the Average Rent in Illinois?
Would you rather rent when moving to Illinois? According to Apartments.com, the average rent in Illinois for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,669. The most affordable cities to rent in include Decatur ($702), Springfield ($828), Cicero ($843), and Berwyn ($930). The most expensive include Lake Forest ($2,905), Oak Brook ($2,753), Deer Park ($2,372), and Lincolnwood ($2,309).
The Illinois climate is humid continental, marked by four seasons and distinct seasons across the state. For those moving to Illinois, this means cold, snowy winters, warm summers, and transitional spring and fall months that showcase the state’s natural beauty. If you’re situated around Chicago and Lake Michigan, you’ll likely experience even more snow in the winter.
What Is the Average Temperature in Illinois?
The average temperature in Illinois ranges from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows in the teens. Spring and summer months are pleasant for festivals and outdoor adventures, while Illinois winters bring snow, ice, and sometimes school closures, making hot drinks like hot cocoa a staple.
Does It Snow in Illinois?
Yes, but annual snowfall varies widely. Northern Illinois, especially near Lake Michigan, gets 30 to 40 inches, while the southern part sees less. Snow and ice can occasionally displace residents during major storms.
How Much Rainfall Does Illinois Get?
After moving to Illinois, you’ll likely see plenty of rainfall. Illinois averages around 35 to 45 inches of rainfall per year, with wet springs and summers.
What Natural Disasters Affect Illinois?
While hurricanes don’t reach here, Illinois is prone to severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes, which can be counted among the more impactful natural disasters.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Illinois?
For visitors or those moving to Illinois, the best times are late spring and early fall, when temperatures are pleasant and severe weather is less likely.
Things to Do in Illinois
If you’re moving to Illinois, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do. From world-class museums to amazing parks and forests, Illinois offers something for every lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for fun things to do in Illinois, family-friendly outings, or outdoor escapes, the state’s mix of urban attractions and scenic recreational areas delivers endless options. Families will love the many Illinois activities for kids, while adventurers can explore natural landmarks and the Great Lakes. For newcomers or visitors, here are some of the best things to do in Illinois.
A must-see in downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate “Bean” sculpture, concerts, and public art, making it one of the top Illinois attractions.
Navy Pier offers rides, restaurants, theaters, and events year-round, perfect for tourists or those moving to Illinois looking for what to do in Illinois on weekends.
The United Center hosts Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games, plus major concerts, making it one of the top Illinois attractions for sports and entertainment fans.
One of the most visited recreational areas, Starved Rock State Park features canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails, ideal for nature lovers moving to Illinois.
One of the best Illinois activities for kids, the Field Museum offers dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, and plenty of hands-on exhibits.
Map of Illinois Attractions
Illinois Sports Teams
For anyone moving to Illinois, sports are a big part of the culture. The state is home to professional teams across every major league, with devoted fan bases and historic championships.
Illinois has one NFL team: the Chicago Bears, winners of nine league championships, including Super Bowl XX.
How Many NBA Teams Are in Illinois?
The Chicago Bulls are the state’s only NBA team, famous for their six titles led by Michael Jordan in the 1990s.
Does Illinois Have An MLB Team?
Yes, two. The Chicago Cubs, with a historic World Series win in 2016, and the Chicago White Sox, who last won in 2005.
What About Other Sports in Illinois?
Chicago also has the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer and the Chicago Skyin the WNBA, which won the championship in 2021. College sports at universities like the University of Illinois and Northwestern University are also popular.
Is Illinois Safe?
Before moving to Illinois, you may be curious about the Illinois crime rate. For the most part, living in Illinois is very safe, with plenty of cities boasting crime rates that are well below the national average.
What Is the Crime Rate in Illinois?
Overall crime rate: 1,970 crimes per 100,000 people (17.9% below the national average)
Violent crime rate: 287 crimes per 100,000 people (28.9% below the national average)
Property crime rate: 1,683 crimes per 100,000 people (16.1% below the national average)
What Are the Safest Cities in Illinois?
These are a few of the safest cities to consider when moving to Illinois.
City
Population
Crime Rate Compared to State Average
Campton Hills
10,802
99.5% lower
Western Springs
13,175
81.1% lower
Lake in the Hills
28,961
82.5% lower
Elgin
113,205
52.2% lower
Naperville
148,929
56.0% lower
What Are the Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois?
Here are a few cities where the crime rate is higher than average.
City
Population
Crime Rate Compared to State Average
East Peoria
22,130
50.3% higher
Danville
28,480
233.9% higher
Decatur
68,789
61.4% higher
Peoria
110,551
119.6% higher
Springfield
112,549
154.6% higher
What Is the Murder Rate in Illinois?
The murder rate in Illinois is 7.8 per 100,000 people.
Illinois Economy
Are you moving to Illinois in search of a job? Luckily, the state’s economy is diverse and abundant. With a GDP of over $1 trillion, Illinois ranks among the largest state economies in the nation.
What Major Industries Are in Illinois?
Key sectors include agriculture (corn, soybeans), transportation, healthcare, financial services, and tech. Chicago also serves as a global business hub.
What Is the Job Market Like in Illinois?
The job market is competitive, with a wide range of opportunities in both urban centers and smaller towns. Popular jobs in Illinois include healthcare, finance, logistics, and education.
What Is the Average Salary in Illinois?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Illinois is $54,409 per year.
When moving to Illinois, you’ll have plenty of great options for jobs. Top employers in Illinois include Walgreens Boots Alliance, Boeing, Caterpillar, United Airlines, and major healthcare networks. Many of these also rank as the best places to work in Illinois.
Education in Illinois
For families moving to Illinois, the education system is a major factor. Overall, Illinois ranks near the middle of the country in K-12 performance but offers good quality options with unique advantages in certain districts and cities. From highly rated Illinois high schools to top universities, living in Illinois gives students a wide range of opportunities.
Payton College Prep (Chicago): This selective enrollment public high school is known to be one of Chicago’s most competitive schools, with an average ACT score of 32.
Northside College Prep (Chicago): Ranked by US News & World Report as the 40th-best school in the nation, this school is located in the North Park neighborhood on the far north side of Chicago.
Hinsdale Central (Hinsdale): Perfect for families moving to Illinois and settling in the Chicago suburbs, Hinsdale Central is known for its strong academic programs.
Suburban elementary schools in Illinois in districts like Naperville, Wilmette, and Barrington, are often rated highly, with strong academic and enrichment programs.
What Are the Best Colleges and Universities in Illinois?
Illinois is home to world-renowned universities such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These institutions give the state a strong presence in research, medicine, and technology.
Fun Facts About Illinois
Before moving to Illinois, check out this list of fun facts about your new state.
The world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1885.
Illinois is the only state to have produced three U.S. presidents while they were living there: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Barack Obama.
The state has more than 6,000 units of government, the most of any state in the U.S.
The Chicago River is the only river in the world that flows backward.
Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state.
The first McDonald’s opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955.
The tallest man in recorded history, Robert Wadlow, was from Alton, Illinois.
Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois
Before moving to Illinois, you’ll want to weigh out the benefits and drawbacks. Here are the major living in Illinois pros and cons.
Pros
Strong job market in Chicago and other metro areas
Access to Lake Michigan and beautiful recreational areas like Shawnee National Forest and Starved Rock State Park
Central U.S. location makes travel convenient
Wide variety of diverse regions, from big-city life in Chicago to peaceful rural communities
Highly ranked colleges and universities
Excellent culinary innovation
Cons
Higher taxes, especially property taxes
Winters can be harsh
Traffic congestion and long commutes in places like Chicago
Some rural areas face limited public transport options
Vulnerability to severe storms and occasional tornadoes
Cost of living in Chicago is higher than many Midwest cities
Is Moving to Illinois Right for You?
These are all of the important things to know before moving to Illinois. So now that you know everything, does living in Illinois sound great to you? If you’re ready to relocate, then the team at StraightLine Moving & Storage is here to make your life easier before, during, and after moving day.
To get started with a free quote, give our Illinois movers a call today at (815) 708-7875.
