Article Overview:Pros & Cons of Living in Illinois, Moving to Illinois
Hey there!
Im Sarah, and Ive called Illinois home for over 15 years.
Well explore everything from the affordable cost of living (outside of Chicago, of course!)
Galena | Living in Illinois (Shutterstock/Artur Korpik)
So, grab a cup of deep-dish pizza (its practically mandatory!
Whats more, Illinois booming tech sector has been dubbed the Silicon Prairie.
From top-ranked universities to strong public schools, theres plenty to offer students of all ages.
As someone who is looking to start a family soon, this is really important to me.
These institutions attract top talent and offer access to world-class resources.
But its not just about the top dogs.
University of Illinois (Shutterstock/tzm23)
Central Location
Living in Illinois youre smack dab in the middle of everything!
Hop on the highway and youre there in under 12 hours.
Craving the charm of the southern states?
Neighborhood Life | Living in Illinois (Shutterstock/Lena Platonova)
Nashville is a comfortable 8-hour drive away.
No matter your travel mood, Illinois central location makes exploring diverse regions convenient and accessible.
But its not just about personal travel.
Starved Rock State Park (Shutterstock/Jason Patrick Ross)
This central positioning makes Illinois a prime spot for businesses too.
This translates to a thriving economy and more job opportunities, which is always a good thing!
Illinois is Pretty Affordable (Outside of Chicago)
Let me tell you, Illinois can be quite budget-friendly!
Moving to Illinois (Shutterstock/Francey)
This means you’re free to stretch your dollar further and live a more comfortable lifestyle.
But affordability goes beyond housing.
But thats just the average.
Winter in Chicago | Cons of Living in Illinois (Shutterstock/Greg-K__ca)
Dive deeper, and youll find some high-paying job opportunities across various industries.
But wait, theres more!
Even if youre short on time, youd be surprised by what Illinois offers.
Downtown Chicago | Living in Illinois (Shutterstock/Rudy Balasko)
And remember, Illinois central location makes it a great base camp for exploring further.
This proximity also translates to diverse career opportunities.
All four seasons paint the state in vibrant colors and offer unique opportunities for fun.
Illinois Capitol Building (Shutterstock/Paul Brady Photography)
Spring bursts with life, flowers blooming everywhere.
Summer heats things up making it ideal for taking advantage of Illinois numerous lakes and beaches.
Whether youre swimming, kayaking, or simply sunbathing, theres something for everyone.
Cahokia Mounds | Moving to Illinois (Shutterstock/Kent Raney)
Fall transforms the landscape into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors.
Winter arrives with a fresh blanket of snow, perfect for outdoor activities like snowshoeing and ice skating.
This variety keeps life exciting and ensures theres always something to do, no matter the season.
Cons of Moving to Illinois
1.
Winter puts a serious damper on outdoor activities as well.
Those idyllic summer days on the lake or leisurely strolls through the park become a distant memory.
Instead, youre left with the choice of bundling up like a marshmallow or staying put indoors.
The constant battle against the elements can be both physically and mentally exhausting.
The short daylight hours also dont help.
It feels like the sun sets at 4 pm, robbing you of precious daylight and impacting everyones mood.
So, if youre considering Illinois, be prepared for the downside of all four seasons.
Let me tell you, theyre no joke.
Its not just property taxes, though.
Illinois also has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, which might seem manageable at first glance.
Air Quality
One downside to living in Illinois, particularly in larger cities, is the air quality.
This is particularly true in Chicago, where high traffic congestion and industrial emissions can worsen the issue.
It seems like theres always another headline about misconduct.
Obviously, not every politician in Illinois is corrupt.
As someone who lives here, Ive witnessed firsthand the stark difference between certain communities.
Crime
Firstly, Illinois crime rates vary considerably depending on geography.
However, this statistic encompasses the entire state, with major cities like Chicago significantly impacting the average.
This crucial context helps avoid painting the entire state with a broad brush.
This increases transportation costs and limits mobility options for those who dont drive or cant afford a vehicle.
This can limit their ability to access healthcare, employment, and other essential services.
However, be prepared for harsh winters, high taxes, and limited public transportation outside major cities.
Illinois might be a good retirement spot for budget-conscious individuals seeking an active lifestyle.
Outside of Chicago, Illinois offers a more affordable cost of living.
