Illinois has long been a crossroads of America. Located between the Great Plains and the Great Lakes, the Prairie State offers a mix of bustling cities, charming small towns, and some of the country's most productive farmland.
With Chicago's skyline along Lake Michigan, vibrant college towns like Champaign-Urbana, and an endless patchwork of cornfields in between, moving to Illinois can mean very different things depending on where you settle. Covering things like the climate, the cost of living, and fun things to do, this article explores what living in Illinois is really like.
8 Things to Know About Living in Illinois Before Moving to Illinois
Illinois is full of surprises. While Chicago's famed skyline often steals the spotlight, the state is also home to plenty of quirky attractions, like Casey's collection of Guinness World Record–holding giant objects (including a mailbox and a pitchfork), and Collinsville’s 170‑foot catsup bottle).
But Illinois isn’t just about whimsical roadside stops. It was also the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, and has played a pivotal role in shaping America’s political landscape.
Today, the state is still mostly farmland, but its urban areas, central location, and transportation infrastructure attract a diverse array of new residents. But before you plan on moving to Illinois yourself, here are eight essential things to know first.
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1. Illinois boasts hot summers and freezing winters
Illinois lies midway between the Continental Divide and the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Average summer highs reach the 80s°F statewide, while average winter highs hover in the 30s or 40s, depending on where you are in the state. Move north, and you could experience as many as 140 days with temperatures dipping below freezing.
Spring and fall are milder, with highs ranging from the upper 50s to the upper 60s. In the spring, you can expect several rainstorms and occasional flash floods, but otherwise, the weather during these shoulder seasons is generally pleasant and comfortable. If you’re moving to Illinois long-term, make sure you’re prepared to manage all four seasons (and the occasional tornado).
2. The cost of living in Illinois is affordable outside of Chicago, but taxes are high
The average cost of living in Illinois is about 10% higher than the national average when you combine housing, utilities, food, health care, and transportation. However, Chicago's cost of living is 14–15% higher than the national average, so your living expenses in Illinois will vary widely depending on which city you move to. For instance, if you made $80K living in Milwaukee and you moved to Chicago, you would need to make over $90K to maintain the same standard of living.
Bear in mind, too, that Illinois has the nation's highest property tax rate (1.83%), which exceeds $4K annually for the average homeowner. If you’re planning on buying a home in Illinois, take this into account to ensure you stay within budget.
How much money do I need to live comfortably in Illinois? According to MIT's living‑wage calculator, a single adult needs about $23.56 per hour (roughly $50K annually) to meet basic expenses in Illinois. Following a 50/30/20 budget (50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt), you'd likely need to double the living wage to live comfortably. That translates to about $100K per year for a single adult. |
3. The Illinois housing market is stabilizing
As of mid‑2025, the typical home value in Illinois is $283,509 — a 3.8% increase from the previous year — and the average home spends about 12 days on the market before going under contract.
Compared with coastal markets, Illinois housing remains relatively affordable, sitting well below the national median, and even some desirable Chicago suburbs offer homes under $400,000. Whether you're looking for a starter condo in the city, a Victorian home in a college town, or a farmhouse in southern Illinois, the market offers options at a range of price points.
4. The job market in Illinois is strong and diverse
Illinois' economy is surprisingly diverse. More than 30 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered here, and the Department of Commerce has identified six target industries for growth: advanced manufacturing, next‑generation agriculture and food processing, life sciences, transportation and logistics, quantum computing/microelectronics, and clean energy.
The state is also a major transportation hub with O'Hare International Airport and numerous rail lines, and Chicago is a global center for finance, technology, and tourism.
If you're moving for work, focus on industries with strong growth potential such as health care, logistics, and tech. Higher‑paying jobs often require advanced education, and there's a widening gap between specialized roles and low‑wage service positions.
Use resources like the Illinois Department of Employment Security to research opportunities and wages.
5. Crime and safety vary dramatically by location in Illinois
Illinois' crime rates vary widely between neighborhoods. SafeWise's 2025 report lists Campton Hills, Pingree Grove, and Hawthorn Woods as three of the safest places to live in Illinois; all reported less than one violent crime and fewer than 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents.
At the other end of the spectrum, neighborhoods in Chicago like Fuller Park, West Garfield Park, and Washington Park experience higher crime. Property crime rates can also be higher in some rural counties. When considering affordable places to live in Illinois, check local crime statistics and talk to potential neighbors.
6. You can find your perfect place to live in Illinois
The best places to live in Illinois depend on your priorities and stage in life. To kickstart your research, here are three standout cities, based on job prospects, schools, amenities, and affordability.
Best place to live in Illinois for families: Naperville
Often cited among the nation's best family‑friendly suburbs, Naperville combines top‑rated schools, plentiful parks, and a vibrant downtown.
Naperville has a low crime rate, high graduation rate, and numerous child‑friendly amenities like the Naperville Riverwalk and DuPage Children’s Museum.
Home to about 150,000 residents, Naperville offers a mix of historic homes and modern subdivisions, and the average cost of living is reasonable considering the quality of schools and community resources.
Best place to live in Illinois for young adults: Chicago
For young professionals and recent graduates, it's hard to beat the opportunities in Chicago. Redfin's 2025 list of top Illinois cities ranks Chicago second overall, noting its median sale price (~$360K), median household income (~$95K), and world‑class amenities.
The city offers countless job prospects in finance, technology, media, and health care, along with an unmatched cultural scene — museums, music venues, restaurants, and sports teams. While the cost of living is higher than the state average, neighborhoods like Logan Square, Pilsen, and Ravenswood provide relatively affordable housing options and lively social scenes. Check out our guide to Moving to Chicago for a deep dive into Windy City life.
Best place to live in Illinois for retirees: Dixon
For retirees seeking small‑town charm with access to health care and outdoor recreation, Dixon in northwestern Illinois is a standout.
The town sits along the Rock River and offers parks, walking trails, and events like the Dixon Petunia Festival.
Dixon's median home price (around $150K in mid‑2025) makes it one of the more affordable places to live in Illinois, and about a quarter of residents are over 65, creating a supportive community for seniors.
7. Illinois is packed with fun things to do
Illinois offers a mix of urban excitement and outdoor adventure. Here are some ideas for every budget and interest:
Unique things to do in Illinois
Stand on the Skydeck at Willis Tower for panoramic views of Chicago.
Explore the historic Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac.
Tour Ernest Hemingway's childhood home in Oak Park or the Frank Lloyd Wright homes scattered around the state.
Hike the waterfalls and canyons at Starved Rock State Park.
Catch a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
Enjoy world‑class jazz at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Free things to do in Illinois
Visit Millennium Park and snap a photo at The Bean.
Explore Lincoln Park, home to a free zoo and conservatory.
Stroll along the 18‑mile Lakefront Trail or relax on beaches like Oak Street or North Avenue.
Check out the free exhibitions and architecture tours at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Take a free guided tour with the Chicago Greeter program.
Things to do in Illinois with kids
Visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry or the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's butterfly haven.
Ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier and visit the Chicago Children's Museum.
Sleep in a treehouse at Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins near the Shawnee National Forest.
Discover wildlife at Brookfield Zoo or take a safari tour at Aikman Wildlife Adventure.
Spend a day at Maggie Daley Park's Play Garden and its iconic Skating Ribbon in downtown Chicago.
8. Whether you need a car in Illinois depends on where you live
If you plan on moving to Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) — which offers L trains and buses with 24-hour service on select routes — can often replace the need for a car. But in other parts of the state, especially more rural areas, public transportation is limited, and you’ll want a personal vehicle to get around easily.
As you plan your move, don’t forget to ensure that your transportation plans align with where you’ll be living and your lifestyle needs.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Illinois
Is Illinois a good place to move to? For many people, Illinois is a wonderful place to move and settle down in. The state offers affordable housing, a diverse economy, world‑class cultural amenities, and access to nature. If you can tolerate higher taxes and the harsh winter weather, moving to Illinois may provide a comfortable lifestyle with plenty of opportunities.
Below is a concise summary of the pros and cons of living in Illinois.
Pros of Living in Illinois
Illinois' position in the heart of the country and major transportation hubs make travel and business connections easy.
Illinois hosts more than 30 Fortune 500 companies and targets growth sectors like manufacturing, life sciences, and quantum computing.
The state offers world‑class museums, sports teams, historic sites, and state parks.
Cons of Living in Illinois
Illinois residents face heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and occasional tornadoes.
Illinois has the nation's highest property tax rate.
Illinois Moving Options
When relocating to Illinois, you'll need to decide how hands‑on you want to be during the move. Here are the three common options to consider.
DIY move
With a do‑it‑yourself (DIY) move, you rent a truck, pack and load everything yourself, and handle all the driving and unloading. This is the cheapest option, but it comes with hidden costs (e.g., fuel, tolls, equipment rentals), lots of physical labor, and the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads in a large vehicle.
DIY moves make sense for small households with flexible timelines but can quickly become overwhelming for long‑distance or large‑home relocations. Before embarking on a DIY move, check out our moving out of state guide for essential tips.
Moving container
Portable moving containers are delivered directly to your current home, where you’ll load your belongings at your own pace. Moving professionals will then transport the container to your new address or store it until you're ready.
The pros? Containers offer flexibility and eliminate the need to drive a large truck. They're often pricier than DIY moves but less expensive than full‑service movers. The cons? You're still responsible for packing and loading all your items, and access to the container may be limited by local parking regulations.
Full‑service moving
A full‑service move means professional movers handle packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings. Many companies also offer services such as furniture disassembly, packing fragile items, and unpacking at your new home.
While the cost can be higher than other options, a full‑service move dramatically reduces physical labor and stress — especially for long‑distance moves where logistics can be complicated.
For those who prefer a hands‑off experience or are relocating on a tight schedule, investing in professional long-distance moving services can make the transition smoother. Be sure to use our moving checklist to stay organized throughout the process.
Ready to Get Moving to Illinois?
Illinois is a state of contrasts: big cities and small towns, cutting‑edge industries and cornfields, vibrant summer and harsh winters. If you like the idea of affordable housing, diverse job opportunities, and an abundance of cultural and outdoor activities — and you don't mind high property taxes or the occasional blizzard — moving to Illinois could be a smart choice.
When you're ready to take the leap, consider letting the experts handle your relocation. Colonial Van Lines offers long‑distance moving services throughout the Prairie State, from Chicago condos to downstate farmhouses. With over 50 years of experience, our professional movers pack, load, and deliver your belongings with care. To explore your options, get a free moving quote today!