Illinois is not just a great place to visit during the summer and fall, but also a wonderful place to live. The residents of Illinois get to enjoy the state’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and amazing nature all year round.
With Chicago, the third biggest city in the United States, and the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, there are plenty of reasons to either visit or call Illinois home. Whether you prefer big cities, suburbs, historic towns, or small communities, there is something for everyone here.
Recent graduates can find job opportunities in both established and growing economies, and families have many excellent school districts to choose from in the best cities of Illinois.
And for travelers, there are countless memories waiting to be created by exploring the historic capital city of Springfield or walking along Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile.
12. Springfield
Springfield is the state capital of Illinois and is known for being a popular destination. It is the second largest city in Illinois, after Chicago, and has a population of about 115,000 people.
Springfield holds great historical significance as it was once the home of Abraham Lincoln for more than twenty years before he became the President of the United States and moved to the White House.
The city offers a variety of museums, such as the Presidential Library and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where residents and travelers can learn about this important part of history. In addition to its historical attractions, Springfield also boasts a botanical garden and public parks, providing plenty of recreational activities.
The city has a vibrant culture and entertainment scene, with three universities and a strong economy, making it an enjoyable place to live for the locals.
11. Bloomington-Normal
Bloomington-National is located about an hour northeast of the state capital, Springfield. It is known for its affordable urban living. The city of Bloomington is historic and often referred to as the Evergreen City due to its close proximity to Evergreen Lake.
The nearby town of Normal also offers convenient public transportation options and connections to Chicago, making it a popular choice for recent graduates. The schools in Bloomington-Normal have a good reputation and the area is home to two universities, including Illinois State University.
As a result, the city has a growing entertainment scene, with plenty of restaurants and museums, such as the Children’s Discovery Museum. In addition to these attractions, there are also local parks and zoos to enjoy.
10. Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, offers a safe environment and has one of the top school districts in the state. It is conveniently situated just 40 minutes away from downtown Chicago, allowing both residents and visitors to experience the best of both areas.
However, people who are considering moving to Buffalo Grove should be aware that housing costs are higher than the average. Despite this, residents of Buffalo Grove take pleasure in exploring the neighborhood after school or work. The community is known for its peaceful atmosphere, attractive architecture, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks.
Additionally, the town hosts summer festivals that are enjoyed by the approximately 40,000 locals. When it comes to employment, Buffalo Grove has a low unemployment rate compared to the rest of the state, and the median wage is also favorable.
9. Peoria
Peoria, located in Central Illinois, is a picturesque small city by the Peoria Lake and Illinois River. While it may seem quiet and lovely at first glance, it is actually one of the oldest settlements in the state with a rich history.
The town proudly showcases its fascinating past in various places, such as the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Historical Society. In addition to its historical charm, Peoria is also a thriving modern city with major business headquarters, making it an ideal place for recent graduates, families, and couples to settle down.
When not working, residents can enjoy the benefits of a strong school district, numerous local parks, and the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities and admire the beautiful waterfront scenery.
8. Schaumburg
Schaumburg is a suburb located northwest of downtown Chicago, with a population of about 75,000 people. It is known for its excellent education system and very low crime rate. Despite being seen as a middle-class area, the median housing cost may surprise you.
Schaumburg is particularly attractive to young families, as it offers affordable housing and ranks among the top ten cities in Illinois for childcare availability. For leisure activities, there are attractions like Legoland Discovery Center and Water Works Indoor Water Park in Schaumburg.
The community is known for being close-knit and friendly, with a variety of great local restaurants and charming public parks.
7. Champaign-Urbana
Champaign-Urbana is located two hours south of Chicago and is a unique combination of two different cities. It offers a diverse experience for both locals and travelers. The city is heavily influenced by agriculture and is also home to the University of Illinois.
This interesting blend of a college town and farmlands creates a vibrant economy and provides a range of entertainment, arts, and culture opportunities. The cost of living in Champaign-Urbana is about 20% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live. Housing prices are also less than half of the national average.
Residents can enjoy a thriving arts scene and a strong sense of community. Champaign-Urbana feels like a small urban paradise surrounded by vast fields. Some popular attractions include the Spurlock Museum and Market at the Square.
6. Clarendon Hills
Clarendon Hills is a popular choice for families who are on the move. It is located just 20 miles east of downtown Chicago, offering residents the benefits of a big city while still enjoying a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
Families will be glad to know that the school district in Clarendon Hills is one of the best in the area and the overall crime rate is lower than the state average. The neighborhood has a strong middle class population, with a good household income. The smaller population size of Clarendon Hills allows for a quick integration into the community.
In terms of entertainment, there is a large park district, a golf club, and many family-friendly attractions available.
5. Rockford
Rockford, located near the tributary of the Mississippi River, is now one of the most densely populated cities outside the greater Chicago area. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Rockford’s location on the Rock River attracted large companies, making it a hub for manufacturing and machinery.
Today, it is a lively and modern city that offers a variety of major industries, creating excellent job opportunities for both experienced professionals and those seeking career advancement.
Additionally, Rockford boasts a rich history and impressive architectural landmarks, such as the Lake-Peterson House, as well as an intriguing natural history museum.
4. Naperville
Naperville, a city in the Chicago region, is a popular choice for people who want to live near the Windy City. It started as a small mill town on the DuPage River, but has grown into a bustling city with 30 Fortune 500 companies. People enjoy living here because it has both great job opportunities and a good balance between work and personal life.
Residents love the strong local economy that helps them support their families. The city also offers parks, children’s museums, and community events that bring people together.
Despite all of this, Naperville is still conveniently located just over 30 miles west of downtown Chicago, allowing residents to easily access everything the big city has to offer.
3. Galena
Galena, located in the northwest corner of Illinois, is known for its beautiful 19th century buildings. It is a small town with a population of just a few thousand residents, situated along the Galena River which leads to the nearby Mississippi.
The main streets of Galena are filled with historic buildings that provide a glimpse into life during the 1800s when notable figures like Ulysses S. Grant and eight Civil War generals called it home. Galena is a popular choice for those considering retirement in Illinois.
It has a thriving tourism industry, yet maintains a tranquil atmosphere throughout the year. There are plenty of activities for residents and visitors, such as visiting the Ulysses S. Grant Home, all while enjoying a low cost of living.
Families will appreciate the highly regarded school district, and everyone can enjoy the great cafes, restaurants, and lively local bars that Galena has to offer.
2. Chicago
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois with a population of over 2.5 million people, surprisingly has a lower cost of living compared to other big cities, especially when it comes to housing. There is a wide variety of neighborhoods in Chicago, and since the public transportation is decent, it is not necessary to live in the downtown area.
When moving to Chicago, newcomers have the option to choose from different places like Bucktown, Logan Square, and Lincoln Park, each offering their own unique blend of history, culture, and beautiful views.
If you choose to live or visit the downtown area, you will be just steps away from the lively waterfront, which is filled with parks, museums, stadiums, and offers excellent shopping options along Michigan Avenue.
Being a large city, Chicago also offers a diverse range of food choices, and its O’Hare International Airport offers convenient connections to the rest of the country.
1. Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a place that is not too big, but not too small either, with a population of around 40,000 people. It has a mix of qualities that make it an attractive place to live. It is a charming and family-friendly neighborhood that offers great opportunities for outdoor activities.
At the same time, it also has job opportunities in a growing market and plenty of fun activities that the whole town can enjoy. Crystal Lake is particularly appealing to families and retirees who are looking for a nice place to raise their kids or be part of a close community.
There are many smaller neighborhoods to choose from, depending on your preferences. Some neighborhoods are close to schools, some are close to parks, and some are close to the downtown district, called The Village, which offers excellent shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
In addition, Crystal Lake is proud of its 40 parks managed by the Crystal Lake Park District, which provide ample space for outdoor fun, sports, and community events.
