The Finest Locations to Reside in Illinois in 2025

When you’re planning on transferring to Illinois, add these cities to your checklist.

Rooted in agriculture and constructed excessive into the sky, Illinois is America’s heartland. Agriculture and business outline the state, with wealthy locomotive and farming legacies. Illinois is the fifth-largest agricultural state within the nation, with corn, soybeans, and swine the highest commodities. 

Alongside the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago rises excessive into the sky, showcasing its practically two centuries of artwork, tradition, and historical past. Its suburbs stretch for 50+ miles outwards from the lake into the “collar counties” bordering Wisconsin and Indiana and deep into the enduring prairies, rivers, and bluffs of the midwest. Practically ten million folks dwell within the area, making it one of many largest metropolitan areas on the earth. 

Outdoors of Chicago (“downstate”), Illinois exhibits off its rural facet. Farmland rolls so far as the attention can see, damaged up by small cities and hills. Inexpensive land, quiet communities, and pure magnificence make this an interesting place to dwell. Furthest to the south are the Shawnee Hills and the well-known “American Backside” – the influential floodplain of the Mississippi River. 

Each area of Illinois has character and distinctive cities. However, which cities are the perfect? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the perfect locations to dwell in Illinois, rating them on qualities akin to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.

1. Bloomington, IL

Bloomington sits within the coronary heart of the Corn Belt in Central Illinois, giving it a peaceable, small-town vibe with out shedding out on big-city comforts. Inexpensive dwelling, sizable public transportation, low unemployment, and simple commuting assist make Bloomington the perfect place to dwell in Illinois. 

Town is normally lumped along with Regular to the north, giving the realm the mixed nickname Blo-No. 

Bloomington’s job market is a serious draw. Giant employers like State Farm and Nation Monetary have headquarters on the town, which, alongside manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture, make up a majority of its rising financial system. 

Facilities are all over the place, too. With scenic paths just like the Structure Path, it’s simple to get exterior for a stroll, jog, or bike trip. Town additionally has widespread stops like Miller Park Zoo and the McLean County Museum of Historical past, nice for a weekend journey. Illinois State College and Illinois Wesleyan College hold the scene energetic with sports activities, concert events, and theater.

Meals choices don’t disappoint, both. Tony’s Diner and Tobin’s Pizza are nice choices. For individuals who desire cooking, the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is an enormous draw for produce and handmade items. Plus, native occasions just like the Competition of Bushes and McClean County Honest present loads of possibilities to fulfill neighbors and expertise the state’s famously variable climate. When you’re hungering for a weekend within the metropolis, it’s only a quick prepare trip to Chicago. 

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2. Chicago, IL

When most individuals consider Illinois, they consider Chicago – one of many largest and most iconic cities in the USA. Large skyscrapers, waterfront vistas, centuries of historical past, and a tradition recognized internationally make the town a serious draw and immediately recognizable. 

Even with its dimension, Chicago manages to be one of many most inexpensive cities within the U.S. Costs range throughout lots of its neighborhoods – locations like Gold Coast and Lincoln Park are costly – however many areas within the metropolis have properties inside attain for these making the realm’s $95,513 median earnings. 

World-class public transportation, massive parks, glorious schooling, avid sports activities scenes, and lots extra make Chicago the second-best finest place to dwell within the U.S. You’ll be able to’t neglect about its local weather, both; whereas more and more unpredictable, many individuals love the chilly winters, sizzling summers, and lovely springs and falls. 

In fact, the Windy Metropolis isn’t with out its challenges – it has a fancy racial historical past and a pronounced wealth hole that’s nonetheless felt in some components of city. However many select the Windy Metropolis for its job market, internationally acknowledged meals scene, and lineup of festivals and occasions year-round. A rising variety of companies are selecting to maneuver to the realm, too, giving relocating residents extra choices.

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3. Champaign, IL

About two hours south of Chicago lies Champaign, a small metropolis recognized for its universities and miles of farmland. An inexpensive value of dwelling, a big selection of restaurant choices, and nice navigability make it among the best locations to dwell in Illinois. 

Champaign is a traditional school city, with the College of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offering actions, jobs, and loads of facilities. The city of Urbana sits simply to the southeast of Champaign, so they’re usually lumped collectively into one metropolis. Urbana is a bit smaller and spreads out into the countryside fairly shortly. 

Certainly one of Champaign’s largest attracts is its public transportation. The bus system is supported by each the college and metropolis – that means it punches far above its weight – and Amtrak shortly takes you to Chicago or St. Louis. That, plus little or no visitors, means getting round is a breeze. Ensure that to go to the general public library or Farmers’ Market when the climate is sweet. 

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4. Evanston, IL

Evanston, a north Chicago suburb alongside the shores of Lake Michigan, is the fourth-best place to dwell in Illinois. Anchored by the celebrated Northwestern College, the school metropolis buzzes with mental power, occasions, and top-tier collegiate sports activities. Its downtown space is historic, stuffed with small enterprise, and energetic, whereas parks and trails make for simple outside enjoyable. 

Due to its many facilities and increased than common month-to-month taxes and payments, dwelling in Evanston will value fairly a bit. Nevertheless, many suppose it’s value it. Getting round is simple, the schooling high quality is excessive, and also you received’t tire of the handfuls of eating places and outlets within the coronary heart of city. Summers deliver farmers markets and neighborhood festivals, whereas the colder months provide cozy espresso outlets and occasions.

Moreover, due to the CTA Purple Line and Metra’s Union Pacific North line, you may get pleasure from stress-free commutes into downtown Chicago. 

Out of all of Chicago’s suburbs, many would possibly count on Naperville or Aurora to make the checklist. Nevertheless, they each have an absence of transportation choices – like airports and bus stations – and facilities, which impacted their rankings. 

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5. Regular, IL

Regular shares a border with its twin metropolis, Bloomington, but it carves out its personal identification with a college-town vibe and loads of job alternatives. Illinois State College and Heartland Group School are the social anchors of city, giving it a university city vibe. Occasions just like the Corn Competition and Illinois Shakespeare Competition give residents loads to stay up for yearly. 

Regular is usually extra suburban than Bloomington, however has a surprisingly robust financial system. Rivian has their main manufacturing plant on the town, which has added 1000’s of jobs and simply obtained practically $1 billion from the town to develop. 

Head out of city and also you’ll run into miles of farmland in each course, some with U-Decide farms and small shops. On the town, you might have parks like Fairview Park and Maxwell Park, which have golf programs and athletic fields. In brief, Regular is a small city with big-city facilities and inexpensive housing, making it among the best locations to dwell in Illinois. 

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 6. Springfield, IL

To not be confused with one in every of 67 different Springfields throughout the nation, Springfield, IL is the state capital and among the best locations to dwell in Illinois. A low value of dwelling, loads of industrial grit, and native jobs alternatives make Springfield among the best cities in Illinois. 

Don’t fear – Lincoln’s legacy is widely known all through city. You’ll be able to immerse your self in historical past on the Lincoln Residence Nationwide Historic Web site or discover the spectacular Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Downtown, you’ll discover traditional diners, domestically owned outlets, and a gentle stream of cultural occasions – just like the Outdated Capitol Artwork Honest and Outdated Capitol Farmers Market – making it simple to have interaction with locals. 

It’s going to take a automotive to get across the space, although. For jobs, many individuals work within the authorities and healthcare, with tech alternatives arduous to seek out. When you’re extra into the outside, ensure that to go to Washington Park or one in every of many golf programs on the town. 

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7. Peoria, IL

Peoria offers an enormous variety of advantages in an inexpensive bundle. Nice parks, woodlands, loads of occasions, and a rising music scene are all advantages most individuals love. It’s a mid-sized metropolis with Midwestern character and loads of pleasant faces, with an excellent job market besides. Most employers are associated to healthcare and agriculture, with Caterpillar and OSF HealthCare headquartered on the town. 

Peoria Lake and the Illinois River run by way of the middle of city and supply a beautiful backdrop for walks, runs, or spending a day within the historic downtown. Ensure that so as to add the Rock Island Greenway and Grandview Drive to your strolling rotation. Importantly, some areas of Peoria are empty, however the metropolis has been investing massive to revitalize its Downtown and waterfront. 

Sports activities lovers can hit Dozer Park for minor league baseball or cheer on Bradley College basketball on the Peoria Civic Middle – a sizzling spot for occasions. Prime it off with a rising meals scene and neighborhood craft breweries, and also you’ve bought a group with a shocking quantity of aptitude.

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8. Cicero, IL

The city of Cicero is a West-Chicago suburb that blends inexpensive dwelling and pleasant group into an excellent place to dwell. You’ll usually discover residents gathering at Cicero Group Park for film nights or concert events, though different park choices are restricted. Cicero’s affordability is what helps it earn its spot because the eight-best place to dwell in Illinois. 

Getting round Cicero is simple on foot through the Pink Line and by automotive through Interstates 290 and 55. Cicero Group Park and Morton School are gathering spots for college kids and residents. Importantly, flooding is a rising concern, however the city lately obtained $96 million to assist tackle issues.

Residing in Cicero means you’re within the thick of the town, but additionally that you simply’ll by no means run out of close by issues to do. When you don’t need to journey, most facilities nearer to city are situated to the east on the Cicero Market Place and Hawthorne Works malls. Meals choices are nice, with traditional chains and native hotspots. Freddy’s PIzza is a must-visit and can possible grow to be your weekly staple. 

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9. Wheaton, IL

Wheaton is the image of suburbia, with tree-lined streets, a quaint downtown, and a simple commute into Chicago through the Metra Practice. However there’s extra right here than a fairly setting. Wheaton School, walks alongside the Illinois Prairie Path, and the Cosley Zoo are just some of the city’s many advantages. The Danada Forest Protect is barely a brief drive away, too. 

When winter hits, take your self to the perfect sled hill within the space at Northside Park. When you’re up for a day exterior, historic Cantigny park is simply 10 minutes away and features a backyard, golf course, museums, and extra. Concert events, lectures, and festivals are held year-round, with an excellent vacation occasion from November-January. 

Like different close by cities, Wheaton has a quaint downtown with loads of eating places, outlets, a library, and two parks. Town’s tight-knit really feel shines in occasions just like the weekly French Market and seasonal festivals across the DuPage County Fairgrounds. In brief, pure magnificence, entry to the town, and all the pieces you want with out the trouble makes Wheaton among the best locations to dwell in Illinois. 

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10. Decatur, IL

Decatur, an agriculture and former steelworking mecca, is the tenth-best place to dwell in Illinois. Very inexpensive housing, quiet streets, and entry to nature make for a peaceable and satisfying place to dwell. 

Locals love gathering round man-made Lake Decatur for fishing and boating, or at one in every of many parks surrounding the lake, like Nelson Park and the Kaufman Lakeside Conservation Space. Plus, the town has been actively revitalizing neighborhoods, with blended success. Decatur is a small Midwestern metropolis, although, with farmland and just some distinctive eating places scattered all through the town. 

Decatur’s inhabitants has been declining for many years, with a big fall within the 2010s because of financial struggles. Nevertheless, inhabitants losses have practically stopped, and the town nonetheless has a serious financial presence. Tate & Lyle, Caterpillar, and ADM are the biggest firms on the town, providing 1000’s of jobs. Necessary to notice: when you dwell downwind of the ADM or Tate & Lyle factories, be ready for robust corn and soy-like smells, which will be disagreeable. 

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Methodology

Redfin’s Finest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable resolution when selecting the place to dwell. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or better had been thought of for our Illinois checklist. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.

Information legitimate February 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.