If you happen to’re planning on shifting to Illinois, add these cities to your listing.
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 individuals dwell within the area, making it one of many largest metropolitan areas on this planet.
Exterior of Chicago (“downstate”), Illinois exhibits off its rural aspect. Farmland rolls so far as the attention can see, damaged up by small cities and hills. Reasonably priced 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 Bottom” – the influential floodplain of the Mississippi River.
Each area of Illinois has character and distinctive cities. However, which cities are one of the best? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to dwell in Illinois, rating them on qualities comparable 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
Inhabitants:
78,587
Median Sale Value:
$196,500
Median Hire Value:
$1,350
Common Commute Time:
16.3 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
2.0%
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. Reasonably priced residing, sizable public transportation, low unemployment, and simple commuting assist make Bloomington one of the best place to dwell in Illinois.
Town is often lumped along with Regular to the north, giving the realm the mixed nickname Blo-No.
Bloomington’s job market is a serious draw. Massive 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 in every single place, too. With scenic paths just like the Structure Path, it’s simple to get outdoors for a stroll, jog, or bike experience. Town additionally has in style 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 maintain the scene vigorous 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 favor cooking, the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a giant draw for produce and handmade items. Plus, native occasions just like the Competition of Timber and McClean County Honest present loads of possibilities to fulfill neighbors and expertise the state’s famously variable climate. If you happen to’re hungering for a weekend within the metropolis, it’s only a quick practice experience to Chicago.
Bloomington properties on the market | Bloomington homes for hire | Bloomington flats for hire
2. Chicago, IL
Inhabitants:
2,664,452
Median Sale Value:
$360,000
Median Hire Value:
$1,796
Common Commute Time:
34.7 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
5.4%
When most individuals consider Illinois, they consider Chicago – one of many largest and most iconic cities in america. Huge skyscrapers, waterfront vistas, centuries of historical past, and a tradition identified internationally make the town a serious draw and immediately recognizable.
Even with its measurement, Chicago manages to be probably the most reasonably priced cities within the U.S. Costs differ 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 revenue.
World-class public transportation, massive parks, glorious schooling, avid sports activities scenes, and many extra make Chicago the second-best greatest place to dwell within the U.S. You possibly can’t neglect about its local weather, both; whereas more and more unpredictable, many individuals love the chilly winters, sizzling summers, and beautiful 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.
Chicago properties on the market | Chicago homes for hire | Chicago flats for hire
3. Champaign, IL
Inhabitants:
89,189
Median Sale Value:
$232,000
Median Hire Value:
$1,290
Common Commute Time:
15.2 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
3.0%
About two hours south of Chicago lies Champaign, a small metropolis identified for its universities and miles of farmland. An reasonably priced price of residing, a big selection of restaurant choices, and nice navigability make it among the finest locations to dwell in Illinois.
Champaign is a basic faculty 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.
One in all Champaign’s greatest 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. Make sure that to go to the general public library or Farmers’ Market when the climate is sweet.
Champaign properties on the market | Champaign homes for hire | Champaign flats for hire
4. Evanston, IL
Inhabitants:
75,070
Median Sale Value:
$436,000
Median Hire Value:
$2,284
Common Commute Time:
30.6 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
3.1%
Evanston, a north Chicago suburb alongside the shores of Lake Michigan, is the fourth-best place to dwell in Illinois. Anchored by the distinguished Northwestern College, the school metropolis buzzes with mental power, occasions, and top-tier collegiate sports activities. Its downtown space is historic, filled with small enterprise, and vigorous, whereas parks and trails make for straightforward outside enjoyable.
Due to its many facilities and better than common month-to-month taxes and payments, residing in Evanston will price fairly a bit. Nonetheless, many assume it’s price it. Getting round is straightforward, the schooling high quality is excessive, and also you gained’t tire of the handfuls of eating places and retailers within the coronary heart of city. Summers carry farmers markets and neighborhood festivals, whereas the colder months provide cozy espresso retailers and occasions.
Moreover, because of the CTA Purple Line and Metra’s Union Pacific North line, you’ll be able to take pleasure in stress-free commutes into downtown Chicago.
Out of all of Chicago’s suburbs, many would possibly anticipate Naperville or Aurora to make the listing. Nonetheless, they each have an absence of transportation choices – like airports and bus stations – and facilities, which impacted their rankings.
Evanston properties on the market | Evanston homes for hire | Evanston flats for hire
5. Regular, IL
Inhabitants:
52,618
Median Sale Value:
$248,000
Median Hire Value:
$888
Common Commute Time:
16.7 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
2.4%
Regular shares a border with its twin metropolis, Bloomington, but it carves out its personal id 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 school city vibe. Occasions just like the Corn Competition and Illinois Shakespeare Competition give residents loads to sit 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 hundreds of jobs and simply acquired practically $1 billion from the town to broaden.
Head out of city and also you’ll run into miles of farmland in each route, some with U-Choose farms and small shops. On the town, you will have parks like Fairview Park and Maxwell Park, which have golf programs and athletic fields. Briefly, Regular is a small city with big-city facilities and reasonably priced housing, making it among the finest locations to dwell in Illinois.
Regular properties on the market | Regular homes for hire | Regular flats for hire
6. Springfield, IL
Inhabitants:
112,544
Median Sale Value:
$138,750
Median Hire Value:
$1,100
Common Commute Time:
17.9 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
3.6%
To not be confused with considered one of 67 different Springfields throughout the nation, Springfield, IL is the state capital and among the finest locations to dwell in Illinois. A low price of residing, loads of industrial grit, and native jobs alternatives make Springfield among the finest cities in Illinois.
Don’t fear – Lincoln’s legacy is widely known all through city. You possibly can immerse your self in historical past on the Lincoln Residence Nationwide Historic Website or discover the spectacular Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Downtown, you’ll discover basic diners, domestically owned retailers, and a gentle stream of cultural occasions – just like the Previous Capitol Artwork Honest and Previous Capitol Farmers Market – making it simple to have interaction with locals.
It can take a automotive to get across the space, although. For jobs, many individuals work within the authorities and healthcare, with tech alternatives laborious to search out. If you happen to’re extra into the outside, make sure that to go to Washington Park or considered one of many golf programs on the town.
Springfield properties on the market | Springfield homes for hire | Springfield flats for hire
7. Peoria, IL
Inhabitants:
110,460
Median Sale Value:
$132,250
Median Hire Value:
$1,115
Common Commute Time:
17.3 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
5.9%
Peoria offers an enormous variety of advantages in an reasonably priced package deal. 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 incredible job market as well. 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 the middle of city and supply a stunning backdrop for walks, runs, or spending a day within the historic downtown. Make sure 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 large 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. High it off with a rising meals scene and neighborhood craft breweries, and also you’ve bought a group with a shocking quantity of aptitude.
Peoria properties on the market | Peoria homes for hire | Peoria flats for hire
8. Cicero, IL
Inhabitants:
81,004
Median Sale Value:
$322,000
Median Hire Value:
$1,295
Common Commute Time:
30.4 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
3.0%
The city of Cicero is a West-Chicago suburb that blends reasonably priced residing and pleasant group into an incredible 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 straightforward 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 acquired $96 million to assist deal with issues.
Residing in Cicero means you’re within the thick of the town, but in addition that you simply’ll by no means run out of close by issues to do. If you happen to don’t need to journey, most facilities nearer to city are positioned to the east on the Cicero Market Place and Hawthorne Works malls. Meals choices are nice, with basic chains and native hotspots. Freddy’s PIzza is a must-visit and can probably change into your weekly staple.
Cicero properties on the market | Cicero homes for hire | Cicero flats for hire
9. Wheaton, IL
Inhabitants:
52,938
Median Sale Value:
$388,500
Median Hire Value:
$2,282
Common Commute Time:
27.5 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
2.5%
Wheaton is the image of suburbia, with tree-lined streets, a quaint downtown, and a simple commute into Chicago through the Metra Prepare. 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 simply a brief drive away, too.
When winter hits, take your self to one of the best sled hill within the space at Northside Park. If you happen to’re up for a day outdoors, historic Cantigny park is simply 10 minutes away and features a backyard, golf course, museums, and extra. Live shows, lectures, and festivals are held year-round, with an incredible vacation occasion from November-January.
Like different close by cities, Wheaton has a quaint downtown with loads of eating places, retailers, 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. Briefly, pure magnificence, entry to the town, and all the things you want with out the trouble makes Wheaton among the finest locations to dwell in Illinois.
Wheaton properties on the market | Wheaton homes for hire | Wheaton flats for hire
10. Decatur, IL
Inhabitants:
68,670
Median Sale Value:
$110,500
Median Hire Value:
$920
Common Commute Time:
17.1 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
5.4%
Decatur, an agriculture and former steelworking mecca, is the tenth-best place to dwell in Illinois. Very reasonably priced housing, quiet streets, and entry to nature make for a peaceable and pleasant place to dwell.
Locals love gathering round man-made Lake Decatur for fishing and boating, or at considered one of many parks surrounding the lake, like Nelson Park and the Kaufman Lakeside Conservation Space. Plus, the town has been actively revitalizing neighborhoods, with combined 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. Nonetheless, 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 hundreds of jobs. Essential 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.
Decatur properties on the market | Decatur homes for hire | Decatur flats for hire
Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable choice 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 tendencies, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or better had been thought of for our Illinois listing. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Information legitimate February 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.