Should you’re planning on shifting to Illinois, add these cities to your record.
Rooted in agriculture and constructed excessive into the sky, Illinois is America’s heartland. Agriculture and trade 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 almost 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. Almost ten million individuals reside within the area, making it one of many largest metropolitan areas on this planet.
Exterior 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 reside. 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 one of the best? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to reside in Illinois, rating them on qualities akin to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The very best locations to reside in Illinois
- Bloomington, IL
- Chicago, IL
- Champaign, IL
- Evanston, IL
- Regular, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Wheaton, IL
- Decatur, IL
1. Bloomington, IL
| Inhabitants: | 78,587 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $235,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $965 |
| Common Commute Time: | 16.7 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 2.0% |
Bloomington sits within the coronary heart of the Corn Belt in Central Illinois, giving it a peaceable, small-town vibe with out dropping out on big-city comforts. Inexpensive dwelling, sizable public transportation, low unemployment, and straightforward commuting assist make Bloomington one of the best place to reside 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 significant 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 exterior 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 many 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 Timber and McClean County Honest present loads of possibilities to satisfy neighbors and expertise the state’s famously variable climate. Should you’re hungering for a weekend within the metropolis, it’s only a brief prepare experience to Chicago.
Bloomington properties on the market | Bloomington homes for lease | Bloomington residences for lease
2. Chicago, IL
| Inhabitants: | 2,664,452 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $360,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,750 |
| Common Commute Time: | 33.5 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 5.4% |
When most individuals consider Illinois, they consider Chicago – one of many largest and most iconic cities in the US. Huge skyscrapers, waterfront vistas, centuries of historical past, and a tradition identified internationally make the town a significant draw and immediately recognizable.
Even with its dimension, Chicago manages to be one of many most inexpensive 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 earnings.
World-class public transportation, massive parks, glorious training, avid sports activities scenes, and lots extra make Chicago the second-best finest place to reside within the U.S. You possibly can’t overlook about its local weather, both; whereas more and more unpredictable, many individuals love the chilly winters, scorching summers, and beautiful springs and falls.
After all, the Windy Metropolis isn’t with out its challenges – it has a posh racial historical past and a pronounced wealth hole that’s nonetheless felt in some elements 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 lease | Chicago residences for lease
3. Champaign, IL
| Inhabitants: | 89,189 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $229,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,105 |
| Common Commute Time: | 15.3 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 3.0% |
About two hours south of Chicago lies Champaign, a small metropolis identified for its universities and miles of farmland. An inexpensive price of dwelling, a big selection of restaurant choices, and nice navigability make it the most effective locations to reside in Illinois.
Champaign is a traditional 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 typically lumped collectively into one metropolis. Urbana is a bit smaller and spreads out into the countryside fairly shortly.
One in every of 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. Be certain to go to the general public library or Farmers’ Market when the climate is sweet.
Champaign properties on the market | Champaign homes for lease | Champaign residences for lease
4. Evanston, IL
| Inhabitants: | 75,070 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $434,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,885 |
| Common Commute Time: | 28.5 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 3.1% |
Evanston, a north Chicago suburb alongside the shores of Lake Michigan, is the fourth-best place to reside in Illinois. Anchored by the celebrated Northwestern College, the faculty metropolis buzzes with mental vitality, occasions, and top-tier collegiate sports activities. Its downtown space is historic, filled with small enterprise, and vigorous, whereas parks and trails make for simple out of doors enjoyable.
Due to its many facilities and larger than common month-to-month taxes and payments, dwelling in Evanston will price fairly a bit. Nonetheless, many suppose it’s value it. Getting round is simple, the training high quality is excessive, and also you gained’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 possibly can 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 record. 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 lease | Evanston residences for lease
5. Regular, IL
| Inhabitants: | 52,618 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $265,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,120 |
| Common Commute Time: | 17.3 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 2.4% |
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 a lot to look ahead to yearly.
Regular is mostly extra suburban than Bloomington, however has a surprisingly robust financial system. Rivian has their major manufacturing plant on the town, which has added hundreds of jobs and simply obtained almost $1 billion from the town to broaden.
Head out of city and also you’ll run into miles of farmland in each path, some with U-Decide farms and small shops. On the town, you’ve 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 inexpensive housing, making it the most effective locations to reside in Illinois.
Regular properties on the market | Regular homes for lease | Regular residences for lease
6. Springfield, IL
| Inhabitants: | 112,544 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $179,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $825 |
| Common Commute Time: | 17.7 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 3.6% |
To not be confused with considered one of 67 different Springfields throughout the nation, Springfield, IL is the state capital and the most effective locations to reside in Illinois. A low price of dwelling, loads of industrial grit, and native jobs alternatives make Springfield the most effective cities in Illinois.
Don’t fear – Lincoln’s legacy is well known all through city. You possibly can immerse your self in historical past on the Lincoln House Nationwide Historic Web site or discover the spectacular Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Downtown, you’ll discover traditional diners, regionally owned outlets, and a gentle stream of cultural occasions – just like the Previous Capitol Artwork Honest and Previous Capitol Farmers Market – making it simple to interact with locals.
It would take a automobile to get across the space, although. For jobs, many individuals work within the authorities and healthcare, with tech alternatives onerous to seek out. Should you’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 lease | Springfield residences for lease
7. Peoria, IL
| Inhabitants: | 110,460 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $148,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $935 |
| Common Commute Time: | 17.6 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 5.9% |
Peoria gives 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 ideal 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 means of the middle of city and supply a stunning backdrop for walks, runs, or spending a day within the historic downtown. Be certain so as to add the Rock Island Greenway and Grandview Drive to your strolling rotation. Some areas of Peoria are empty, however the metropolis has been investing huge 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 scorching spot for occasions. High it off with a rising meals scene and neighborhood craft breweries, and also you’ve acquired a neighborhood with a stunning quantity of aptitude.
Peoria properties on the market | Peoria homes for lease | Peoria residences for lease
8. Cicero, IL
| Inhabitants: | 81,004 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $298,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $840 |
| Common Commute Time: | 29.7 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 3.0% |
The city of Cicero is a West-Chicago suburb that blends inexpensive dwelling and pleasant neighborhood into an ideal place to reside. You’ll typically 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 reside in Illinois.
Getting round Cicero is simple on foot through the Pink Line and by automobile 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 not too long ago obtained $96 million to assist tackle issues.
Dwelling 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. Should you don’t wish 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 traditional chains and native hotspots. Freddy’s Pizza is a must-visit and can doubtless turn out to be your weekly staple.
Cicero properties on the market | Cicero homes for lease | Cicero residences for lease
9. Wheaton, IL
| Inhabitants: | 52,938 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $489,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $1,700 |
| Common Commute Time: | 26.1 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 2.5% |
Wheaton is the image of suburbia, with tree-lined streets, a quaint downtown, and a straightforward 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 only a few 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. Should you’re up for a day exterior, 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 ideal 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. Briefly, pure magnificence, entry to the town, and all the things you want with out the effort makes Wheaton the most effective locations to reside in Illinois.
Wheaton properties on the market | Wheaton homes for lease | Wheaton residences for lease
10. Decatur, IL
| Inhabitants: | 68,670 |
| Median Sale Worth: | $138,000 |
| Median Lease Worth: | $700 |
| Common Commute Time: | 17.4 minutes |
| Unemployment Fee: | 5.4% |
Decatur, an agriculture and former steelworking mecca, is the tenth-best place to reside in Illinois. Very inexpensive housing, quiet streets, and entry to nature make for a peaceable and pleasing place to reside.
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 blended success. Decatur is a small Midwestern metropolis, although, with farmland and only a few distinctive eating places scattered all through the town.
Decatur’s inhabitants has been declining for many years, with a big fall within the 2010s resulting from financial struggles. Nonetheless, inhabitants losses have almost stopped, and the town nonetheless has a significant financial presence. Tate & Lyle, Caterpillar, and ADM are the most important firms on the town, providing hundreds of jobs. Necessary to notice: should you reside downwind of the ADM or Tate & Lyle factories, be ready for robust corn and soy-like smells, which might be disagreeable.
Decatur properties on the market | Decatur homes for lease | Decatur residences for lease
Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to reside. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors area, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or larger have been thought of for our Illinois record. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here.
Information legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
