Consider adding these cities to your list if you’re planning on moving to Illinois.
Illinois, rooted in agriculture and towering skyscrapers, is the heartland of America. The state boasts a rich legacy in agriculture and industry, being the fifth-largest agricultural state in the country with corn, soybeans, and swine as top commodities.
Chicago, rising high along Lake Michigan, is a cultural hub with nearly two centuries of history. Its suburbs stretch for over 50 miles, bordering Wisconsin and Indiana, offering a mix of urban and natural landscapes. Outside of Chicago, Illinois showcases its rural charm with farmland, small towns, and hills.
Each region of Illinois has its own character and unique cities. In this Redfin article, we uncover the best places to live in Illinois based on factors such as affordability, amenities, and navigability.
1. Bloomington, IL
| Population: | 78,587 |
| Median Sale Price: | $196,500 |
| Median Rent Price: | $1,350 |
| Average Commute Time: | 16.3 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 2.0% |
Bloomington, located in Central Illinois in the Corn Belt, offers a peaceful small-town vibe with big-city comforts. Affordable living, public transportation, low unemployment, and easy commuting make it an ideal place to live.
The city, often combined with Normal as Blo-No, boasts a thriving job market with major employers like State Farm and Country Financial. Amenities like scenic paths, parks, zoos, and museums make Bloomington a vibrant community.
Food options abound, with popular eateries like Tony’s Diner and Tobin’s Pizza. Events like the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market and festivals provide opportunities to connect with neighbors and experience the local culture.
Find Bloomington homes for sale, houses for rent, and apartments for rent.
2. Chicago, IL
| Population: | 2,664,452 |
| Median Sale Price: | $360,000 |
| Median Rent Price: | $1,796 |
| Average Commute Time: | 34.7 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 5.4% |
Chicago, one of the largest and most iconic cities in the U.S., is known for its skyscrapers, history, culture, and diverse neighborhoods. Despite its size, Chicago offers affordability in many areas, with a mix of expensive and more accessible neighborhoods.
The city boasts world-class public transportation, parks, education, sports, and a vibrant food scene. Chicago’s climate, known for its unpredictable weather, offers a mix of seasons that appeal to many residents.
Despite challenges like a complex racial history and wealth gap, Chicago attracts residents with its job market, food scene, festivals, and corporate relocation opportunities.
Find Chicago homes for sale, houses for rent, and apartments for rent.
Methodology
Redfin’s Best Places to Live rankings aim to assist home searchers in making informed decisions about where to live. Factors considered include access to healthcare, outdoor space, housing trends, employment statistics, income, and commute time. Only metros with a population of 50,000 or more were included in the Illinois list.
Data valid February 2025. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.