If you’re planning on moving to Illinois, add these cities to your list.
Rooted in agriculture and built high into the sky, Illinois is America’s heartland. Agriculture and industry define the state, with rich locomotive and farming legacies. Illinois is the fifth-largest agricultural state in the country, with corn, soybeans, and swine the top commodities.
Along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago rises high into the sky, showcasing its nearly two centuries of art, culture, and history. Its suburbs stretch for 50+ miles outwards from the lake into the “collar counties” bordering Wisconsin and Indiana and deep into the iconic prairies, rivers, and bluffs of the midwest. Nearly ten million people live in the region, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.
Outside of Chicago (“downstate”), Illinois shows off its rural side. Farmland rolls as far as the eye can see, broken up by small towns and hills. Affordable land, quiet communities, and natural beauty make this an appealing place to live. Furthest to the south are the Shawnee Hills and the famous “American Bottom” – the influential floodplain of the Mississippi River.
Every region of Illinois has character and unique cities. But, which cities are the best? In this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the best places to live in Illinois, ranking them on qualities such as affordability, navigability, and number of amenities. You can find more information about our methodology here or at the bottom of the article.
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 sits in the heart of the Corn Belt in Central Illinois, giving it a peaceful, small-town vibe without losing out on big-city comforts. Affordable living, sizable public transportation, low unemployment, and easy commuting help make Bloomington the best place to live in…