Should you’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 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 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 long-lasting prairies, rivers, and bluffs of the midwest. Almost ten million folks dwell within the area, making it one of many largest metropolitan areas on the earth.
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. 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 Bottom” – the influential floodplain of the Mississippi River.
Each area of Illinois has character and distinctive cities. However, which cities are the very best? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the very best locations to dwell in Illinois, rating them on qualities corresponding to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You’ll find 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 Lease Value:
$1,350
Common Commute Time:
16.3 minutes
Unemployment Price:
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. Inexpensive residing, sizable public transportation, low unemployment, and simple commuting assist make Bloomington the very best 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 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 all over the place, too. With scenic paths just like the Structure Path, it’s straightforward to get exterior for a stroll, jog, or bike experience. Town additionally has fashionable 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 many who want cooking, the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a giant draw for produce and handmade items. Plus, native occasions just like the Competition of Bushes and McClean County Honest present loads of probabilities 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 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 Lease Value:
$1,796
Common Commute Time:
34.7 minutes
Unemployment Price:
5.4%
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 identified internationally make town a significant draw and immediately recognizable.
Even with its measurement, Chicago manages to be some of the 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 revenue.
World-class public transportation, massive parks, glorious schooling, avid sports activities scenes, and many extra make Chicago the second-best finest 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, scorching summers, and lovely 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 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 Lease Value:
$1,290
Common Commute Time:
15.2 minutes
Unemployment Price:
3.0%
About two hours south of Chicago lies Champaign, a small metropolis identified for its universities and miles of farmland. An inexpensive value of residing, a big selection of restaurant choices, and nice navigability make it the most effective locations to dwell in Illinois.
Champaign is a basic 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.
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 site visitors, means getting round is a breeze. Be sure 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 Lease Value:
$2,284
Common Commute Time:
30.6 minutes
Unemployment Price:
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 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 straightforward outside enjoyable.
Due to its many facilities and better than common month-to-month taxes and payments, residing in Evanston will value fairly a bit. Nevertheless, many suppose it’s value it. Getting round is straightforward, the schooling 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 convey farmers markets and neighborhood festivals, whereas the colder months supply cozy espresso outlets and occasions.
Moreover, due to the CTA Purple Line and Metra’s Union Pacific North line, you’ll be able to get pleasure from stress-free commutes into downtown Chicago.
Out of all of Chicago’s suburbs, many may count on Naperville or Aurora to make the listing. Nevertheless, 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 Lease Value:
$888
Common Commute Time:
16.7 minutes
Unemployment Price:
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 Neighborhood 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 look ahead to yearly.
Regular is mostly extra suburban than Bloomington, however has a surprisingly sturdy financial system. Rivian has their main manufacturing plant on the town, which has added 1000’s of jobs and simply acquired practically $1 billion from town to increase.
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 have got 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 the most effective 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 Lease Value:
$1,100
Common Commute Time:
17.9 minutes
Unemployment Price:
3.6%
To not be confused with one among 67 different Springfields throughout the nation, Springfield, IL is the state capital and the most effective locations to dwell in Illinois. A low value of residing, 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 basic diners, domestically owned outlets, and a gradual stream of cultural occasions – just like the Previous Capitol Artwork Honest and Previous Capitol Farmers Market – making it straightforward to interact with locals.
It can take a automobile to get across the space, although. For jobs, many individuals work within the authorities and healthcare, with tech alternatives exhausting to seek out. Should you’re extra into the outside, be certain that to go to Washington Park or one among 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 Lease Value:
$1,115
Common Commute Time:
17.3 minutes
Unemployment Price:
5.9%
Peoria supplies an enormous variety of advantages in an inexpensive 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 a fantastic job market in addition. 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. Be sure 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 scorching spot for occasions. High it off with a rising meals scene and neighborhood craft breweries, and also you’ve obtained a group with a stunning 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 Lease Value:
$1,295
Common Commute Time:
30.4 minutes
Unemployment Price:
3.0%
The city of Cicero is a West-Chicago suburb that blends inexpensive residing and pleasant group into a fantastic place to dwell. You’ll usually discover residents gathering at Cicero Neighborhood 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 by way of the Pink Line and by automobile by way of Interstates 290 and 55. Cicero Neighborhood 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 acquired $96 million to assist handle considerations.
Residing in Cicero means you’re within the thick of town, but additionally that you just’ll by no means run out of close by issues to do. Should 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 basic chains and native hotspots. Freddy’s PIzza is a must-visit and can seemingly turn out to be 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 Lease Value:
$2,282
Common Commute Time:
27.5 minutes
Unemployment Price:
2.5%
Wheaton is the image of suburbia, with tree-lined streets, a quaint downtown, and a simple commute into Chicago by way of the Metra Prepare. However there’s extra right here than a reasonably 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 just a brief drive away, too.
When winter hits, take your self to the very 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 a fantastic 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 town, and every thing you want with out the trouble makes Wheaton the most effective 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 Lease Value:
$920
Common Commute Time:
17.1 minutes
Unemployment Price:
5.4%
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 pleasant place to dwell.
Locals love gathering round man-made Lake Decatur for fishing and boating, or at one among many parks surrounding the lake, like Nelson Park and the Kaufman Lakeside Conservation Space. Plus, 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 town.
Decatur’s inhabitants has been declining for many years, with a big fall within the 2010s attributable to financial struggles. Nevertheless, inhabitants losses have practically stopped, and town nonetheless has a significant financial presence. Tate & Lyle, Caterpillar, and ADM are the most important companies on the town, providing 1000’s of jobs. Essential to notice: when you dwell downwind of the ADM or Tate & Lyle factories, be ready for sturdy corn and soy-like smells, which may 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 determination when selecting the place to dwell. To aim 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 outside house, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or larger have been thought-about for our Illinois listing. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.
Information legitimate February 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
