If you happen to’re planning on transferring 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 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. Practically ten million folks dwell 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 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 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.
One of the best locations to dwell 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:78,587Median Sale Worth:$235,000Median Hire Worth:$965Average Commute Time:16.7 minutesUnemployment 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 shedding out on big-city comforts. Inexpensive dwelling, sizable public transportation, low unemployment, and simple commuting assist make Bloomington one of the 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. Giant 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 economic system.
Facilities are in all places, too. With scenic paths just like the Structure Path, it’s straightforward to get outdoors for a stroll, jog, or bike trip. Town additionally has well-liked 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 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 individuals who want cooking, the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a giant draw for produce and handmade items. Plus, native occasions just like the Pageant 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 brief practice trip to Chicago.
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2. Chicago, IL
Inhabitants:2,664,452Median Sale Worth:$360,000Median Hire Worth:$1,750Average Commute Time:33.5 minutesUnemployment Fee: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 recognized internationally make the town a significant draw and immediately recognizable.
Even with its dimension, Chicago manages to be probably the most reasonably priced cities within the U.S. Costs fluctuate 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, giant parks, wonderful schooling, avid sports activities scenes, and lots extra make Chicago the second-best greatest place to dwell 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, sizzling summers, and beautiful springs and falls.
In fact, 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 lease | Chicago flats for lease
3. Champaign, IL
Inhabitants:89,189Median Sale Worth:$229,000Median Hire Worth:$1,105Average Commute Time:15.3 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.0%
About two hours south of Chicago lies Champaign, a small metropolis recognized for its universities and miles of farmland. An reasonably priced value of dwelling, a big selection of restaurant choices, and nice navigability make it the most effective locations to dwell 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 rapidly.
Considered one of Champaign’s largest 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 rapidly takes you to Chicago or St. Louis. That, plus little or no site visitors, means getting round is a breeze. Make certain to go to the general public library or Farmers’ Market when the climate is good.
Champaign properties on the market | Champaign homes for lease | Champaign flats for lease
4. Evanston, IL
Inhabitants:75,070Median Sale Worth:$434,000Median Hire Worth:$1,885Average Commute Time:28.5 minutesUnemployment Fee: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 energetic, whereas parks and trails make for straightforward out of doors enjoyable.
Due to its many facilities and better than common month-to-month taxes and payments, dwelling in Evanston will value fairly a bit. Nevertheless, many suppose it’s value it. Getting round is simple, the schooling high quality is excessive, and also you received’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 possibly can get pleasure from stress-free commutes into downtown Chicago.
Out of all of Chicago’s suburbs, many would possibly anticipate 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 lease | Evanston flats for lease
5. Regular, IL
Inhabitants:52,618Median Sale Worth:$265,000Median Hire Worth:$1,120Average Commute Time:17.3 minutesUnemployment Fee: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 Neighborhood Faculty are the social anchors of city, giving it a school city vibe. Occasions just like the Corn Pageant and Illinois Shakespeare Pageant give residents loads to sit up for yearly.
Regular is mostly extra suburban than Bloomington, however has a surprisingly sturdy economic system. Rivian has their major manufacturing plant on the town, which has added 1000’s of jobs and simply obtained almost $1 billion from the town to increase.
Head out of city and also you’ll run into miles of farmland in each route, some with U-Decide farms and small shops. On the town, you may 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 the most effective locations to dwell in Illinois.
Regular properties on the market | Regular homes for lease | Regular flats for lease
6. Springfield, IL
Inhabitants:112,544Median Sale Worth:$179,000Median Hire Worth:$825Average Commute Time:17.7 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.6%
To not be confused with certainly one of 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 dwelling, loads of industrial grit, and native jobs alternatives make Springfield the most effective 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 Dwelling Nationwide Historic Web site or discover the spectacular Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Downtown, you’ll discover traditional 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 have interaction with locals.
It should 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, be sure that to go to Washington Park or certainly one of many golf programs on the town.
Springfield properties on the market | Springfield homes for lease | Springfield flats for lease
7. Peoria, IL
Inhabitants:110,460Median Sale Worth:$148,000Median Hire Worth:$935Average Commute Time:17.6 minutesUnemployment Fee:5.9%
Peoria supplies 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 important 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 way of the middle of city and supply a stunning backdrop for walks, runs, or spending a day within the historic downtown. Make 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 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. Prime it off with a rising meals scene and neighborhood craft breweries, and also you’ve obtained a neighborhood with a shocking quantity of aptitude.
Peoria properties on the market | Peoria homes for lease | Peoria flats for lease
8. Cicero, IL
Inhabitants:81,004Median Sale Worth:$298,000Median Hire Worth:$840Average Commute Time:29.7 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.0%
The city of Cicero is a West-Chicago suburb that blends reasonably priced dwelling and pleasant neighborhood into an important place to dwell. You’ll typically 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 simple on foot by way of the Pink Line and by automotive by way of Interstates 290 and 55. Cicero Neighborhood Park and Morton Faculty are gathering spots for college students and residents. Importantly, flooding is a rising concern, however the city just lately obtained $96 million to assist deal with considerations.
Dwelling 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 situated 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 seemingly turn out to be your weekly staple.
Cicero properties on the market | Cicero homes for lease | Cicero flats for lease
9. Wheaton, IL
Inhabitants:52,938Median Sale Worth:$489,000Median Hire Worth:$1,700Average Commute Time:26.1 minutesUnemployment Fee: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 Practice. However there’s extra right here than a reasonably setting. Wheaton Faculty, walks alongside the Illinois Prairie Path, and the Cosley Zoo are just some of the city’s many advantages. The Danada Forest Protect is barely 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 important 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 the whole lot you want with out the effort makes Wheaton the most effective locations to dwell in Illinois.
Wheaton properties on the market | Wheaton homes for lease | Wheaton flats for lease
10. Decatur, IL
Inhabitants:68,670Median Sale Worth:$138,000Median Hire Worth:$700Average Commute Time:17.4 minutesUnemployment Fee: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 pleasing place to dwell.
Locals love gathering round man-made Lake Decatur for fishing and boating, or at certainly 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 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 attributable to financial struggles. Nevertheless, inhabitants losses have almost stopped, and the town nonetheless has a significant financial presence. Tate & Lyle, Caterpillar, and ADM are the biggest firms on the town, providing 1000’s of jobs. Necessary to notice: in case 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 lease | Decatur flats for lease
Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable choice when selecting the place to dwell. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors house, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or better had been thought-about for our Illinois listing. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
