1. Illinois Is Downright Beautiful
Many people don’t think of
Illinois when they picture the most beautiful state in America, but the Land of Lincoln definitely takes the cake. Illinoisans love the outdoors and appreciates the natural beauty of the state. Whether you’re kayaking on Lake Glendale or exploring the Shawnee National Forest, chances are you’re going to be blown away.
2. You’re Going To Be A Whole Lot Safer In Illinois
Each year, there are 2,655 crimes committed per 100,000 people in Illinois, which is 444 less than the national average. To have a crime rate lower than national average is definitely a perk when you’re moving to a new state.
3. There Are Two Kinds Of Illinoisans: People From Chicago And People Not From Chicago
Sometimes, when you’re living in Illinois, it’s going to feel like
Chicago is a totally different world: and that’s because it is. Chicagoans rarely ever leave the metro area and, as a result, aren’t totally in sync with the rest of Illinoisans. They rarely agree on politics, lifestyles, or anything else for that matter. In fact, in 2011, downstate politicians proposed to make Chicago the 51st state. Yeah—it’s a bit divided.
4. You’re Going To Love Being Able To Afford Things
The cost of living index compared to the national average is substantially lower in Illinois. It has an index of 85, compared to the national index of 100. Meaning when you move to Illinois, you’re really going to be able to appreciate being able to actually afford your mortgage, gas and groceries, and, of course, nights out on the town at all of Illinois’ awesome restaurants and bars.
5. Your Commute To Work Will Be A Breeze
The commute time to work in Illinois is, on average, only 20 minutes. Meaning you’ll have way more time to sleep in in the morning, and way more time with family and friends in the evening. Plus, they’ve totally proven that shorter commute times lead to happier lives.
6. Get Ready For Some Pretty Epic Thunderstorms
Illinois summers are hot and humid with the average temperatures in the summer reaching 90. It sometimes get to the point where you’ll feel like you’re moving through soup outside But all of this humidity just means there are some pretty epic thunderstorms throughout the summer. In fact, there are about 50 thunderstorm days in Illinois, which is over the national average, and thunderstorms make up over 50 percent of the annual precipitation in the area.
7. Illinois Is A Land Of Opportunity
The unemployment rate in Illinois is about 5 percent, which is on par with national average, meaning you’ve got a good chance of finding work here. Plus, the median household income is $56,000, which is $4,000 over the national average.
8. All Illinoisans Can Agree On The Bears
Whether you’re a Chicagoan or not, you’re definitely going to be all about The Bears. The Chicago Bears are, by far, the best football team of all time. Chicagoans in general might be a bit out of touch with the rest of Illinois, but The Bears are always spot on.
9. Although You’ll Definitely Have To Choose A Side: Sox Or Cubs?
Just know that before you move to Illinois, you better get ready to answer this question: White Sox or Cubs? Everyone in Illinois has been born and raised rooting for one team or the other, so you’ll just have to choose one when you get here and stick to it!
10. But If You Move To Southern Illinois, It’s Going To Have To Be The Cardinals
Southern Illinois is definitely its own unique region of the state, and tends to take on a lot of the cultural aspects of
St. Louis,
Missouri In fact, it’s closer to St. Louis than it is to Chicago. Hence why a ton of people in Southern Illinois root for the Cardinals over the Sox or the Cubs. So if this is the location you choose, you’ll have to increase the amount of red in your wardrobe.
11. The First Time You Try A Hot Dog From Portillo’s, Your Taste Buds Weep With Joy
You haven’t tasted what Illinois has to offer until you try a Portillo’s hot dog. These hot dogs are famous across the state for being the tastiest, most unique, most delicious Chicago-style hot dogs of all time. The chili dog is out of this world, and you better not forget to try the chocolate cake for dessert. Tip: Never reach for the ketchup. Putting ketchup on a hot dog in Illinois is basically a cardinal sin.
12. You’ll Have To Get Used To A New Holiday: Casimir Pulaski Day
Illinois has a federally recognized holiday that not too many people know about: Casimir Pulaski Day, which celebrates a Polish soldier who helped America win the American Revolution. With such a large Polish population in the area, it makes sense that everyone gets the day off from school and work to remember this guy. First Monday of every March, BTW. Mark your calendar!
13. Urbana-Champaign Will Be Your New Favorite College Town
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is probably one of the coolest universities, and (as a result!) is located in one of the best college towns, in the country. Everyone in Illinois loves roaming the streets here, checking out the bars and restaurants, and enjoying the nightlife and concerts. It’s a young population that tends to stick around year-round so this is definitely one of the favorite spots in Illinois.
14. Get Ready To Love The 16th President Even More Than You Already Do
Everyone loves
Abraham Lincoln, but Illinois has a tad bit extra love for him, especially since it’s basically the land of Lincoln. The famous U.S. president is buried in
Springfield, Illinois. There’s a memorial to him, as well, and the statue of him at his tomb gets its nose rubbed by approximately 200,000 people each year. That’s a lot of love for Lincoln.
15. Six Flags Is Totally All It’s Hyped Up To Be
Six Flags Great America is everything that’s wonderful about amusement parks. The food is fried and delicious, the rides are ah-mazing, and there’s always something awesome going on. The best rollercoaster is obviously the Batman, but the American Eagle is just as thrilling.
16. No Matter How Much You Hate Fast Food, You’re Going To Love The First McDonalds
Whether or not Micky-D’s is your favorite place in this world to eat, the first McDonalds ever is located in
Des Plaines, Illinois so you’re gonna have to have some respect for this fast food joint once you move here. Grab a burger and some fries and explore the famous McDonald’s museum while you’re at it.
17. The Fourth Of July Is So Much More Than Fireworks And American Flags
In Illinois, everyone knows that you have to check and see if the corn is knee high on Fourth of July. With so much farmland, and so many farmers, everyone knows July Fourth is when you check on the corn’s height. Of course, there are still fireworks and barbecues, too.
18. Speaking Of Which, Everyone In Illinois Is A Tad Bit Farmer
Everyone in Illinois knows a thing or two about home-grown fruits, veggies, and other crops. Since 85 percent of the land is farmland, it makes sense that pretty much every Illinoisan has the green thumb.
19. Jimmy John’s Is Kind Of A Way Of Life Here
If you’re craving a sandwich, the best place to go in Illinois is Jimmy John’s. It puts chains like Subway to shame. The bread they use for the sandwiches is always the freshest of the fresh, and they deliver. Plus, this place is totally affordable.
20. Summer In Illinois Is Construction Season
Because Illinois winters are so unpredictable and downright unbearable at times, all major construction takes place in the summer. Which is a total and complete bummer, since this is usually the time of year when tourists flock to Illinois, i.e., traffic is a nightmare between the months of June and August.
21. Beware: If You Pronounce The “S” In Illinois, You’re Going Down
People who pronounce the “S” at the end of Illinois are immediately shunned. This is very important to remember before you move here. Do not mess this up, or you’re not gonna make too many friends in the area.
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