Top Cities in Illinois

Illinois at a Glance

What is living in Illinois like? Is this state nothing more than the home of Chicago, the Land of Lincoln, or a rich bit of Midwest farmland? Is it the Prairie State, one big suburban oasis, or a place known for small town charm? The answer is that Illinois is all of these. This state has a little bit of everything, from the big cities of Chicago, Rockford, Champaign, and Springfield to numerous small communities of just a couple thousand people. It has its share of wealthy suburban neighborhoods that tap into the exceptional public transportation options into Chicago, as well as tourist destinations like Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, with their iconic stone outcroppings and magical waterfalls, or the resort community of Galena, where spas, shopping centers, and even an indoor water park await exploration. Connecting all of these communities and attractions is the prairie land that gave the state its nickname, and in the spring those prairies come alive in brilliant color as wildflowers raise their heads to the sun. Illinois is a truly varied state, and well worth discovering in your search for Midwest real estate options.

Top Cities in Illinois

• Arlington Heights  Barrington  
• Bedford Park  
• Belleville  
• Chicago  
• Crystal Lake  
• Downers Grove  
• Elgin  
• Eola  
• Fort Sheridan  
• Fox Valley  
• Great Lakes  
• Hines  
• Joliet  
• Lakewood  

Why You'll Love Living in Illinois

Do you love wide open spaces? You will find them in Illinois, with homes along the prairie or near farmland. Are you a city dweller who loves the frenetic energy of the urban landscape? You will find that in Illinois too, with condos and apartments overlooking cities that never sleep. Is forested land your idea of a perfect place to live? Illinois is dotted with arboretums and forest preserves, with houses that back up to the tree line. This state has a range of community types that offer real estate options ranging from spacious homes in the suburbs to farmland farther from the city. For city dwellers, Chicago and its suburbs provide high-rise apartments and luxury condominiums near the economic center of the state. The variety of real estate options is one of the perks of living in Illinois.

When it comes to employment options, Illinois has something for everyone. Because Illinois is 60 percent farmland, jobs in agriculture are commonly found throughout the state. Farms in Illinois average 357 acres in size, with some smaller hobby farms and many larger commercial locations. Illinois is also known for its manufacturing sector. In fact, the state is one of the country's leading manufacturers, and factory and shipping industries are strong within the Land of Lincoln. Within the state's larger cities, especially Chicago, tourism is a primary economic drive. Hotels and other hospitality services employ thousands of people throughout the state. Surprisingly, mining in the Illinois Basin area, where coal, petroleum, and minerals are found in abundance, is another strong industry in the state. Over 8 billion tons of coal have been mined from southern Illinois since the beginning of the mining trade in the state. With all that Illinois has to offer, and the varied real estate options found within the state, it is a place you will love to live.