What BestPlaces Users Say about Illinois
Illinois is known for its diverse population, vibrant cities, and strong economy. However, like any state, it has its pros and cons. To get a better understanding of what it's like to live in Illinois, let's take a look at some user reviews from BestPlaces.net.
According to user reviews on BestPlaces.net, many people love living in Illinois for its cultural diversity and opportunities for career growth. For example, user "JohnDoe24" writes, "I've been living in Illinois for over 10 years now and I absolutely love it. There's always something to do and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming and diverse." This sentiment is echoed by "Liz1987," who says, "I moved to Illinois for a job opportunity and I'm so glad I did. The mix of cultures and people has been enriching and the job market is constantly growing."
However, not all reviews are positive. Some users mention the high cost of living in Illinois, specifically in cities like Chicago. "CityLife19" expresses their frustration by saying, "I've lived in Chicago my whole life and while I love the city, the cost of living is outrageous. It's almost impossible to afford a decent apartment and still have money left over for other expenses." "MidwestGirl22" also shares her experience, stating, "I grew up in a small town in Illinois and while I miss the close-knit community, the cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years. It's becoming unaffordable for many families."
On the other hand, some users appreciate the slower pace of life in smaller towns in Illinois. User "SmalltownLiving" shares, "I've lived in various small towns in Illinois my whole life and I wouldn't have it any other way. The cost of living is much more manageable and the sense of community is strong." Similarly, "NatureLover86" says, "I moved from a big city to a small town in Illinois and I have no regrets. The slower pace of life and access to nature have greatly improved my overall well-being."
Overall, it's clear that opinions about living in Illinois vary among its residents. While some appreciate the opportunities and diversity, others struggle with the high cost of living. It's important for individuals to carefully consider their priorities and do research before deciding if Illinois is the right place for them to live.
based on 77 ReviewsGet to know Illinois with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Illinois
Miserable - 11/4/2021
Dont move to Illinois, I moved here over 11 years ago, I was shocked to find out how rude and whiny people are that live here, the mid west was suppose to be such a good place, and no its not Chicago. Taxes are outrageous and corruption is beyond measure. Weather in summer to hot to enjoy anything and the winter too cold for anything to enjoy, except inside. Stay out of
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Just to set the record straight - 9/28/2021
I just want to say being a resident in Illinois for over 50 years, if you are a fairly hard working person of average intelligence, Illinois is probably one of the best states in the Union. If you can understand living within your means, it is very easy to find work in most of the state and cost of living is very good if you are not compelled to keep up with the neighbors on everything. Never had issues getting used cars my entire life in good condition, never had an issue finding work my entire
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Taxes and fees are killing me - 7/5/2021
I have lived in illinois my whole life (31years) and the ever increasing taxes and fees are killing me. Rent keeps on going up because of all the tax increases every year. The cost of living here consumes almost all the money I make in a year. had to give up eating out and going on a yearly vacations just to afford living here. The roads are in horrible shape despite the state doubling the gas tax and raising registration stickers to $150 a year. The winters here are cold and long and summers are hot and humid. Travel north and you end up on the tollways which just keep on getting more expensive year after year. All my friends moved to cheaper states and their yearly property taxes are as much or cheaper than 1 month of rent in illinois, I will never own a house here because of the high property taxes. Crime here is high and the police can't keep up with it. Illinois was once a affordable place to live but all the corrupt politicians keep stealing tax money and just keep increasing
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Worst state I have ever seen - 6/9/2021
Illinois SUCKS the ****! It is extremely expensive, traffic is horrible, it has the most toll ways and there is ABSOLUTELY NO SCENERY. The summers are hot and humid, it rains about 150 days a year, and the winters are grueling. We have the highest taxes and just about the highest gas prices. Going into the city is a joke (unless you have $300 to throw away). The wages aren’t great and people are unfriendly here. If you like to pay a fortune to live in this jungle go for it! I forgot to mention the high crime ratio. This really refers to northern Illinois. It is much better in southern
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Land of the tax now? - 7/14/2019
Born and raised in southern IL. 5 years ago this was a great state to live in, but we just recently elected a new government, I personally didn’t pay much attention because I’m more focused on national issues. But since then, we’ve been taxed out the ass. Most recently the taxes per gallon of gas has DOUBLED, there’s talk of a new tax on plastic bags everywhere EXCEPT Chicago, alcohol and tobacco has a new tax. And on top of that there’s also talk of taxing on the purchasing of used cars/trade-ins. With hope and a little bit of luck, southern Illinois will break off from Chicago and cook county and maybe things will get better. But if things don’t in the next few years I will be moving out of state.
As a side note, I should mention that recently recreational marijuana has been legalized (taking effect beginning of next year) and a bill protecting abortion rights has been passed, so take that as you
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Peotone Ill - 8/21/2015
I have been in the town of peotone for 13 years and now selling! I have never seen a more poor excuse for a town. There is no were to go and nothing too do. The town itself is now turning onto a ghost town 3 bars and a gun shop. With the one park we have it is poorly maintained with gravel and mud no were to bring your children nor pets too. Very-Very poor excuse for a so called police department!Continuous speeders and the cop's are more concerned about being at the gas station's to get their doughnut's and coffee! No stop light's for what is the point when driver's go threw the stop sign's! I'm so glad to be moving for this is one town I shall not
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36 years here - 8/1/2015
I'm tired of everyone thinking chicago is all illinois is.... Even the politicians think only of Chicago... We have not had a state budget set yet amd people in small towns are loosing their jobs or forced to keep their job and not receiving a paycheck because there is no budget but by god let's vote to give the poor poloticians a raise. Let's not take care of our handicapped or elderly or those who slave away 40 or more hours a week and can't pay their bills still because hey we need to raise the taxes so we (leaders) need a raise or a personal jet.... So tired of this same ole crap every year... My family and i are out... Off to a state that cares and is not full of greedy and corrupt politicians! I am not giving Illinois another
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From Lake Michigan to The Miississippi, you'll fin - 7/14/2015
Illinois is under rated when it comes to recreation. Lake Michigan is an obvious source of fun, but the state is filled with great parks, beautiful rivers, and rolling hills (the latter in the southern part of the state and along the river valleys). Galena in the northwest part of the state is a great place to go biking, and the Fox, Illinois, and Mississippi rivers offer plenty of boating and swimming in the north and western regions respectively. Starved Rock State Park is a beautiful place to hike and follows the Illinois River. Downstate is like a whole different world, as the corn fields of Central Illinois give way to the Hills of the Shawnee National Forest. If outdoor activities aren't your thing, you can always enjoy one of the state's many historic venues such as the Abraham Lincoln site in Springfield or take an architecture tour such as the Frank Lloyd Wright tour in Oak Park or the river based architecture tour in Chicago. Festivals are numerous including Taste of
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brutally cold - 2/26/2015
Chicago's winters are brutally cold, but the summers are worth the wait. Always something to do, not just for twenty-somethings but all adults. Theatre, lakefront, festivals, millennium park, museums, architecture,
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