{"id":87995,"date":"2024-06-24T11:30:42","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T18:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=87995"},"modified":"2024-06-28T11:14:31","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T18:14:31","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-living-in-illinois","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-illinois\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/state\/Illinois\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illinois<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a state of stark contrasts and boundless opportunities. From the bustling metropolis of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/living-in\/IL\/Chicago\/6\/29470\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the serene rural landscapes that stretch across its vast expanse, the Land of Lincoln offers a diverse and multifaceted living experience. Whether you&#8217;re drawn to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/29470\/IL\/Chicago\/apartments-for-rent\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apartments in Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or the tranquility of small-town <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/20636\/IL\/Woodstock\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homes in Woodstock<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there is something for everyone. However, like any place, it has unique advantages and challenges. In this Redfin article, we will delve into what it&#8217;s truly like to call this state home, exploring the pros and cons of living in Illinois. Join us as we embark on a journey through the Prairie State so you can decide if Illinois is a good place to live.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Interested in moving to Illinois?<\/b>\u00a0<strong>Check out:<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/state\/Illinois\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Homes for sale in Illinois<\/a>\u00a0<b>|<\/b>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/Illinois\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Apartments for rent in Illinois<\/a>\u00a0<b>|<\/b>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/illinois\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Houses for rent in Illinois<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-87996\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Skyline and Frozen Lake Michigan - Aerial View\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-946x630.jpg 946w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-451x300.jpg 451w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Quick Facts about Illinois<\/strong><\/h3>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"1562\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Population<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>12,812,508<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Median home sale price<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>$301,900<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Average rent in Illinois<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>$2,223<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Largest cities in Illinois<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/29470\/IL\/Chicago\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Chicago<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/29459\/IL\/Aurora\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Aurora<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/29490\/IL\/Joliet\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Joliet<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Pro: Affordable cost of living<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illinois offers a remarkable advantage in terms of affordability, particularly when compared to the national average. The state&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/state\/Illinois\/housing-market\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">median home sale price<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, at $301,900, stands significantly lower than the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/us-housing-market\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">national median<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of $439,716. This makes homeownership more accessible and achievable for many residents. However, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\/chicago-il\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cost of living in Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, one of the most popular cities in Illinois, is 14% higher than the national average. Whether you&#8217;re a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/first-time-home-buyer-guide\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuyer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or simply seeking a place where your hard-earned dollars go further, Illinois&#8217; affordability is a compelling pro for those who value financial stability and a higher quality of life. If you\u2019re looking for some of the least expensive areas of Illinois, browse through our article on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/affordable-places-to-live-in-illinois\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most Affordable Places to Live in Illinois.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Con: Risk of natural disasters<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Illinois offers many advantages, it&#8217;s not without its challenges. One notable concern is the risk of natural disasters, particularly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/climate-change-housing-impact\/flood-risk\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flooding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/climate-change-housing-impact\/storm-risk\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severe storms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The state&#8217;s location, with its proximity to the Great Lakes and major rivers like the Mississippi and Illinois, exposes it to periodic floods that can cause property damage and displace residents. Additionally, Illinois experiences its fair share of severe storms, including tornadoes, especially during the spring and summer months. These weather events can lead to property destruction and sometimes pose risks to personal safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-87997\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-beauty.jpg\" alt=\"Illinois Prairie\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-beauty.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-beauty-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-beauty-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-beauty-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-beauty-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-beauty-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-beauty-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Pro: Great food and dining options<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the heart of this delight lies Chicago, a city celebrated for its culinary innovation. From world-famous deep-dish pizza at establishments like Lou Malnati&#8217;s and Giordano&#8217;s to the iconic Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo&#8217;s, there&#8217;s no shortage of quintessential Windy City treats. For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alinearestaurant.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alinea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with its three Michelin stars, pushes the boundaries of modern cuisine. Beyond Chicago, Illinois offers a rich tapestry of food cultures, including the delicious Italian cuisine in the Hill neighborhood of East St. Louis, the Mexican flavors of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/neighborhood\/306982\/IL\/Chicago\/East-Pilsen\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilsen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the hearty, Midwestern fare found at local diners throughout the state.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Con: Harsh winters<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The state experiences cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions that often begin in late fall and persist well into the spring. In particular, the northern parts of the state, including Chicago, can be heavily impacted by lake-effect snow, making commutes and outdoor activities challenging. The extreme cold and strong winds can also result in frostbite and other health concerns, necessitating extra precautions. Moreover, the accumulation of snow and ice can lead to disrupted transportation, school closures, and increased heating costs, posing inconveniences and additional expenses for residents. You&#8217;ll want to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/prepare-your-home-for-winter\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prepare your home for winter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to combat these potential risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-88000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Chicago-central.jpg\" alt=\"Bridge in Chicago\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Chicago-central.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Chicago-central-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Chicago-central-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Chicago-central-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Chicago-central-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Chicago-central-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Chicago-central-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Pro: Natural beauty<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often overshadowed by its more scenic neighbors, Illinois surprises with its unique and understated natural beauty, making Illinois a good place to live. The state&#8217;s landscapes offer diverse experiences, from the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shawneeforest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shawnee National Forest<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the southern part of the state. In the spring, fields of vibrant wildflowers blanket the countryside, while the lush forests transform into a breathtaking canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall. The state&#8217;s countless parks and recreational areas, such as Starved Rock State Park, offer hiking, boating, and camping opportunities, allowing residents to immerse themselves in nature&#8217;s serenity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Con: High property tax<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illinois has garnered a reputation for imposing high property taxes, which can be a significant financial burden for homeowners. The state&#8217;s property tax rates are the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/smartasset.com\/taxes\/illinois-property-tax-calculator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">second highest<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the country, at 2.07%, while the national average is 0.99%. Additionally, the state&#8217;s complex and somewhat convoluted property tax assessment system has contributed to tax rates and assessment disparities, leading to tax bill inequities. This can be a considerable drawback for homeowners, especially those living in areas with higher assessed property values.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-87999\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-winter.jpg\" alt=\"Snow Covered House\" width=\"1200\" height=\"819\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-winter.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-winter-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-winter-1024x699.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-winter-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-winter-220x150.jpg 220w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-winter-923x630.jpg 923w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-winter-440x300.jpg 440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Pro: Vibrant arts and entertainment scene<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the epicenter of this cultural dynamism is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/chicago-art-scene\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago art scene<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, home to world-class theaters, museums, and music venues. With its renowned collection, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artic.edu\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Art Institute of Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stands as a beacon for art lovers, while theaters like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cso.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago Symphony Orchestra<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyricopera.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lyric Opera<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offer exceptional performances. The city&#8217;s vibrant comedy scene, famous for improv and stand-up, has given birth to legendary comedians. Historic venues like the Chicago Theatre and the United Center draw top-tier musicians and entertainers worldwide. Beyond Chicago, communities like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/15268\/IL\/Peoria\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peoria<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/18387\/IL\/Springfield\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Springfield<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contribute to the state&#8217;s artistic tapestry, showcasing local talent and celebrating the performing arts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Con: Traffic congestion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traffic congestion is a notable drawback for residents of Illinois, particularly in densely populated areas. As the state&#8217;s largest city, Chicago faces significant traffic challenges, with its sprawling network of highways and busy streets often subject to gridlock during peak commuting hours. The city&#8217;s traffic congestion results in frustrating and time-consuming daily commutes and increases fuel consumption and air pollution, affecting both the environment and quality of life. While public transportation is well-developed in Chicago, it may not always be convenient for every resident.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-87998\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-traffic.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago traffic jam\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-traffic.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-traffic-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-traffic-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-traffic-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-traffic-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-traffic-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Illinois-traffic-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Pro: Central location in the United States<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illinois&#8217; central location in the heart of the United States is a significant advantage for residents and businesses. Positioned as a crossroads of the nation, the state offers easy access to various regions and markets. Chicago&#8217;s O&#8217;Hare International Airport, one of the world&#8217;s busiest airports, connects Illinois to destinations worldwide, making travel and business operations highly convenient. The state&#8217;s extensive network of highways and railways further reinforces its strategic position, allowing for efficient transportation of goods and easy commutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Con: Inconsistent weather patterns<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the state experiences all four seasons, the transitions between them can be abrupt, resulting in wide temperature variations and unexpected weather events. Winters can be harsh with heavy snowfall, while summers can bring sweltering heat and humidity. While often enjoyable, the spring and fall seasons can also see sudden weather shifts, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly in certain regions. These unpredictable changes can make planning outdoor activities, travel, and even daily dressing a gamble.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a33a256 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"1a33a256\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><b>Methodology<\/b>:\u00a0<em>The population data is from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/data.census.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">United States Census Bureau<\/a>\u00a0and the median home sale price and average rental data is from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/data-center\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Redfin Data Center<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Illinois an ideal place to call home? Explore ten pros and cons of living in Illinois to gain valuable insights about this unique state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":601,"featured_media":87996,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2656],"tags":[34403],"coauthors":[34735],"class_list":["post-87995","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-insights","tag-il"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>10 Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois - Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is Illinois a good place to live? 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