Moving to Illinois? You are not alone! With over 286,000 job openings in 2025 and 32 Fortune 500 companies calling it home, Illinois is more than just a change of address—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
Illinois offers a unique mix of opportunities, outdoor escapes, top-ranked universities, and four true seasons—all packed into one. Already wondering how to get started? Relax—we already did all the heavy lifting for you! Just follow along, and you will be settled in no time.
👉 Illinois Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Illinois today!
AT A GLANCE:
- Home to 32 Fortune 500 companies like McDonald’s and United Airlines, with major growth in healthcare, professional services, and education sectors.
- Corporate tax credits, Enterprise Zone tax exemptions, and programs supporting small business loans and major development projects.
- Cost of living is 10% above the national average overall, but utilities run slightly below average.
- You’re a resident after 30 days, must register your vehicle within 30 days, get an Illinois driver’s license within 90 days, and need a FOID card for firearms.
- Enjoy hot summers and cold winters with true seasonal changes. Be prepared for extreme weather like tornadoes and thunderstorms.
4 Reasons to Move to Illinois
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Illinois, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Job Opportunities
With around 32 Fortune 500 companies calling it their home, the job market in Illinois is thriving, especially in cities like Chicago and Springfield. Major companies headquartered in the state include McDonald’s, Mondelez International, and United Airlines Holdings.
Healthcare, professional services, and education are the largest sectors, employing over 33% of Illinois residents. The state aims to add 6.5 million jobs across the different sectors by the end of 2032.
2. Top-Notch Education
Illinois has a robust school education system with over 2 million public school students across 850 school districts in the state. The carefully designed school curriculum focuses on STEM education and the college readiness of the students.
For higher education, Illinois is home to top universities like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago. Plus, the state has over 48 community colleges offering affordable education.
3. Business Incentives
Illinois offers strong business incentives to attract and grow businesses. The state offers corporate tax credits for new job creation, and the Enterprise Zone Program offers tax exemptions in designated areas.
Additionally, the state ensures easy access to capital. Programs like Advantage Illinois assist small businesses in securing loans, while the Invest in Illinois Fund supports major development projects.
4. Climate and Recreation
Illinois has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot with average temperatures reaching the 80°F, while winter temperatures hover between the 30°F to mid-40°F.
The state is prone to extreme weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes. So, if you’re relocating to Illinois, ensure your hazard insurance covers potential weather-related damage in such situations.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Illinois
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of moving to Illinois:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. The state has a strong job market with 32 Fortune 500 companies calling it home. | 1. Illinois has a 1.95% property tax, which is one of the highest in the country. |
| 2. The state is home to some of the Top-tier universities and public schools in the country. | 2. There is a large gap between development in urban and rural areas. |
| 3. The state has four distinct seasons to enjoy year-round. | 3. Winters are cold, especially in the northern parts. |
| 4. The state offers affordable living in many areas outside Chicago. | 4. Heavy traffic often leads to long commutes in major cities like Chicago. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Illinois ✅
Before entering the Illinois housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Establishing the Residency: You are considered a resident of Illinois if you have lived in Illinois for a period exceeding 30 days and have established intent (e.g., lease, job, utility bills).
- How to Get a Driver’s License in Illinois: After moving to Illinois, you are required to register your vehicle within 30 days and get an Illinois driver’s license within 90 days of moving in and establishing your residency.
- FOID Card for Firearms: To own a firearm in Illinois, you must have a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card issued by the Illinois State Police. You can apply online if you are over 21 years or have guardian consent if you are under 21 years of age.
- Moving with a Pet: If you have a pet in your home and you are moving to Illinois, make sure your pet is rabies vaccinated. Plus, you may also need to register your pet with the local municipality.
Cost of Living in Illinois
The cost of living in Illinois is 10% higher than the national average. This simply means you will pay more for the daily expenses like food, healthcare, and transportation. However, the cost of utilities is 3% below the national average.
How to Move to Illinois?
If you are already thinking there is a lot to consider, don’t worry! Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Illinois seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
Just remember, moving your belongings isn’t free. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- If you don’t want to do the heavy lifting and you want to hire movers to do the job, Illinois movers typically charge around $97[3] per hour, depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you are ready to do it yourself, renting a truck is a better option. A mid-sized truck with a load carrying capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds costs between $40 and $80[4] per day.
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Here is how to set up your utilities before moving to Illinois:
- Electricity and Gas: In most of northern Illinois, electricity is provided by ComEd, while in southern Illinois, it’s Ameren. For gas, it’s usually Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, or Ameren. You’ll need proof of ID and your address to start the service.
- Water & Sewer: These services are typically managed by the local utility department. However, smaller towns may use private utility companies. Visit your local municipal website or call city hall to set up your services.
- Internet and Cable: Service availability depends on your ZIP code. Use online tools from the provider to check availability. Major providers include Xfinity, AT&T, WOW!, and T-Mobile Home Internet.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most of the schools offer online registration for your kids. Here is how it works for kids in kindergarten through high school:
- Kindergarten or First Grade: Children must be 5 or above by September 1 to enroll in kindergarten and 6 for the first standard. For registration, you will need your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency (lease, utility bill, etc.).
- For Older Students: If your child is older, you will need the above documents, plus transcripts or report cards from the previous school.
- Transfer & Special Cases: This process is usually handled by the local school districts. Contact the district office directly for details on enrollment and special programs.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you are working from home and you are moving to Illinois, ask your employer if they follow state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: Illinois has a thriving job market in sectors like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Use job sites like Illinois JobLink, LinkedIn, Indeed, or local career centers to explore openings.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
In popular Illinois cities like Chicago, Naperville, and Champaign, the rent ranges from $400 – $999,999[2] depending on location, size, and nearby amenities.
If you plan to buy a home in Illinois, expect big price differences. In urban areas like Chicago, the median home price is around $391K[2]. While in more affordable inland cities like Peoria, the median price is around $141K.
Should I Move to Illinois?
Yes, you should definitely move to Illinois. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Illinois isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Illinois’ best home-buying website, buying a house in Illinois is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Illinois, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent prices
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Illinois, long before the moving boxes are packed.
