Sure, everyone can find problems with where they live. Illinois is no exception. There’s the awful traffic in Chicago. There is extremely flat land. And don’t even get us started on the tornadoes! Depending on where you live, sometimes it can feel a bit stagnant, especially if you’ve been there for a while. But even with all these issues, living in Illinois is still the absolute best. Don’t believe us? Here are twelve reasons to support that very fact. Warning: this article may trigger moving to Illinois.

1. You can eat at Portillo's whenever you want. WHENEVER YOU WANT
Navin Rajagopalan/Flickr
Who wouldn't want to chow down on some of the greatest hot dogs in the Midwest?! Growing up in Illinois means you know exactly what Chicago-style hot dogs are.
2. You are so close to one of the greatest cities in the world.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Even if you're a train ride away, having the option to spend time in Chicago is really a gift.
3. There is always an excellent sporting event to go to, and usually a great team to root for.
Jim Larrison/Flickr
The Bulls, the Bears, the Cubs, the Blackhawks, the White Sox, you name it, we got it. One of the best things about Illinois is the sports teams!
4. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to go on.
Kaitlin/Flickr
Illinois is flush with outdoor activities. With over 300 state parks within state lines, you'll never run out of things to do.
5. You get to look at beauty like this all day long.
Michael/Flickr
Ever catch a Midwest sunset? How about in autumn when the air is crisp and all of the leaves are changing color?
6. Our pizza is downright delicious.
Flickr peterskim
Listen, you aren't truly living if you haven't tried a Chicago-style pizza. So drop what you're doing, call Giordano's, and get in on that pizza action.

Related Stories

These 5 Celebrities Hail From Some Of Illinois' Most Charming Small Towns

These 5 Celebrities Hail From Some Of Illinois' Most Charming Small Towns

 This Life-Size Cow Statue Has Been The Star Of A Small Illinois Town's Annual Milk Day Festival Since 1966

This Life-Size Cow Statue Has Been The Star Of A Small Illinois Town's Annual Milk Day Festival Since 1966

 12 Super Obvious Ways Everyone Can Tell You're From Illinois

12 Super Obvious Ways Everyone Can Tell You're From Illinois
7. It's super dog-friendly.
Lisa L Wiedmeier/Flickr
Pretty much anywhere you go, festivals, events, outdoor happenings, you'll always find fur friends.
8. Making snow angels is the absolute best thing ever.
OakleyOriginals/Flickr
Listen, we can complain about the snow in Illinois all we want, but maybe we at least take one day a year to just have fun in it.
9. One word: SIX FLAGS!
Eden, Janine and Jim/Flickr
High-flying adventure in one of the country's best theme parks sounds like the perfect day.
10. We're some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.
Shelah/Flickr
This is true no matter who you ask. Midwest people are just the friendliest and we take pride in that. This is reasoning enough for anyone considering moving to Illinois.
11. All that corn we grow makes for great corn mazes.
David Fulmer/Flickr
Have you ever driven through Illinois during the fall? You'll see corn mazes at practically every turn.
12. We honor the past while continuing to move forward.
DiAnn L'Roy/Flickr
Living in Illinois means honoring the history of our state and country, but also continue to look toward the future.

Why else do YOU think living in Illinois is the best? Do you have other reasons not mentioned above? Make sure to shout them out in the comments section! Or if you want to read more about why life in Illinois is something to be thankful for, click here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Living In Illinois

Marisa Roman | August 07, 2021

What stereotypes are there about Illinois?

Certainly, you know that no matter where you live in the country, there are likely to be stereotypes about that state. Growing up in Illinois, you probably already know some. For instance, do you know that everyone else thinks we’re terrible at driving? How about the fact that Northern and Southern Illinois can never agree on anything? Check out these common Illinois stereotypes and more here.

Is Illinois a great place to live?

Unequivocally, yes, living in Illinois is the best! In fact, moving to Illinois will totally change you in ways you could never expect. Some might even say that living here ruins you for any other state! If you’ve lived in Illinois long enough, then check out this list of ways growing up in Illinois ruins you for life.

What are the best things about living in Illinois?

As we stated above, life in Illinois is great. But what are the best things about Illinois? There are a lot of things to be celebrated by living in Illinois from the agriculture, one of the greatest cities - Chicago, the colleges, and heck, we even have the town that Superman grew up in! Take a look at this list of wicked awesome things Illinois is known for.

Related Articles

Explore Illinois

Featured Addresses
Illinois, USA