Illinois is in the Midwestern region of the country. With over 12 million inhabitants, it has the 6th-largest population of all states, as well as the 5th-largest GDP. Springfield is the capital and Chicago is its largest city, home to almost 65% of the state's population.

Illinois has a strong agricultural industry and is rich in a variety of natural resources. Chicago is also a major transportation hub and its port and airport are some of the busiest transportation hubs in the world. Residents of Illinois benefit from a good balance between dense urban areas as well as beautiful rural areas.

What's life like in Illinois?

Illinois offers its residents a rich variety of lifestyles. While the majority of the population live in or near Chicago, there are actually plenty of small towns in southern Illinois. Residents of Illinois benefit from being able to easily access nature as well as benefiting from big city life.

While Illinois has four distinct seasons, it is renowned for its harsh winters. If you're going to live in Illinois, be prepared to shovel snow and wrap up warm for a few months out of the year.

While residents of Illinois have a reputation for being good-humored and friendly, the state does struggle with high crime rates, especially in and around Chicago.

Work in Illinois

Illinois has a broad and diverse economy. It also has one of the highest minimum wages in the country at $15 per hour. Agriculture is still one of Illinois' largest industries and it's one of the largest producers of soybeans in the country. Illinois also has a strong manufacturing economy, ranking as the 4th-most productive manufacturing state in the country.

The service industry is a major industry in Illinois, and other non-manufacturing industries include publishing, tourism, and energy production. Banking and investing also play a large role in the state's economy and most financial companies and bodies have their headquarters in Chicago.

Major Attractions of Illinois

Here are some of the top attractions that make Illinois a great place to live and work:

• Millennium Park: A public park located in downtown Chicago featuring fields, art galleries, a theater, and ice rink.
• Willis Tower: Once the tallest building in the world, this 110-story skyscraper is an icon of the Chicago skyline.
• Navy Pier: A 3,300-foot pier on the shore of Lake Michigan with parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, attractions, and exhibits.
• The Art Institute of Chicago: Founded in 1866, the renowned art museum houses some of the greatest artworks in the world.
• Shedd Aquarium: A public aquarium in downtown Chicago, opened in 1930 and home to over 32,000 animals.

Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois

Pros:

• Lots to do – Whether it's outdoor recreation or urban culture and nightlife, Illinois offers its residents a rich variety of activities.
• Four seasons – Illinois has four distinct seasons and is a great place for people who like variety throughout the year.
• Plenty of housing options – Illinois offers a wide variety of housing options, from inner-city apartments to single-family homes in small, rural towns.

Cons:

• High taxes – Illinois has high state taxes compared to many other states, resulting in a higher cost of living than many other places in the country.
• Crime – Illinois suffers from higher crime rates than many other regions, especially around Chicago and other urban centers.
• Traffic – Roads tend to get extremely congested in Illinois, particularly in the northern part of the state around Chicago and the other urban hubs.