Moving to Illinois? Parka Up, Love Deep Dish, Fear Property Taxes

Best known for: winter bravado, bold opinions in every neighborhood, and a sports rivalry (or two)

If Chicago were a person, it'd be: a blunt comedian in a parka who can roast you and still earn your loyalty

Move here for: serious jobs in finance, tech, or media, charming bungalows in close-in neighborhoods, and food you'll brag about to out-of-towners

Locals swear by: Italian beef debates, Sunday softball leagues, and deep dish pizza (don't get started on Lou Malnati's vs. Giordano's)

Housing vibe: greystones, classic two flats, and shiny Loop condos

Be prepared for: heroic snow shoveling, parking wars that feel like an extreme sport, and the occasional L train delay you'll tell stories about

Local fashion forecast: just always have a puffer coat

Widely recognized as the place for: state jobs, calm commutes, and absorbing all the Abe Lincoln lore you can handle

Springfield in human form is: a civil servant with a backyard smoker, a penchant for local history, and an encyclopedic knowledge of corn-fed hospitality

Move here if you want: stable career, sane mortgages, and a pace of life that actually lets you breathe

Nothing's more Springfield than: horseshoe sandwiches, State Fair talk, and impromptu backyard political discussions

Home sweet home in Springfield is like: ranch-style homes, roomy porches, and garages big enough to store your boat, lawnmower, and a few bikes

Don't say we didn't warn you about: politics somehow creeping into every cookout and casual conversation

The dress code here is: polos, Carhartts, and Friday office casual - bonus points for Old Navy flip flops in the summer

Well known for: top-rated schools and neighborhoods where everyone seems to know your kid's name

If Naperville were a person, it'd be: an organized parent juggling soccer practice, PTA meetings, and Zoom calls like a pro

Locals live here because: Backyards for BBQing, parks for weekend strolls, notable downtown with shopping and dining, and commutes that don't make you cry!

Nothing's more Naperville than: Riverwalk selfie, Friday tournament snacks, and impromptu neighborhood block parties

Your housing options here are: new builds, quiet cul-de-sacs, and homes with finished basements (perfect for game night)

Don't be surprised. We warned you that: property taxes flex harder than your CrossFit coach

What you'll wear most often: athleisure or athleisure or athleisure

Well known for: Big Ten energy, bike lanes everywhere, and a campus-town rhythm that never really sleeps

City as a personality: a grad student DJ who gardens kale and knows the best late-night taco spot

Move here if you want: a walkable life, coffee in hand, and neighbors who can teach you something new every week

Locals swear by: Green Street eats, patio trivia, and the occasional Illini football ritual that takes over your Saturday

Your housing options here are: porched bungalows, grad student apartments, and historic homes sprinkled with ivy

Be prepared for: football Saturdays swallowing your errands, crowded bike paths, and the occasional random campus festival

What you'll wear most often: hoodies along with a backpack stuffed with a coffee thermos

Best known for: Caterpillar root, steady living, and a quiet confidence

If Peoria were a person, it'd be: a practical tinkerer with boat, a weekend project always on the go, and a love for river sunsets

Locals live here because: short commutes, long porches, good schools, and neighborhoods where everybody knows one another's name

Locals know best: riverfront concerts, tenderloin sandwiches, and the occasional secret fishing spot

Home sweet home in Peoria is like: brick ranches, 1950s time capsules, and cozy basements made for weekend hangouts

The downside to Peoria is: nightlife winds down by 10:00 PM, but that just means early-morning walks along the river

Local fashion forecast: ball caps, fleece-lined work boots, and the occasional hoodie when the river breeze shows up

Well known for: Cheap Trick lore, river sunsets, and a surprisingly strong arts scene tucked into the city

Rockford in human form is: a resourceful mechanic mechanic with art habit

Move here if you want: starter-budget homes, room to grow, and a city that doesn't rush you

Locals swear by: Friday fish fries, Forest City trails, and summer festivals that spill into every neighborhood

Your housing options here are: brick two stories, midcentury ranches, and occasional hidden gems with big yards

Don't be surprised. We warned you that: winters hit hard, and sometimes spring teases you with snow in April

The dress code here is: flannels, boots, band tees, and a practical sense that fashion takes a backseat to comfort and durability

Widely recognized as the place for: insurance gigs, college spirit, and a surprisingly lively community calendar

City as a personality: a reliable neighbor who runs marathons, hosts bake sales, and knows everyone at the local coffee shop

Locals live here because: tidy neighborhoods, quick drives everywhere, and a sense of calm that bigger cities can't match

Nothing's more Bloomington-Normal than: tailgates at ISU games, Constitution Trail loops, and summer festivals

Home sweet home in Bloomington-Normal is like: split levels, townhomes, and cozy yards where kids and dogs run free

The downsides are: nightlife winds down early

What you'll wear most often: ISU hoodie, comfy sneakers, and maybe a light jacket for those unpredictable spring winds