Living
12 min read•Updated Nov 2024
Chicago vs. Suburbs: Making the Right Choice
Should you live in Chicago or the suburbs? This guide breaks down the real differences to help you decide.
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Official Website of Illinois Community
Welcome to Illinois Community
Connecting 100,000+ Illinoisans with local events, jobs, neighborhoods, and genuine community support.
Our Facebook group is named Original Illinois Community for clarity.
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What We Do
A one-stop hub for everything Illinois—practical resources, local knowledge, and genuine community connections.
Local News & Alerts
Community-sourced updates on what matters in your area—road closures, events, and breaking local news.
Events & Meetups
Discover festivals, community gatherings, and member-organized meetups across Illinois.
Moving Support
Expert advice on relocating to Illinois—neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and settling in.
Jobs & Opportunities
Job postings, career advice, and networking opportunities shared by community members.
City & Neighborhood Tips
Local knowledge from longtime residents—best restaurants, hidden gems, practical advice.
Small Business Spotlight
Discover and support local businesses, services, and entrepreneurs across the state.
Essential Guides
In-depth resources for living and thriving in Illinois.
Living
10 min read•Updated Nov 2024
Illinois Cost of Living: Practical Guide
An honest look at what it costs to live in Illinois, with practical tips for managing your budget.
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Living
11 min read•Updated Nov 2024
Student Life & Universities in Illinois
Everything prospective students and parents need to know about university life in Illinois.
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Travel
12 min read•Updated Mar 2024
Illinois Weekend Trips and Day Adventures
From stunning state parks to charming small towns, discover Illinois destinations perfect for weekend getaways and day trips.
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Family
11 min read•Updated Mar 2024
Family Life in Illinois: Schools, Safety, and Cost
Everything parents need to know about raising children in Illinois: school systems, safety considerations, costs, and the best communities for families.
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Living
10 min read•Updated Mar 2024
Best Places to Live in Illinois for Different Lifestyles
Whether you're a young professional, growing family, or retiree, find the Illinois community that matches your lifestyle and priorities.
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Explore Illinois Cities
From the shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of Southern Illinois.
Chicago Area
Central Illinois
Explore All 38 Cities
From Chicago neighborhoods to small-town gems, discover what makes each Illinois community unique.
- Local insights from residents
- Cost of living data
- Things to do & see
Latest Articles
Quick reads on local life, tips, and community stories.
Outdoors & RecreationWinter Outdoor Activities in Illinois
Cold weather doesn't mean staying inside. Here's how to enjoy Illinois winters outdoors.
Nov 20, 20246 min read
Cities & NeighborhoodsSafe, Family-Friendly Suburbs Worth Considering
Looking for the perfect place to raise a family in Illinois? Here's our guide to suburbs that balance safety, schools, and community.
Nov 15, 20245 min read
Moving to IllinoisThe Ultimate Illinois Moving Checklist
A comprehensive week-by-week checklist covering everything from changing your license to finding a doctor.
Nov 15, 20248 min read
Moving to IllinoisWhat I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Illinois
Honest insights from community members about the surprises—good and bad—of relocating to Illinois.
Nov 10, 20247 min read
Moving to IllinoisWinter Survival Guide: Illinois Edition
Illinois winters are no joke. Here's how longtime residents stay warm, safe, and even enjoy the cold months.
Nov 8, 20246 min read
Moving to IllinoisComparing Illinois Suburbs: A Newcomer's Guide
Not sure which suburb is right for you? We break down the key differences between popular options.
Nov 5, 20246 min read
Famous Illinois Food
From Chicago deep dish to Springfield horseshoes—the iconic foods that define Illinois.
ChicagoChicago Deep Dish Pizza
The iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with cheese on the bottom and chunky tomato sauce on top. A true Chicago original since 1943.
ChicagoItalian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled on Italian bread, dipped in jus and topped with sweet or hot peppers. Order it "wet" for extra jus.
ChicagoChicago-Style Hot Dog
An all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun with yellow mustard, onion, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. Never ketchup.
Springfield / Central IllinoisHorseshoe Sandwich
A Springfield original: thick-sliced toast topped with meat (often ham or burger), fries, and smothered in cheese sauce. Served open-faced.
ChicagoChicago Mix Popcorn
The beloved combination of caramel corn and cheese corn in one bag. Sweet and savory perfection that defines Chicago snacking.
Chicago & SuburbsTavern-Style Thin Crust Pizza
What Chicagoans actually eat regularly: thin, crispy crust cut into squares (party cut), perfect for sharing at neighborhood taverns.
Chicago (Humboldt Park)Jibarito Sandwich
A Puerto Rican-Chicago fusion: steak or chicken with garlic mayo, lettuce, and tomato between two flattened, fried plantains instead of bread.
Chicago (Beverly)Rainbow Cone
Five flavors stacked on one cone: orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries), strawberry, and chocolate. A South Side tradition.
Illinois History & Culture
From the Great Migration to Route 66—the stories that shaped Illinois.
1910s-1970s
The Great Migration
Millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to Chicago, creating vibrant neighborhoods and giving birth to Chicago blues, gospel, and a rich cultural legacy that shaped American music and culture.
1926-present
Route 66: The Mother Road
The historic Route 66 begins in Chicago and winds through 300 miles of Illinois. Roadside diners, vintage motels, and small-town America live on along this legendary highway.
1830-1861
Lincoln's Illinois
Abraham Lincoln called Illinois home for 30 years. From New Salem to Springfield, the Land of Lincoln preserves the places that shaped America's most revered president.
Things Illinois Locals Grew Up With
The shared experiences that make Illinois home.
County Fairs
Demolition derbies, 4-H competitions, funnel cakes, and carnival rides. Every county celebrates summer with a fair that brings the community together.
Friday Night Lights
High school football is a religion in Illinois. Small towns empty out on Friday nights to pack the bleachers and cheer on the home team.
Fall Orchard Trips
Apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple cider donuts. Every Illinois kid has memories of crisp autumn days at a local orchard.
Lake Michigan Summers
Beach days on the lakefront, watching the skyline from the sand, and the unspoken rule that Lake Michigan is basically an ocean (a cold one).
Chicago Area Snapshot
Understanding the suburban landscape around Chicago.
North Shore
Lakefront elegance, top schools, historic estates
EvanstonWilmetteWinnetkaHighland Park
Northwest Suburbs
Family-friendly, good schools, corporate corridors
Arlington HeightsPalatineSchaumburgDes Plaines
Western Suburbs
Top-rated schools, charming downtowns, I-88 tech corridor
NapervilleWheatonDowners GroveOak Brook
Southwest Suburbs
Affordable family communities, good parks, south side roots
Orland ParkTinley ParkOak LawnPalos Heights
South Suburbs
Diverse communities, historic golf courses, rail access
HomewoodFlossmoorOlympia FieldsPark Forest
Inner-Ring West
Urban feel, historic architecture, CTA access, diverse
Oak ParkBerwynCiceroForest Park
Things to Do in Illinois
Weekend adventures and seasonal events across the state.
Top Weekend Activities
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
Chicago
Starved Rock Hiking
Utica
Galena Weekend Getaway
Galena
Garden of the Gods
Harrisburg
Lincoln Sites Tour
Springfield
Seasonal Events
Taste of Chicago
World's largest food festival featuring Chicago's diverse cuisines
Lollapalooza
Iconic 4-day music festival in Grant Park
Illinois State Fair
Classic state fair with rides, concerts, and agriculture
Ravinia Festival
Outdoor concert venue hosting classical, pop, and jazz all summer
Christkindlmarket
Authentic German Christmas market with crafts and treats
Official Website of Illinois Community
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