Career AdviceJob SearchJob Hunting Basics

The Best Places to Live in Illinois to Build a Career

By Camilla Andersson, Monster Contributor

Thinking of moving to Illinois? Illinois is a financial powerhouse, ranked as one of the largest economies not only in the United States but in the world. At the same time, the state has one of the most diverse economies, so you can find a huge variety of jobs there.

But you don’t have to sacrifice your personal life for a great profession. When you’re looking for a place to live, there are a ton of different cities and towns to choose from in Illinois. The best places to live in Illinois combine a strong job market with a vibrant cultural scene.

What are the best things about living in Illinois?

  • Illinois has loyal sports fans and over 20 professional sports teams.
  • The state is home to buildings designed by famous architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • You can visit over 300 state parks in Illinois.
  • Illinois has a strong transportation network, with 11 airports, many freeways, a good public transportation system, and long-distance trains.
  • You can also take a road trip through Illinois and beyond on the legendary Route 66.
  • Scuba divers will find the state surprisingly interesting, as there are many shipwrecks to explore in Lake Michigan.
  • There are 36 Fortune 500, 14 Global 500, 241 Inc. 5000, and 29 S&P companies.
  • Past residents include Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama.
  • You can also visit Superman’s hometown.
  • Last, but not least, you can eat Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs any time you want.

While Illinois may be best known for Chicago, there are many other cities in the state where you can find a good balance of professional opportunities and fun leisure activities. Whether you want to work close to skyscrapers, Lincoln museums, or the Silicon Prairie, you can find a city for you in Illinois.

Chicago

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and one of the best cities to live in Illinois. Its ethnic diversity and long history of immigration have created many interesting neighborhoods within the city, as well as a range of museums, arts, and cuisines. Chicago is also known for its waterfront Millennium Park, Riverwalk promenade, skyscraper observation decks, and sculptures. The many tourists who visit Chicago each year have also led to a large service industry.

Chicago’s ideal location and infrastructure have made it a key location for logistics and business operations jobs. And you can find many jobs in healthcare here as well.

Discover Chicago jobs on Monster.

Aurora

Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois and has been ranked one of the best places to live in Illinois for achieving the American Dream because of economic mobility and low unemployment rates. Aurora is located in the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor and has many jobs in tech. Aurora developed during the Industrial Revolution and still has a large manufacturing industry. It’s also a logistics center with many warehouse jobs.

Aurora has plenty of entertainment to offer residents, like shows at the historic Paramount Theatre and concerts at the RiverEdge Park. Aurora also has several riverboat casinos, due to Illinois laws that only allow gambling on water.

Discover Aurora jobs on Monster.

Springfield

The capital of Illinois was Abraham Lincoln’s home before he became president and is now his resting place. Today, you can learn more about his legacy at several historical sites and attractions in Springfield, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. These sights have also created many jobs in tourism. If you want to work for Illinois state, you can also find government jobs in this state capital.

Springfield is one of the best places to live in Illinois for families. The historical significance of the city, and the important role it plays as a state capital, can help instill a love of history and social science in kids. Springfield also has a popular zoo, a wildlife sanctuary, and one of the largest amusement parks in Central Illinois, the Knight’s Action Park. There are also plenty of sights for adults. Besides the many Lincoln attractions, you can enjoy famous architecture, art galleries, and parks.

Discover Springfield jobs on Monster.

Rockford

Rockford is named after the Rock River that floats through the city. This is one of the best places to live in Illinois if you enjoy community events, and the river plays a key role in several, including the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition, Ski Broncs Water Ski Shows, and the Holiday Festival of Light. On the west side of the river is the Riverfront Museum Park, and on the east side you can find Sinnissippi Gardens and Parks.

If you’re looking for jobs, you might want to look in the engineering industry. And like many cities in Illinois, Rockford also has a strong manufacturing industry.

Discover Rockford jobs on Monster.

Peoria

Peoria is one of the oldest urban areas in Illinois and has a vibrant downtown with live music, restaurants, and museums. It also has a low cost of living, compared to the rest of Illinois and the U.S. Peoria is known for its Riverfront Museum, a Smithsonian museum which has both art and science exhibitions, and its wildlife preserves and gardens.

And if you want to find a job, there’s a lot in Peoria for you too. Peoria is a technology hub with many jobs in energy, healthcare technology, and manufacturing. You can also find jobs in agriculture here, particularly at the National Center for Agriculture Utilization Research.

Discover Peoria jobs on Monster.

Champaign

Champaign was a rural area in the middle of the prairie before the railroad arrived in the late 1800s. The city is one of the best places to live in Illinois if you want to work in technology or business. It’s in the “Silicon Prairie” region and is home to many startups as well as Fortune 500 companies. Part of the tech industry is focused on AgriTech, but you can also find plenty of traditional agriculture jobs in this region. Champagne has a strong economy and a relatively low cost of living.

In your free time you can enjoy the city’s art galleries and museums, farmers markets, and the University of Illinois Arboretum.

Discover Champaign jobs on Monster.

Team Up With Monster to Supercharge Your Job Search

Monster knows how hard it is to stay on top of new job openings, especially if you’re considering a move to any one of the best places to live in Illinois. Channel your job search superpowers and maximize exposure to your resume by creating a profile on Monster. Setting up a profile enables hiring managers and recruiters to find you and your resume in our database. You can also sign up to get notifications when new jobs are added, so you can stay up to date on new opportunities in your new Illinois home.