Congratulations on moving to Illinois. In addition to the excitement of a new chapter in your life, you likely have numerous questions.  

You might be thinking about finding a place to live, locating the best schools, setting up utilities in your new home, finding work, and the cost of living, among other things. 

Whether you’re headed to the Windy City of Chicago or somewhere else in the Prairie State, you’ll want to get a few things dialed in, such as contracting a good moving company, finding a real estate agent, dealing with the DMV, forwarding your mail, and choosing the right energy provider.   

Consider this your go-to guide for the most important things to consider when moving to Illinois, as well as some fun facts you may find interesting.  

Everything You Need to Know When Moving to Illinois 

Illinois is a Midwestern state that is about 75% farmland. The majority of its residents live in or near Chicago, which is the biggest city in Illinois. It’s situated nicely along the shores of Lake Michigan in the northwestern corner of the state. 

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, right behind New York and Los Angeles, respectively. 

Of all Illinois residents, over 2.7 million live within the city limits of Chicago or close to it. As such, when most people plan on moving to Illinois, they are heading to this urban destination.  

The Windy City is among the most ethnically diverse cities in the Midwest. Offering a vibrant culture with some of the best food in the world (including the famous deep-dish pizza!), Chicago also has plenty to offer in the way of culture with theater, art museums, galleries, outdoor art installations, pop up events, and more.  

If you’re a sports fan new to Illinois, you’ll be a happy camper because Chicago is home to several sports teams, including the Black Hawks (pro ice hockey), the Cubs (professional baseball), the Bulls (NBA pro basketball), the Bears (NFL), and the White Sox (also MLB baseball), among others. 

There are five national parks in Illinois, and Chicago offers plenty of green space (more than 600 parks). Some of Chicago‘s more well-known parks are Millennium Park, Hyde Park, and Lincoln Park, which sits on the lake and holds space for the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Conservatory, a couple of museums, a theater on the lake, and plenty of outdoor activities such as rowing.   

Illinois has a few fun claims to fame. Here are a few that are worth noting:  

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What’s the Cost Of Living in Illinois? 

When it comes to the cost of living in Illinois, it very much depends on where you live in the state. Living in Chicago will be more expensive than living in some of the more rural areas of Illinois. Nevertheless, the cost of living in Illinois is a bit lower than in other states. Coming in at 93.4 on an overall cost of living index of 100, Illinois is slightly more affordable than other places in the U.S.   

The median home value in Illinois comes in at just under $250,000, with property taxes higher than average in the U.S. (the statewide average is 2.16%). 

The top sector for job opportunities in Illinois appears to be the business and professional sectors, with pre-pandemic recovery growing steadily. Illinois state income tax is simple at a flat 4.95%. 

What Are Some Relocation Tips for Moving to Illinois? 

Moving to Illinois | City View Chicagosource

The logistics of moving to Illinois are much the same as migrating to any other state in the U.S. You’ll need first to decide which part of the state you want to move to.  

Then, you’ll want to look into hiring movers from a moving service – unless you plan to go the DIY route by renting a U-Haul , packing up, and moving your belongings on your own.  

You’ll also need to take care of some essentials like going to the DMV, setting up your gas and electricity, internet and phone, and other day-to-day service providers.  

Finding a New Place to Live  

Looking for new digs in Illinois can be a lot of fun. Go online and look for your new home or apartment on your own, or connect with a local real estate agent. Either way, plan to have a good time with it. If you’re moving to the Chicago area, there are many housing options to choose from.  

From brick bungalows to prairie homes, Chicago greystones to courtyard buildings, the city is known for its interesting architecture. 

Take your house (or apartment) hunting step-by-step with this checklist: 

  • Go over your finances to see what you can afford 
  • Choose the type of neighborhood that suits your needs 
  • Hire a real estate agent to help with your search 
  • Get pre-approved for a mortgage if you plan to buy 
  • Start house or apartment hunting 
  • Put in applications and make offers 
  • Get necessary inspections or appraisals 
  • Have your final walk-through and close the deal   
  • Arrange for your utilities to be connected 

A Day at the DMV 

Like moving to any new U.S. state, you’ll need to plan for a day at the DMV once you get settled. You have 90 days as a new resident of Illinois to obtain your new Illinois driver’s license. When you get your new Illinois driver’s license, you should plan for a vision test, a written driver’s test, a fee, and, of course, supplying your identification documents.  

Once you’re officially a resident of the state, you’ll have just 30 days to register your car 

Since a day at the DMV is typically a bit of a mission, it’s best to plan for both things at once in your first 30 days as a new resident of Illinois. 

Where’s the Best Place to Live in Illinois? 

Whether you prefer ​big cities or small towns in the Midwest, Illinois will likely meet your needs.  

In Southern Illinois, you’ll find small rural towns such as Belleville and Alton – cozy and rustic for the most part. However, you’ll still be within close driving distance to a big city as St. Louis, Missouri is nearby. 

Northern Illinois is also quite rural and typically considered to be the entire area north of I-80 and the greater Chicago area. 

Then there is Central Illinois, home to mid-sized cities Springfield, Rockford, and Peoria. 

In the northeast corner of the state, right on Lake Michigan, is where you’ll find Chicago, the most famous and populated city in the entire state. Evanston isn’t far; it’s home to Northwestern University, one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.  

How Do I Set Up Utilities in the State of Illinois? 

Moving to Illinois | Setting up Utilities Nightview of Townsource

Residential utility customers in Illinois are fortunate to be able to choose their own power companies. Electricity in Illinois is deregulated, so you can decide which utility will supply you with electricity. Because you have a choice, you can select from more than 50 suppliers that serve the state.  

With so many options to choose from, it might feel a bit overwhelming to find the perfect energy plan. We recommend making a few calculated decisions before you start your search so that you can find a gas and electricity plan and service provider that best meets your needs.  

Take a look at your old electricity bills. How much electricity do you usually use and when do you use it?  

Will you be staying at your new address for a while? If so, you might consider a fixed-rate plan with more beneficial term specifications. Providers usually offer plans ranging from three to 36 months.  

On the other hand, if you know your new address will be temporary, a variable-rate plan with a shorter term may be perfect for you. 

Pro tip: Learn the difference between a fixed-rate and variable-rate plan. 

How Do I Choose an Electric Company in Illinois? 

Consumers in Illinois have the right to choose who they get the supply portion of their electricity service. You can elect to buy your electricity from a retail electric provider in the competitive market. Or you can get your power from your local utility, which must price its electricity at rates approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). 

What’s the Difference Between an Illinois Utility and an Energy Provider? 

Illinois utilities are the companies in charge of the operations and maintenance of the energy infrastructure in the state, including electrical wires and towers.  

Each utility is responsible for getting electricity to its final destination from the generators within its designated region. Illinois energy customers can access the entire list of certified electric Illinois utility providers. 

Retail energy providers in Illinois, including Just Energy, are competitive retail energy providers. Every retail energy provider gets its energy from the wholesale market and then resells it to consumers like you – homeowners, businesses, organizations, and renters. 

The primary energy plan details the rate class, the energy rate per kWh, the contract term length, and other contract terms like the cancellation fee policy. 

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How Do Utilities Work in Illinois? 

Illinois is a deregulated energy state, which means that consumers have a choice when it comes to who provides electricity service to their homes. You can receive energy supply through your local utility or a Retail Electric Supplier, often called an “Alternative Retail Electric Supplier” or “ARES.”  

The state has just two public utility suppliers and one of those will be your default supplier if you do not choose your own. If you decide to get your electricity supply from a retail electricity provider, you will still receive charges from the utility that provides service to your area.  

Moving to Illinois: A Good Midwestern Choice 

Moving to Illinois means moving to a Midwestern state that brims with rustic beauty and boasts one of the most diverse and exciting big cities in the United States. But if big city living is not your thing, there are also plenty of charming rural towns to choose from in the Prairie State.  

Illinois offers a slightly lower cost of living than many other states, and the deregulated energy market means you have a choice when it comes to getting electricity and gas. Once you set up your utilities and handle all the details of moving, you can get to the fun part of enjoying all the wonderful things this great state offers.   

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