As a family-oriented person, there are several reasons why you may want to consider moving to Illinois from New Jersey:
Affordability:
Illinois is generally more affordable than New Jersey, particularly when it comes to housing costs. The cost of living is also lower in Illinois, which can be a big advantage for families looking to save money.
Illinois is generally more affordable than New Jersey when it comes to the cost of living. According to data from Numbeo, the cost of living in Illinois is 12.63% lower than in New Jersey. This means that families who move to Illinois can expect to pay less for housing, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
One of the biggest factors contributing to the affordability of Illinois is its housing costs. The median home value in Illinois is $216,800, which is significantly lower than the median home value in New Jersey, which is $348,700, according to Zillow. This means that families in Illinois can often afford larger homes or more desirable neighborhoods for less money.
In addition to housing costs, Illinois also has a lower tax burden than New Jersey. According to the Tax Foundation, Illinois ranks 36th in the country for state and local tax burden, while New Jersey ranks 50th. This means that families in Illinois may pay less in taxes overall, which can free up more money for other expenses or savings.
Another factor contributing to the affordability of Illinois is its lower cost of healthcare. According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average monthly premium for a family health insurance plan in Illinois is $1,379, which is lower than the average premium in New Jersey, which is $1,590. This means that families in Illinois may be able to save money on healthcare costs.
Overall, the affordability of Illinois can be a big advantage for families looking to save money and enjoy a high quality of life. With lower housing costs, taxes, and healthcare expenses, families in Illinois may be able to stretch their budgets further and enjoy a more comfortable standard of living.
Family-friendly neighborhoods:
Illinois has several family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools, parks, and recreational activities. These neighborhoods provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow up in.
Illinois has several family-friendly neighborhoods that provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow up in. These neighborhoods offer excellent schools, parks, and recreational activities, as well as a strong sense of community.
One example of a family-friendly neighborhood in Illinois is Naperville, which has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the country by multiple publications. Naperville has an excellent school system, with several highly rated public and private schools. The neighborhood also has several parks and recreational areas, including the Naperville Riverwalk and the Centennial Beach water park, which offer a variety of activities for families.
Another example is Glenview, which is located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Glenview has several highly rated schools and a low crime rate, making it a safe and welcoming environment for families. The neighborhood also has several parks and recreational areas, including The Grove, a nature preserve and historical museum, and Gallery Park, which features a playground, splash pad, and bike trails.
In addition to Naperville and Glenview, there are many other family-friendly neighborhoods in Illinois, including Wilmette, Oak Park, and Hinsdale. These neighborhoods offer a range of amenities for families, including good schools, safe streets, and access to parks and recreational activities.
Overall, Illinois provides numerous opportunities for families to live in safe and welcoming neighborhoods with strong school systems and recreational activities. These neighborhoods allow families to create strong connections with their neighbors and provide a nurturing environment for children to grow up in.
Cultural opportunities:
Illinois is home to several world-class cultural institutions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. These institutions provide families with numerous educational and cultural opportunities.
Illinois is home to several world-class cultural institutions, making it a great place for families to experience a wide range of artistic and educational opportunities.
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is home to several cultural institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum houses more than 300,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. The Museum of Science and Industry is another popular cultural attraction in Chicago, offering hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that educate visitors about science, technology, and industry.
Another cultural attraction in Illinois is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, the state capital. This museum provides visitors with a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, including a collection of original artifacts, documents, and exhibits.
The city of Evanston, located just north of Chicago, is home to the Music Institute of Chicago, which offers music education programs for children and adults. The institute offers private lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities, as well as summer music camps for children.
Illinois also has several annual cultural events that families can enjoy. The Illinois State Fair, held each year in Springfield, offers a wide range of attractions, including carnival rides, live music, and agricultural exhibits. The Chicago Jazz Festival, held each Labor Day weekend in Millennium Park, is another popular event that features performances by some of the best jazz musicians in the world.
Overall, Illinois offers a wide range of cultural opportunities for families, including world-class museums, music education programs, and annual cultural events. These opportunities allow families to explore new artistic and educational experiences and to create lasting memories together.
Outdoor activities:
Illinois has a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping in the Shawnee National Forest to skiing in the northern part of the state. There are also several lakes and rivers for fishing and boating.
Illinois offers a diverse range of outdoor activities for families, from hiking and camping in the Shawnee National Forest to skiing in the northern part of the state. There are also several lakes and rivers for fishing and boating, as well as parks and recreational areas for picnicking and playing.
One of the most popular outdoor destinations in Illinois is Starved Rock State Park, located in Utica. This park features 13 miles of hiking trails, as well as waterfalls, canyons, and stunning views of the Illinois River. The park also offers camping and picnicking opportunities for families.
Another popular outdoor destination in Illinois is the Shawnee National Forest, located in the southern part of the state. The forest covers more than 280,000 acres and offers numerous hiking trails, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The Garden of the Gods, located within the Shawnee National Forest, is a particularly popular attraction for its unique rock formations and stunning views.
In the winter, families can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the northern part of the state. There are several ski resorts in Illinois, including Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena and Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park in Andalusia.
Illinois also has several lakes and rivers for fishing and boating, including Lake Michigan, which offers numerous recreational opportunities for families. The Illinois River is another popular destination for fishing, with several outfitters offering guided fishing trips for families.
Career opportunities:
Illinois has a strong economy with numerous career opportunities in industries such as healthcare, technology, and finance. This can provide parents with stable employment opportunities and a good standard of living for their families.
Illinois has a strong economy with numerous career opportunities in various industries, making it an attractive destination for families looking to build their careers.
One of the most significant industries in Illinois is healthcare. The state is home to several major healthcare systems, including Advocate Aurora Health, Northwestern Medicine, and the University of Chicago Medicine. These systems offer numerous job opportunities for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare administrators.
Illinois is also home to several major financial institutions, such as Northern Trust, JPMorgan Chase, and Discover Financial Services. These institutions offer job opportunities in finance, banking, and accounting, among other fields.
The technology industry is also growing rapidly in Illinois, particularly in the Chicago area. Several technology companies, including Groupon, Grubhub, and Motorola Solutions, are headquartered in the state. These companies offer job opportunities in software engineering, product management, and other technology-related fields.
Another growing industry in Illinois is manufacturing. The state has a long history of manufacturing, and several major companies, including Caterpillar, John Deere, and Ford, have facilities in Illinois. These companies offer job opportunities in engineering, production, and supply chain management, among other fields.
Overall, Illinois offers a wide range of advantages for families, from affordability and family-friendly neighborhoods to cultural and outdoor activities. If you are looking for a place where you can raise your family in a safe and nurturing environment while also enjoying a high quality of life, Illinois may be the perfect place for you.