Photo: Jonas Ferlin/PEXELS
SNS - If you are planning to relocate to Illinois with your family, you will not be making a mistake. If you're curious about what makes the Prairie State perfect for settling down, keep reading and learn all about the benefits of moving there. You will discover five reasons why you should plan to move your family to Illinois.
Prepare for the move
Before you relocate, take your time to familiarize yourself with this state. Learn what it offers to families, find a new home, and discover the best places to raise your children. Along with that, you should also do your best to prepare your kids for the upcoming move. So, if they are old enough to understand what's happening, try including them in the relocating project. And even though sticking to their routine is a
key to successful parenting, challenge them and give them chores. That will help them overcome this move more easily and quickly.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
1. Education opportunities
Educational opportunities are among the best benefits of living in Illinois with your family. Home to prestigious universities such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago, the state offers world-class higher education options.
Additionally, Illinois features strong public school systems in many areas, ensuring quality education for children from kindergarten through high school. Whether pursuing advanced degrees or establishing a solid foundation for their children's academic journey, families in Illinois have access to a diverse range of educational resources and institutions to support their goals. In other words, when you relocate here, you can relax knowing your kids will get a high-quality education.
2. Cultural activities
Illinois is a treasure trove of cultural activities, offering something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Chicago, the state's cultural hub, is home to world-renowned museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry. These places are known for providing enriching experiences for art, history, and science enthusiasts alike.
Runners start out at the annual St. Joseph 5K. There are various community festivals and athletic events, recreational and pro, all summer long in Illinois.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
What’s more, the city's vibrant theater scene, including Broadway productions and local performances, ensures a steady stream of entertainment year-round. Beyond Chicago, Illinois is home to charming small towns with galleries, theaters, and music venues showcasing local talent and fostering community engagement. From attending live performances to exploring art galleries and cultural festivals, Illinois offers diverse cultural activities that inspire and entertain residents of all ages.
3. Wide range of housing options
Illinois offers a range of affordable residential opportunities, making it an attractive choice for families seeking a comfortable place to call home. While certain areas may have higher housing costs, the state provides diverse options for various budgets and preferences. Thanks to that, your new living space can be an apartment in an urban neighborhood, a house in a suburban area, or whatever option you desire. Illinois offers a mix of housing styles and neighborhoods to accommodate different lifestyles, and you won't have any trouble finding the perfect place for your family to settle down.
Hire pros for help
However, if you prefer to live in an urban location like Chicago, it is important to have a good real estate agent by your side. With this expert as your partner, you can complete this house-hunting process in no time. In addition to that, when relocating to Chicago, it is recommended to ask movers to help you safely transfer your belongings to a new home. This way, even if you are planning on
moving here from Florida, you can rest assured your possessions will be safe. With the help of these specialists, you can have a smooth move whether you want to relocate to Chicago or its nearby areas in East Central Illinois, like Tolono, St. Joseph, or Urbana.
4. Employment opportunities
Minimum wage is currently at $14 per hour in Illinois. There is no shortage of jobs or opportunities for self-employment paying more in both urban and rural areas around the state.
Photo by Mikael Blomkvist/PEXELS
The Prairie State offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries, which is another great reason to move your family to Illinois. This state is home to major finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services corporations. Illinois is also a good destination for anyone who plans to start their own business.
It is also important to know that the state has strong employment sectors outside of big cities like Chicago. Thanks to that, you probably won't have any problems getting a job in suburban or rural areas. You can find work opportunities there in agriculture, education, logistics, and more. So, whether you're looking to advance your career or explore
new professional avenues, know that Illinois provides a dynamic and diverse job market to meet your aspirations.
5. Quality of life
Illinois offers a high quality of life characterized by a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. With vibrant cities like Chicago providing many cultural attractions, dining experiences, and entertainment options, residents can enjoy a dynamic urban lifestyle.
Alyssa Teijeiro-Ficht (right) leads a Flamenco dance workshop at Lincoln Square Mall on Saturday during the Boneyard Arts Festival in Urbana. There is no shortage of culture even in smaller Illinois cities like Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal, and Springfield for residents to enjoy.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
When you
settle into your new home beyond the city limits, you'll notice that the state has picturesque landscapes, including scenic parks, lakeshores, and forest preserves, offering abundant outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities. Apart from that, Illinois' central location offers easy access to neighboring states and major metropolitan areas.
When planning to move your family to Illinois, know that this state presents a compelling destination for parents and kids! It offers a perfect blend of opportunity, culture, and quality of life. Therefore, it is no wonder that Illinois welcomes families with open arms, promising a fulfilling and enriching experience for those who choose to make it their home.
URBANA - The Urbana Park District is sponsoring a seven-week basketball tournament for high school age students starting March 26. There is no registration fee and trophies will be awarded at the end of the 14-game open gym schedule.
Games will be played at Brookens Gym from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Teams can play in one or on all 14 dates.
For more information, email Joe Manning at jamanning@urbanaparks.org or call (217) 368-1544.
"
