2023 Best Cities to Live in Illinois

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  686 reviews

Current Resident: Naperville is a very peaceful environment that makes you feel safe and comforted. It is small, but has enough in it to enjoy the town. I have always felt happy about living here.... Read 686 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 149,013

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  2,760 reviews

Current Resident: Firstly, optimizing the search functionality would greatly benefit users. Implementing advanced filters and search options would allow users to refine their searches more effectively. For example, providing filters based on specific criteria like academic programs, extracurricular activities, or student demographics would help users find schools or neighborhoods that align with their specific needs and interests. Additionally, incorporating user-generated content would enhance the authenticity and reliability of the information available on the platform. Allowing users to leave reviews, ratings, and comments about schools and neighborhoods would provide valuable insights from firsthand experiences. This would empower users to make more informed decisions based on a broader range of perspectives.... Read 2,760 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade C+

• Population 2,742,119

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 3.16 out of 5  255 reviews

Current Resident: Music and art scene is vibrant and diverse! Started a community Drum Circle with art and unique vendors and it has taken off like wild fire, proving to me just how many creative and eclectic people live here. Lots of people working hard to rejuvenate certain areas that were affected by shifting tides in the 80's. Many digging in to do the hard work of creating equality for all residents, there really is an enormous opportunity to make a difference toward that here, if that is something you care about like me. I enjoy the many parks and my husband appreciates the many disc golf courses. There is something for everyone. The beauty of the river and Grand View Drive. Big music festivals of every kind! Hiking clubs, Poetry clubs, quality choirs and theaters, symphony... the list goes on.... Read 255 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 113,672

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 3.4 out of 5  255 reviews

Current Resident: Springfield, Illinois, is a great place to grow and learn as a person. Springfield teaches its citizens and visitors a lot about leadership as we are the city known for Abraham Lincoln. The public school system is amazing as it strives to help students grow and help Springfield students grow into strong, independent leaders. The city is a perfect size as it is big enough to have amazing diversity and an exceptional and gorgeous downtown area, but it still is small enough to get from one end of town to the other in 15-30 minutes. There are many government and corporate jobs as the city of Springfield and the state government are the number one employers in Springfield. There are many opportunities for minimum wage and small business jobs. Countless restaurants are constantly looking for hires and employ a lot of younger kids in the city. Historic downtown Springfield is a gold mine for small businesses and Springfield does a great job at supporting the local business in Springfield.... Read 255 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 114,672

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 3.68 out of 5  356 reviews

Current Resident: Elgin is a fantastic, beautiful, safe place to raise a family. It is surrounded by nature. It is extremely walkable with a lovely river, bike trails and thriving downtown. Elgin is a large diverse city that has so much to do. It is turning into an entertainment hub of the northwest suburbs. It’s police department is top notch. Overall, Elgin is a fantastic place to live.... Read 356 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 114,156

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 3.07 out of 5  418 reviews

Current Resident: So far so good! We moved here about 4 years ago and kinda fell in love with Rockford! Its like a mini Chicago but less violent. The downtown was starting to light up right before COVID but it's been pretty quiet since. The community is really active, there are plenty of resources for help, people are really kind here. There are some crime areas but that's EVERYWHERE. Rockford has a beautiful river area(Sinnissippi), great food, entertainment, and community events. What else can I say about Rockford... its a big small city... meaning at time it can feel like a quant small town but other times its a hustle and bustle city. There are some major projects being done right now to upgrade our downtown area as well as our main roads throughout the community. Rockfordians are very vocal and outgoing, friendly! I work for the county here and absolutely love it!... Read 418 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 148,942