Before any move, you may feel like there are countless aspects for you to consider. After all, moving is a big decision, and venturing somewhere new can feel daunting. With so many important elements to factor into your choice, it’s easy to experience stress and overwhelm during this time. However, if you know the significant aspects to prioritize in your decision-making process, it can make you feel more confident in the choice you ultimately make. Specifically, if you’re looking to move to Illinois, you may be wondering about the most crucial elements to contemplate before relocating to this midwestern state. Are you considering moving to Illinois, but you’re not quite sure about what to factor into your decision? Do you need guidance on the top things to consider when moving to Illinois? Keep reading to discover our top 3 aspects to examine before a move to this state!

1. Weather and landscape

When moving to a new location, you want to be sure that the climate is tolerable at least and ideal at best. In the case of the midwest, especially for a place like Illinois which is further north, it’s best to factor in the extreme weather conditions that you will inevitably experience at one point or another. Home of Chicago, the Windy City, Illinois lives up to that reputation – with wind, snow, and ice in full force during the winter as temperatures drop even into the negatives. Each year, northern Illinois is hit with 48 inches of snow on average, while the southern portion experiences around 38 inches. Typically, the temperature sits steadily around 30 ºF during the winter.

On the flipside, however, the summers leave no memory of the tough winters. Usually, residents of Illinois can expect a hot and humid summer to emerge each year. This humidity comes along with severe thunderstorms, resulting in around 50 days of thunderstorm activity yearly. Illinois also experiences tornadoes, usually from April to June. If you live in Illinois, you can expect to experience all four seasons in full force, rather than having a similar climate year-round. Whether or not this is something you desire from a place of residence is all up to your own preference.

Additionally, Illinois is known as the Prairie State due to its landscape. Illinois is one of the flattest states, characterized by fields with low inclines. It has three geographical divisions – Southern, Central, and Northern – and it is also the home to many rivers and lakes. This landscape is an important note, especially for those who are interested in spending time in nature. The climate and geography as a whole can either be a selling point or a breaking point, depending on your preferences.

2. Real estate market

As with any location you are considering relocating to, the current status of the local real estate market is a necessary point of inspection. The market can determine whether finding a home within your budget will be a nightmare or a breeze. Currently, the state is experiencing a seller’s market, meaning there are more people looking to buy than there are homes available to buy. It only takes about 40 days for the average home to sell in Illinois. This is a strong housing market that can offer great options to people looking to move here. Of course, although a competitive situation like this one can feel daunting for those looking to find a home, it also allows the opportunity to find an incredible home at a reasonable price, especially when compared to other markets throughout the country. Illinois is an excellent place to find great real estate.

You may wonder, “What’s drawing so many people to Illinois?” Our next point will tell you exactly what makes the housing market thrive…

3. Cost of living

The biggest draw to Illinois is the low and affordable cost of living. Sitting about 6% lower than the national average, people with varying budgets can move to Illinois with less stress than in many other areas in the United States. Housing itself actually stacks up even better at 14% less than the national average. From utilities to groceries and even healthcare, you can get much more bang for your buck in this state. Of course, in Chicago, you can still expect big city prices, but the further you get from this metropolitan area, the more affordable the prices become.

Average housing costs sit at anywhere from $850 to $1,600 per month, depending on where you go in the state and what size of home you’re seeking. While a studio apartment for rent is on the low end, the mortgage cost is on the high end. In contrast, the actual average living cost for a year in Illinois is around $44,000. Neighboring Wisconsin costs about $49,000 per year for comparison. This is a major perk that can empower home buyers and renters alike to feel confident about their decision to settle down in Illinois.

Ready for your Illinois move?

Now that you’ve heard about what to consider before moving to Illinois, are you ready to start your move to the Prairie State? With the climate, geography, real estate market, and cost of living in mind, you’re prepared to make an educated decision regarding the possibility of relocating to Illinois. But once you decide to move, you’re left seeking residential moving services in Illinois – a company that you can rely on. If you’re looking for an Illinois moving company that can empower you to have your best move yet, trust Moving Services Inc. to help with your move. With over 40 years of experience serving Chicagoland and the Illinois suburbs, you can depend on Moving Services Inc. to complete your move with reliable professionals and excellent customer service. Interested in finding out more? Call for a free moving quote, or request one online today!