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Condense the entire country into one small geographic area, and what's the result? Illinois.

As a nationwide crossroads of U.S. air, rail, auto and truck traffic, through dynamic Chicago, the state of Illinois remains the perfect "average" — from its median cost of living index to its ethnic and religious demographic.

• Speed of Chicago

  Demographics : (Illinois Census Data)
  Major cities: Springfield (capital), Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Peoria
  Population : 12,831,970
  White : 79.4%
  Black, African American : 15.1%
  Hispanic : 14.3%
  High school graduates : 81.4%
  Bachelor's degree or higher : 26.1%
  Average household income: $47,711
  
  
• Crime : see Illinois Crime Information
  
  
• Cost of Living: Illinois cost of living index is 100.00, or on par with the national average.
  
  
• Property Taxes : Illinois Tax Climate - Combined state/local property taxes were $17,888,828,000 in 2004, which brings per capita collections to $1,407 (ranking 9th highest nationally).
  
  
• Housing & Real Estate Overview : also see Zillow - Illinois Real Estate
  Home ownership rate : 67.3%
  Average home price: $232,119
  Average travel time to work : 28 minutes
  
  
• Schools : see Illinois State Board of Education
  
  
• Weather : General weather conditions are fairly divided between the southern & northern part of the state, with northern winters colder and summers somewhat cooler. Due to its Midwest location, Illinois warm weather tornados are by far the most destructive weather hazard statewide.

More about moving to Illinois around the Web:

Moving to Illinois - Official state site offering links to maps, crime statistics, jobs & career resources, banking & real estate, K-12 schools.

Moving to Illinois City-Data Forums - Active discussions with Q&A on moving to Chicago, Springfield, and rural & suburban Illinois with information on cost of living, property taxes, neighborhoods, local politics, jobs, and related tips & advice.

Berkeley Parents Network - Moving to Chicago - Archived message board posts on best family and kid-friendly neighborhoods, schools & daycare in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs.

Chicago for Residents - The official site with a guide to neighborhoods & communities, city services, apartments & real estate, schools & colleges, public transportation, maps, tourist attractions.

also see Chicago suburbs -> TownClick | Hinsdale | Clarendon Hills | Downers Grove

Lake Forest | Highland Park | Glenview | Oak Brook | Glen Ellyn | Naperville

City of Rockford - Relocation Guide - Information on homebuying assistance programs, apartment rentals, property taxes, area utilities and city services, voter and vehicle registration.

Illinois Real Estate, Apartments & Job Classifieds:

• Chicago : Tribune | Sun-Times
• Rockford : Register-Star
• Aurora : Beacon News
• Peoria : Journal Star

Illinois Real Estate Map:

View Larger Map

also see -> Illinois Beaches | Illinois Eviction Laws

Illinois Fall Foliage | Illinois Taxes | Illinois Tourist Attractions

Illinois Wine Tours | Christmas in Illinois | Taste of Chicago

Illinois Kids Party Locations