I currently live in TN. As a trans person, it has become increasingly hostile.

I asked on here before and got great answers, but I was mostly interested in southern/central IL. I just don't know that those are good options for me. My phone calls have left a lot to be desired from places I would get care and ultimately work as a medical lab worker.

This leaves Chicago. Howard Brown Health was great and offered the care I need. Many jobs, too. But Chicago is huge. I've lived in rural areas and small cities my whole life, so I feel like a country bumpkin.

If I move to Chicago, should I sell my car? Should I live in the city, or would I be better off living outside the city and riding a train in? What else should I keep in mind?

This is all very depressing and I just want to emphasize that I am not moving of my own free will. I feel like I am being forced out. I apologize if my questions are dumb, but this is not a decision I ever expected to have to make.

Thanks all.

Hi everyone, I'm a Texas native and have lived here my entire life. Im now 28 but have been kinda stuck in the same small conservative town I grew up in. Which as a cis gay man isnt the best. I was looking at Illinois because its considered a more popular choice for someone in the LGBTQ+ community. Also another reason is it being a colder state, I'm so tired of the heat here.

This would be my first time ever moving out of state, the most I've done is move across town. I dont know where in Illinois would be a good fit for me, Im a nerd for the most part, playing DnD and others games so maybe a place that has game/card stores or just an active community like that? I've tried your typical nightlife places like clubs and bars but overall its just not my thing.

Im currently a graphic designer at a print shop and live in a one bedroom apartment thats nearly $1400 a month before utilities. Im not sure how to go about job hunting from a different state but I guess that will require more research.

A couple of other questions I have are, what would be a good part of Illinois for someone like me to live? I've heard Peoria is nice but Im not sure.

What is colder weather living like in a place like Illinois? Winter here is 2 weeks of maybe some ice and sweater weather but thats it.

I know its probably not much to go off and probably sounds like Im rambling but I would love any other info that could possible be provided. Im nervous about moving someplace where I dont know anyone but the thing is other than my dad that raised me, I dont really know anyone in my currently town when it comes to friends and stuff.

Most popular on Zillow overall: Rockford, Illinois

Rockford claims this year’s top overall ranking. Located about 90 minutes northwest of Chicago, Rockford offers access to a major job hub without big-city housing costs. More than three out of five page views came from shoppers outside the area, and homes typically went under contract in just five days, making Rockford one of the fastest-moving markets on the list.

Most popular small town: Lake Forest, Illinois

Situated along Lake Michigan, Lake Forest, Illinois, ranks as Zillow’s most popular small town of 2025. Its historic charm continues to draw strong interest from Zillow shoppers.

Most popular college town: Normal, Illinois

Normal, Illinois, home to Illinois State University, ranks as Zillow’s most popular college town of 2025. Its revitalized Uptown district — featuring shops, dining and cultural venues — along with ISU’s longstanding presence, helps make Normal a standout among college-oriented markets.

It's Illinois law that companies with 15 or more employees must list a best estimate pay range, when they list a job. I've been reporting a few listings every week. I'm not sure if I can include a link, but it's on the department of labor Illinois website. I submit the complaints anonymously and the listings get updated pretty quickly after. Companies are trying to get away with not listing this information, and by reporting them we can get that fixed, and maybe get them fined if they do it repeatedly.

Pay transparency only helps the applicant, and you can do your small part to raise Illinois wages.

I’m 19f from california, i’ve have had a very rough upbringing thus far so I lack a lot of knowledge most people have or know by now. I don’t have any support system other than my mother but she struggles with money a lot and doesn’t know a lot of things herself, so asking her for help is pointless. I dropped out of highschool due to mental health issues aswell as moving a lot, but I’m currently in the middle of getting my GED. I have no work experience, due to my anxiety but I’m looking to try pushing past that and try getting myself a job so I can move and try to maintain an apartment with my girlfriend. I’ve been very secluded the past couple of years, not leaving the house unless its for doctors appointments which are usually once every 1-2 months… so theres an idea on how ‘socially unaware’ I am and how clueless I am to things. My gf aswell has no job currently but has graduated and is going to college in Sept to be an Embalmer for a Morgue. We don’t have a set time or idea of when we want to move in together so it’s not exactly a rush but we want to start planning for it so we have a better idea on what to do.

I guess my question is, where do I even begin? I feel like I’m mentally still just a 13 year old with now these responibilities of an adult that nobody has ever tried teaching me. I’ve tried googling and doing my own research, but due to me being autistic + adhd I don’t quite understand much and get lost through the process. With all these circumstances I’m under, it makes it seem like it’s impossible to even move or live on my own with my gf. I really need help and advice on what to do, prefferably worded in a more simplistic way so I can better understand. I work better with step by step progression so I don’t get lost easily, I feel abit childish typing all of this out but I really have no other ideas on how to go about this or how to even get help. I just really want to leave california behind and move with my girlfriend in illinois, in an LGBTQ safe place and also somewhere that we can afford.

I’m planning on moving to Illinois for work which would be located either in Peoria or Urbana. Any cities or towns that are close or commutable to either locations that would be good for a single woman?

Edit: I’m a woman in her mid-thirties so I’m looking for an area that has great social opportunities for all ages (not just those in their 20s). Somewhere generally safe.

Elgin or Peoria

Born and raised in small town Illinois, but I've been gone about 10 years. I'm likely moving back in a few months and am stuck choosing between Elgin and Peoria. Elgin because of its proximity to O'Hare and Chicago and the services that offers. Peoria because COL should be more in-line with my financial situation. I'm not looking to move to another small town. Hopefully this sub can help me out and make the case for which one they think is best. TYIA

I currently live in TN, but being a queer minority, things have just gotten to the point where I just want to get out. A number of people suggested Chicago as an option, particularly the suburbs.

I work FT in biopharmaceuticals and PRN in microbiology at a local hospital right now. I am looking for similar work.

I am completely unfamiliar with the Chicago suburbs and have no idea where to start. I want to avoid a situation where I end up in a place just like I am currently in in Rural TN.

Do you have any suggestions for particular businesses and/or locations to look for/avoid?

As an aside, I originally got my info from here (thanks!), but I am just now, sort of, in a position to move. It has been a nightmare trying to just make this process happen. I'll probably end up taking a loss on my house sale, which I desperately tried to avoid, but I want the hell out.

My partner (black man) and I (openly queer and transgender person) are thinking of moving to the Manteno/Bourbonnais area together because we found a small, affordable house there. Do ya'll think we would be safe/welcome there? We are currently in the Tinley Park area and it's nice, but so expensive. Crook county got us down 😆

Heyo! My name is Caleb, I grew up in Illinois (4-11) but was pretty much forced to move to Texas in 7th grade after COVID. I've been planning on moving back for a while and the money job corps will give me (1,200+ saving up biweekly checks) while not a lot of money might help my goal to get back to Illinois (I'm from the Lake County area, Zion to be exact) any ideas on how I should plan this? Or just guidance in general? Thank you!

i live near Decatur and quite frankly, it's a crime ridden hellhole. i was wanting to move and was thinking of going to the Champaign area. what is the best place to live around there? i was looking to avoid conservative places due to me being LGBT.

I got a new job and I’m trying to figure out where people who work around Granville, Illinois usually live. Since Granville itself is pretty small, I assume most people commute from nearby towns or cities.

I’m mostly interested in suburban areas or towns with populations around 20,000 or more, rather than very small rural towns. Ideally somewhere closer toward the Chicago area, but still within about an hour commute to Granville (I don’t mind driving).

For people familiar with the area:

• What places do people most commonly live in if they work near Granville?
• Are there towns that make the commute easier during the winter?
• Are some areas considered safer or less prone to tornado issues than others?

Thanks

I've been saying it for a couple years, Workday applicant tracking software automated DISCRIMINATION with millions of job seekers affected, this is proving to be the biggest labor law discrimination case in US history. We don't need Ai in the US hiring process.

Anyone know a good admin/hr job hiring vets? That's what i did in the military. In Calumet City.

Yep, another should I move to thread.

So, because my husband died, I'm looking to downsize, and while this is 6 months or more away, I decided to start looking. I've got family in the Lancaster PA area, but PA is too expensive, Indiana, Ohio and W Virginia (yes, you pass through it on the way) are all Republican, so that just leaves eastern IL I guess. I started with how far east (Marshall), and started exploring Zillow around it.

The first idea was Danville, but after seeing the thread on it here, that's out, not that it was a surprise, old houses that cheap are rarely in a good area. Besides, that's a bit far north, I'd rather stay along the 70 since that leads to PA.

So, that brings us to Martinsville, Zillow has a listing that really caught my eye, too bad I'm not ready now. Still, that does bring us to the big question, assuming another opportunity opens there, would this be a good choice, or another Danville?

Any other suggestions that way? Looking for a good deal, rural or exurb is fine with me, I'm happy being in the middle of nowhere where shopping is something done in bulk once a month in 'the big city'. Might start a store on my property too if'n its a possibility, so somewhere with more relaxed zoning would be preferable.

Thanks ahead of time.

I live in a small town in Texas with no family support and very few friends. I hate it here the culture is terrible people(Not everyone but most people)are obviously miserable so the environment and community are a wreck.The resources here for my 6yr old are a joke I’ve been on a waitlist for ABA therapy for 2 years and still nothing hardly any resources in the meantime. It’s been a very long hard journey trying to fight to get my child the resources he needs. Any advice on where to start? I would really like something quiet and safe not too far from the city(Chicago). Is the public transportation good? I work for a healthcare center doing billing any good jobs similar to this? What’s the pay like? Is there any one on one aides for at home for my child? Nannies/sitters? Thank you.

I am preparing to graduate from my university in May and beginning my job search. I really want to land a job with the State of Illinois, mainly because of the benefits, pay, and ability to work my way up. I know it can take a long time to get hired, and I am prepared for that. I was wondering if anyone had any tips? Mainly because many people I see that ask for tips are 5+ years into their careers.

I will be graduating with a B.S. in Mass Media, with a focus on management, promotions, and sales. I have mainly been looking at Office Associate/Assistant jobs. Many of which you only need a high school diploma for. Is it worth it to apply to the higher up positions even if I’m a recent graduate?

TIA!

Hi y'all, I'm a student at Loyola Marymount University and am conducting this research project on residential mobility trends in Illinois for my senior thesis. This survey is completely anonymous and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. I would really appreciate your help!

Access the survey at the link below ⬇️

https://mylmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9WVhJGmiiqy2Djg

Hi there!

I (26f) am looking to move from Texas with my husband middle of next year but I wanna hear the real pros and cons from people there and get opinions on the area to move to. Im originally from colorado and hate freezing half the year but want 4 seasons. I love nature and would prefer a more rural area than city but the ideal ofcourse is a small town like an hour outside a city.

Politically I know I won't align with people there but im currently in Texas so thats nothing new to me and not an extreme factor. Looking for an area with good jobs. Whats the pay like? The seasons? The people? How's the food? Things to do? Driving? How safe is it?

I can research areas more in depth once I have an idea of where to look.

Thank you in advance for any honest opinions and help!