California residents move to Illinois seeking relief from the Golden State’s crushing high cost of living, housing crisis, and traffic congestion that makes basic living unaffordable for working families. Illinois offers cultural attractions and economic opportunities in major cities like Chicago while maintaining lower housing costs than California markets. The state features good public transportation systems that contrast with California’s car-dependent, traffic-clogged infrastructure. Illinois provides diverse population centers and excellent educational institutions without California’s natural disaster threats like wildfires and earthquakes. Despite harsh winters, many find Illinois offers better work opportunities, affordable housing, and authentic Midwest values that provide stability missing from California’s expensive, politically charged environment and overcrowded living conditions.
