Apartments for Rent in Illinois

Illinois

Illinois is an essential transportation link between north, south, east and west in the United States because of its location near the geographic center of the U.S. and its strategic shipping location on the shore of Lake Michigan. With a population of 12.8 million, it is the fifth most populated state in the county, with Chicago being by far the largest city. Apartments in Illinois run the gamut from bargains in smaller towns like Peoria to high-priced luxury in Chicago.

Illinois' economy is built largely on Agriculture. It leads the nation in soybean production and is in second place for corn production due to its exceptional soil and large expanses of farmland in the prairie regions. The state is also a leader in energy production with large coal mining operations and research into new fuel alternatives like wind power and improved forms of nuclear energy.

The steel industry is also key to Illinois' financial success, due partly to decades of early building when the state was known for its amazing skyscrapers. Chicago, Illinois is home to a thriving architecture and design industry that grew out of the rich architectural traditions of the Prairie School and the works of great designers like Frank Lloyd Wright.

Outdoor Attractions

There are few states that have such a diversity of architectural styles to admire from one city to another. From charming Victorians in rural towns to post-modern skyscrapers, anyone interested in architecture or building design can spend days traveling across the state and still be surprised at every turn.

The Illinois River and Lake Michigan provide ample opportunity to pursue water sports such as fishing and boating. The western part of the state has miles of rolling prairie that is home to many endangered or protected birds. Above all, residents love their sports. Baseball in particular is a favorite activity, with some of the United State's most loyal and rabid fans living in Illinois.

There is a great deal of history in Illinois as well, including the Cherokee Trail of Tears, Lewis and Clark Historic Trail and the home of President Abraham Lincoln, all of which are surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests.

Colleges and Universities

The city of Chicago has several design schools, including the Art Institute and Chicago School of Architecture. The University of Illinois system has three campuses and there are several other major universities in the state as well, including DePaul, the University of Chicago and Loyola University. Because there are so many colleges and universities in Chicago, this city offers a wide range of apartment rental opportunities.

Real Estate and Housing

The median cost of an Illinois apartment is about on par with the nation's average, but from region to region the difference is noticeable. A Chicago apartment can cost $1,000 for a simple one-bedroom, while a similar apartment in Urbana-Champaign may run around $500. If you're looking for an inexpensive but spacious and charming apartment, consider the state capital of Springfield, which is only one-tenth the size of Chicago but retains the bustling atmosphere of a larger city. One nice thing about renting an Illinois apartment – the cost of utilities in the state is less than the national average.