Fed up with illinois moving out (Chicago, Springfield: real estate, school, wages)

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by mayhem_223

By who was Iowa settled? Dutch?

Good question. Given the affinity between Illinoisans and Iowans during the War of the Rebellion I assumed the initial settlers were mostly New Englanders and New Yorkers but I really don't know much about it. Iowans are a very industrious and civilized people whom I respect a great deal (for what it's worth) .

[linicx]

I think it is hard to define. My family was in NY in the early 1600s, moved into NJ before 1700; fought in the RW, moved to PA, thence Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. My Virginians came through Springfield after the CW. My New Yorkers, Ohioans, and Virginians all settled in Central Illinois. Some worked the soil, most didn't. None were from the deep south. They fought in all the wars as still do. Peoria was founded by the French in the 17th century and had a strong German influence. There was a big wave of southerners who came in WWII when CAT put out a national wide ads for help. Some stayed and some went home after the war ended.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Jimmyp25

Anyone else thinking about doing the same?
Any stories to share?
Please let me know cause next year, we are breaking outta here

Only thing keeping me here is family. If an unbelievable opportunity in the right place comes up, I'll have no qualms about leaving this place behind.

[ChicagoBay]

I don't like Indiana at all and I'm with the other poster, if it wasn't for Chicago I'd be gone for sure. My family came from New England btw!

[pvande55]

Seriously looked into it with a rotten economy in IL. Had a strong possibility in ND but ended up staying.

[Maintainschaos]

Originally Posted by mayhem_223

Its the same with the some of the people living south of I-80 in Illinois that I have known.

Central Illinois, where the bulk of the rest of the population lives, is nothing like the deep South, and they have a number of good-paying jobs there. Most communities in Central Illinois have significantly lower unemployment than the Chicago area.

[debbie at bouontiful]

I am sorry, not going to put your State down anymore because I might just move back to the Galena area when my husband retires next year. I love that area and always have just that your cost of living will be a consideration. I can afford it but do I want too is the question. It is Chicago that give me a headache. I grew up in CA and all my relatives live there and the same goes for that place. They do not know how to live in their means. Just raise taxes is the only theory the the two States can think of.

[linicx]

Mayhem said: "Northwest Illinois different from Central Illinois, its beautiful with lots of forests, lakes and hills."

Actually the Illinois River Valley and Peoria Lake in Central Illinois is very much the same with its many high rolling hills, heavily forested areas, cliffs and smaller lakes, plus it is part of the Mississippi Flyway. What I think you are referring to is the Illinois Plains which is flat and rather boring, and heavily vested in agriculture. I-55 cuts through a large portion of the Illinois Plains.

Mayhem also said: "Its the same with the some of the people living south of I-80 in Illinois that I have known."

While it is true that some residents of Illinois have strong Southern roots you can find these individuals in Chicago as well every other part of the state. It is equally true that CAT did hire many men from the deep south during WWII when it was tapped to make the tracks for Army tanks. Then the men were working 24/7 because CAT could not keep up with the demand without new hirees. Not every Southern man continued to work in East Peoria after the war ended and the plant converted back to making earth moving equipment. Today, many families in Southern Illinois - which is south of Springfield - do have Kentucky roots as do some Hoosiers. A good portion of Central Illinois is far more Chicago Northern than Kentucky Southern - which is different than the old Colonial South.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by Irishtom29

Yeah, well the wages are considerably higher too. I knew quite a few tradesmen from Oklahoma who moved up here but not single one from here who moved down there.

And those taxes contribute to a state university better known for Nobel Prizes than for football championships. Though evidently Oklahomans prize the latter more than the former and are satisfied with the arrangement which doesn't speak well for the place.

Agree with most of your points, but on the underlined I would say: contribute to a state university better known for odd admissions practices and in-state tuition that is higher than some other very comparable Big Ten schools out of state tuition.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by Drover

Only thing keeping me here is family. If an unbelievable opportunity in the right place comes up, I'll have no qualms about leaving this place behind.

Yes indeed.
Now, about this house I have to sell