Why are SO many Illinois folk attracted to Arizona? (Chicago: real estate, job transfer)

[collected_eve]

Where I work, I deal with alot of people from every walk of life. And the conversation of, "Where yah from?" always arises.
What I've realized after being in this position for almost 2 years now, is that ALOT of people from Illinois come to Arizona. Why are so many Illinoisans attracted to AZ?!
I also meet alot of people from Oregon, California & Texas, but Illinois definately take the number 1 spot.
And EVERY now & then I'll come across someone from an oddball state like Florida or Pennsylvania.
I've been pondering this for quite a while & just can't put my finger on it.....

Oh, yes, I'm one also who is guilty of leaving MO/IL for Arizona
BUT TRUST THIS, I am coming back!!

[aragx6]

Probably the weather. Some people can't handle a little cold

[Frank the Tank]

This is a chicken-or-the-egg type of question. Arizona is really attractive to people from in Illinois (Chicagoans in particular) because a lot of people from Illinois already live there. I couldn't tell you how that started, but it's something that is now a well-defined migration pattern. I always found Florida fascinating because certain enclaves attract people from certain areas even though the real estate prices are in the same tier. Chicagoans and Midwesterners dominate Naples and lot of Central and Southwest Florida, while New Yorkers and East Coast natives flock to Palm Beach and the Miami area. People just tend to like being around people that have similar backgrounds.

[Steve-o]

I cant explain it either, its a strange phenomonon. There is a strong tie between the two states for some odd reason. Ive had several family/friends move to AZ too, but most ended up coming back.

[aragx6]

And compared to Chicago, it's considerably less expensive.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by aragx6

And compared to Chicago, it's considerably less expensive.

well there are many states that are cheaper than metro chicagoland. personally i dont see the desert appeal. but to each their own. just dont be complaining when the drinking water runs out.

[aragx6]

True true. I'd never ever move there, but I do suspect money and weather are the motivating factors for those who do.

[gardener34]

Winter. Chicago winters can be brutal. Not lately though.

And

Motorola is a major employer up here. As well as in AZ (still?) so there are a lot of job transfers back and forth.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by gardener34

Winter. Chicago winters can be brutal

Just as brutal as their summers. In any case, there will be several days each year (in either state) where youll be shackled indoors due to extreme and dangerous temps, just the seasons are reversed between here and there.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by gardener34

Winter. Chicago winters can be brutal. Not lately though.

And

Motorola is a major employer up here. As well as in AZ (still?) so there are a lot of job transfers back and forth.

is motorola really still that big of an employer here? i thought they've gone through and slashed their force pretty extensively in the past few years.