10 Places in Illinois You Should NEVER Move To

Move to these places and you're gonna regret it big time!
If you haven’t heard the news, Illinois is kind of a sinking ship. A lot of people are leaving this state. In fact, more people left Illinois than any other state in the last decade. Last year alone, 51,029 people left the land of Lincoln, meaning .4% of folks skipped town. Many moved to nearby Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri and even into the southern states.
Every ten minutes someone leaves this state for good. By the end of this video, we’ll see another Illinois goodbye.
Why? For many reasons I’ll talk about, but generally, people are tired of the taxes and the government mismanagement. But it’s also the cold and the gloom and the lack of jobs and the crime. Right now, Illinois is the 6th most populous state, but soon, Ohio will pass Illinois for number of people.
Now the places we’re going to talk about all fit into the ‘sucky’ category when it comes to quality of life. These upcoming cities are all perfect examples of struggling communities in this state, and a big reason why Illinois people are Illinoyed. Here are the worst places in Illinois that you could possibly live.
It's places like Chicago, Kankakee, Rockford and Peoria.
#illinois #moving
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The best video on this topic!

[@NickJohnson]

Here are all of my Illinois videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLq-_cmf3H6yq2-zYXWw_avkmE-kFby9Sr

[@violetjebraily9120]

We asked you talk about Chicago lesbian Mayer will you and the comments she or he ???????? Made no shame no nothing in her dirty life🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@GhostSal]

It is the Southside of Chicago that is the worst, the Northside isn’t bad. It’s literally like two different cities.

[@GhostSal]

Seriously where can someone go that will stay safe, for your average income person that is?

[@KingAries85]

You skipped the quad cities ? 😂 94th largest city 4th in the USA with a drug and alcohol problem and 73% of the countries cities are safer then us .. Peoria is a hour south of us and east Peoria is bad but that city is like a safe zone compared to us smh

[@cyndiduvall5095]

What city did you grow up in Nick Johnson?........Seems you are directed the North end of Illinois as potholes........that is understandable, cause of the population and all the urban areas you get more crimes........Decatur and Danville cut it really close to the smaller populations and towns and so the people either move South of Champaign or maybe a small town of 4000 called Casey, IL.. That at one time was pretty good small town but now with most of the North moving South is driving away the Rural folks, cause the Government wants to increase the size of smaller towns and where will that lead? Yes, those from the North try using their Power of the City they once lived on the people in the Rural areas......So why, (of all the absurd reasons), did they leave the Powerful Cities? Anyway, it really doesn't matter.......Our Lord and Savior will be coming soon enough when He knows it is His time to intervene........God bless Illinois and I came back after being in another state for 8 years and I missed my friends and family and lost a lot too while I was trying to live a better life........Doesn't really matter what state you live in, it is out there everywhere!! Stay safe everyone!!

[@CLINT-THE-GREAT]

Most of us who are still here , are here because this is where our family lives....it’s just that simple

[@marquisefranklin9355]

True facts...

[@kdubbswinston3673]

Period...born, raised, lived, laid to rest

[@randombassist6297]

Like deadass

[@uniquedaopp9604]

Right

[@chrisnash430]

So damn true.

[@abigailcolby6372]

poor people aren’t our problem, and have never been the problem. bad governing, low wages, and no opportunity create the situations that cause poverty and the need for assistance. blaming the lowest common denominator is a gross take.

[@xoog-squad1437]

I agree he seems to blame the poor people most time when it's the government.

[@LidiaGarcia-cd8eu]

I wonder if he even lives in chicago 🤣

[@johnleeson6946]

And yet you people still vote for Democrats............

[@johnleeson6946]

@@groomersgotohell Yep! They have been brainwashed into thinking that if they don't, they'll lose their government freebies... Very sad situation, but the Dems have them under their thumbs...

[@jasonmatthiesen6028]

Government don't pull triggers

[@twood1uis]

If you drive around deliberately looking for blighted areas, you’ll find them. It looks like you deliberately avoid the better areas.

[@ryanbrink2755]

He did say the worst areas even though he basically googled top worse places

[@bethanyderekw3723]

Yeah dude came through my town and didn't even go on top of the hill. He also failed to mention that the neighboring IA town is literally the wild west.

[@spaceghost8995]

Well yeah that's kind of like the whole point .

[@Brians_Fandom]

I live in Illinois & my town wasn’t on the list but my heart goes out to anyone that lives in any of these towns or are struggling. ❤

[@RayRayTV2267]

I'm from Kankakee let me borrow $40 😂

[@DoveGirl]

I'm from Kewanee 😭😭😭

[@DoveGirl]

@@phantomedits8069 how is the illegal immigrants situation there?

[@wonderquartz]

​@@DoveGirlit's a big part of it.

[@DoveGirl]

@@wonderquartz yep, don't I know it...

[@D71219ONE]

The one good thing about Illinois is that if you hate your neighbor, they’re probably planning on moving soon.

[@trixtrix1536]

ROTFL 🤣

[@shaunpadgham6947]

Yes. ......

[@Gumby54877]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 or already hate the next one coming in!

[@oddninjaman4546]

you dont have neibors because you live in the country

[@larari4783]

Accurate asf

[@cito4633]

Every Illinoisan I know (me included) is planning an exit strategy...

[@michaelmarks1391]

Me too. Good luck to both of us.

[@Dylan_Dynamite]

Same

[@mysticalmermaid308]

Same

[@jimbuck795]

Same here.

[@CP-rm7rz]

+1

[@RichardMorgan-ee5dm]

I grew up in Decatur, IL from ages 7 to 21. Your comments on the place are an understatement.

[@Kerrviii]

😂😂😂😂

[@qua7771]

Grew up in Bloomington, and joined the military to escape that hell hole.

[@0xide00]

Decatur is a unmitigated shithole, trash everywhere

[@Uncle228]

I've lived in Danville for two years, I can agree. I am happy this was made for the right reasons because officials may, just may hear about this or we spread awareness about this so we can make a change. My hopes are very low, close to 0, but it is still there. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this video.

[@psychologicalsigma9917]

I grew up in Kankakee as a young boy. I lived in Danville when I was 16-17 (before I went to prison)

[@happymom73]

I was born and raised in Illinois. Lived in this state my whole life, in the same town to be exact. I have watched the decline of other towns that were beautiful places to live. I have watched our government do absolutely nothing about it, but picking up and leaving doesn't help. This sort of thing only stops when people stay...when they take a stand. I'm not giving up my hometown without a fight. I'm just not built that way.

[@Lavamonkeking]

Not gonna lie same

[@nathanpartridge3565]

My mother took a stand in Peoria. Political just dumped more Chicago excons in her once great neighborhood. East Bluff Peoria is a total dump.

[@ScarletStarManor]

The problem is, the residents who don't give a damn will kill you while you try, and my family just can't do it. I was born and raised in chicago... I nearly got shot while at the black cowboy picnic in the parking lot before I was gonna head to college. That was the last straw for my family.

[@happymom73]

@@ScarletStarManor I am so sorry to hear that happened to you. I hope you and your family are alright and doing well.

[@MikeSmith-cn6ub]

Well Cadillacs weren't built that way either but take a 1960 caddy that hasn't been treated good and it gives our to

[@hovacslim1851]

Reasons why people from Illinois are still going to live in Illinois: “family”

[@trixtrix1536]

ABSOLUTELY

[@thomasturner6827]

You leave, they will follow, Tennessee, son. no state tax, better weather, jobs a plenty...

[@hannahransom6857]

LITERALLY

[@renneedwards9826]

Exactly 💯👀💅🏾

[@irishmenmcboi4208]

yessss

[@kaya1926]

Wow!😮thanks😊nice song

[@litaheffley6990]

Great 👍 video thanks 😊

[@blschafer4310]

Illinois: Where all the Governors do two terms, one in office and the other in prison. Lived there for about 30 years. Humid, corrupt, miserable. Land of Taxes should be the state motto.

[@Gitn2it]

Illinois, Land of Pension Debt.

[@blancamiranda7424]

Yes it is robbery, but it costs to be the boss...loved Texas hospital slow as hell..merchandise behind Chicago Standards ..u can fry an egg on the sidewalk in the summer🍳southern Texas ""NO GOOD FOOD"" THOUGHT I WOULD EAT REALLY GOOD SPANISH FOOD🍖🌮🥗🌯🍲🍛WAS I FOOLED...most areas are Guatemalans...cooking, working!!!

[@lylemeece3133]

@Booty Hunter And doubled the Illinois per gallon gas tax, from 19 cents to 38 cents. He did that to give the state workers a raise for helping him get elected.

[@iamthecheese2737]

@Booty Hunter trailer plates went from $18 to $118. 500% increase. Illinois is just the beginning. My city is on this list, and let me tell you, whatever the state is leaving in your wallet, the city is doing it's best to claim the rest. 4 new taxes in 2020.

[@ambergrim6898]

Right!!!!

[@DJackson1232]

it seems to me that you're blaming the people living in the community instead of the actual truth about these towns.

[@michaelfitzpatrick1241]

What is the truth, then? Please elaborate.

[@shanedoss6189]

that's Exactly what he's doing!...and, he's trying to be funny while he's doing it.

[@ryniepan3038]

@@michaelfitzpatrick1241 the truth is that multiple years of corrupt governors and politicians have failed these poor communities and led them to take justice into their own hands leading to gun violence, robbing due to lack of money for basic necessities, “us versus them” mentality, etc…lived here my whole life.

[@floydeakle2123]

@@shanedoss6189 Not to mention availability of any meaningful employment.

[@DJ-iu5bb]

You can tell he never lived in Chicagoland cause he's pronouncing the state wrong

[@froggo6981]

My cat I adopted is from Kankakee, because of this we named her "Billie" short for hillbilly. the shelter in my town told me they loaded a bunch of strays onto a truck and brought her there. It's funny because out of all our pets she is the only one who refuses to run outside when the door is open, methinks she had a hard life on the streets and enjoys her indoor life.

[@NickJohnson]

Aww Billie! ❤️❤️❤️🐱🐈😻

[@lotusgrl444]

Lol, I adopted a stray cat 2 years ago and she has never made a dash for the door either so I think they know they have it good with us....

[@annabelleb.8096]

Lucky kitty!

[@Baja2424]

No it’s because billi is a house cat

[@cleosky755]

Oh my God, I adopted a kitten in Bradley, Illinois

[@tysonlittle5106]

Beautifully done, special kudos to the soundtrack

[@leeshaweee613]

Family is the only reason we’re still in Illinois. So sick of the taxes and the Governor

[@karlas6385]

@Mao LeBron 😀😵😂😅

[@karlas6385]

Yeah many of us are here because of family. The winters here are horrible!

[@blainewilliams394]

The only reason that he was elected was that people wanted to get high without being arrested.

[@andrem7th]

just moved here and yes, tax is the worst here!

[@James-tt1cv]

You have to leave

[@earlystrings1]

Illinois is the only US State whose credit rating is below investment grade. BBB. Nuf said.

[@nedda102]

Thanks So Much

[@NickJohnson]

No problem

[@chrislb2308]

Loved the song at the end

[@MaxBeecher]

Places in Illinois to avoid: Illinois.

[@tutorialsbyaaron6707]

Places to avoid: To not watch this video

[@dd60622]

💯

[@kenni__kay]

Just throw the whole state away

[@danman7903]

@Hawkeye Pierce yeah that’s why people are flocking to Texas by the hundreds of thousands, and leaving Illinois like it’s Chernobyl

[@alexandercoffman8319]

@Hawkeye Pierce -Partially S0.

[@amyg918]

Moved away - moving back - what Covid has taught is that family is everything, you can't hug your family through FaceTime - everywhere has good and bad

[@emmacochran873]

Yep! I literally lived in Grand Cayman...and I would rather live here lol call me crazy

[@karlas6385]

💯❤️

[@housewatch9377]

So you didn't follow social distance either? Whew, thought I was the only one

[@kellym4753]

I came back too! Chicago people have a great sense of humor. I also missed the food. Be proud Illinois residents! That said, I can’t speak for the rest of the state, I’ve never been 🤣

[@edilton_ferreira]

@@kellym4753 olá tudo bem?🖐️👍

[@luckydog22001]

Great video my friend, I was born in Chicago in 1969 and grew up in Joliet, I moved to east Tennessee in 2015 after my dad died, I miss what used to be my home and still struggle with the culture shock here, I'm always missing something that doesn't exist anymore and its hard to feel like im at home in a place i have no history.

[@michaelconnor5378]

I have to agree. No matter how bad your place is, you grew up with it and know the culture. Other places are just other places. Dorothy was right, there is no place like home and no matter how hard you try to adapt to somewhere, it doesn’t work. Besides, how can you replace “DA BEARS”.

[@kcksav00]

Great content! So so sad...

[@katel3962]

Other than the high taxes and high cost of living, I loved living in Illinois. DuPage and Cook Counties are very culturally diverse; great food; great parks and bike paths; lots of fairs, festivals and entertainment; great streets, sewers, and lighting; so much opportunity. Then I spent a few years in Sangamon County (Spfld) working for the State and saw all the corruption first-hand. When y'all say the state is corrupt, you have no idea how bad it really is. Y'all just see the tip of the iceberg. The corruption is unfathomable. I saw stuff that was so sickening and infuriating, I quit my cozy state job and state benefits and moved to Missouri. Turns out the grass isn't always greener on the other side. The b.s. in Missouri is worse than Illinois. After two years in Missouri, I'm planning to move back to Illinois, or maybe try another state, or another country at this point 🤣

[@donavonseibert507]

What kind of dirty laundry do you have? I'm extremely interested.

[@robertswift8708]

Not worth it

[@DOGMAFREE1]

Raised in cook but living in dupage now. Its cool but I still hate the weather

[@ShadeATV]

My town has paintings everywjere. Explains why I love art.

[@donavonseibert507]

@@ShadeATV Ottawa?

[@Dalupin702]

“Every 10 minutes someone leaves the state for good.” Probably because they are murdered.

[@legalsan3913]

My wife and I were born and raised in Peoria and we moved away the day we married in 1986. For us it was 100% about the economics, but we were tired of the weather too even though we were just 21. By the mid 1980's Peoria had been on a downward economic cycle for almost a decade with little job opportunities across the board. I watched my dad struggle for years to find any work after being laid off as a bank executive during the prolonged Cat strike and subsequent recession of the late 1970's. He was unwilling to leave Peoria and I promised myself I would not limit myself professionally in that way. Though moving away from all family was difficult in some regards, (especially when we started having kids), moving south in the 1980's was the best decision we ever made. My employer brought us to Georgia but I generally notice that employers here welcome you with open arms and there are abundant career opportunities in every direction, quickly appreciating property values, much lower taxation, better weather, 2 hours from the mountains and 4 hours from the coast. Our extended family still lives in Peoria and we try to visit 3-4 times a year. It's not a bad place to be from and if you don't like or are resistant to change, Peoria may be your place to be.

[@jdintexas1226]

I moved to Texas 12 years ago from Decatur and I 1000% agree with you. Home is always home and flying home for a long weekend is the best. But I'm glad I'm here where it's economically and politically better suited for me. 😊

[@TreverRay]

who asked?

[@martinham1409]

Great place to be from? Yeah far away from.

[@mry5930]

Danville footage in Rockford huh? Really though, great video and good commentary. As a lifetime Illinoisan, I can say that you are spot on.

[@shae7524]

I found many faults in Illinois and planned on moving from a very young age. I moved to a southern state and now miss Illinois very much. I miss the flat lands, plentiful sidewalks, and change of seasons. The economy in Illinois is healthier than the economy of the state I’m currently residing in as well. While Illinois definitely has its faults, it’s not all bad and certainly not the worst state in the USA.

[@Al-io8yc]

You moved to Florida didn't you.

[@mark929rr5]

@@Al-io8yc haha! stole my reply

[@robertmc9428]

I moved to Florida ...moved right back home ... lesson learned?

[@ohboy2592]

@@Al-io8yc she said the economy in Illinois is healthier so that makes Florida not it. Florida’s economy has been booming for many years 🤣🤣🤣🤣 and kills Illinois economy

[@sharonevitts4896]

Illinois high property tax. All is high

[@CJColvin]

You'll feel ill and annoyed in Illinois.

[@jonasabry9099]

Ill as in 😎, or ill as in 🤢.

[@ArdnthatN00b]

@@jonasabry9099 Probably 🤢...

[@pianomanhere]

👏 👏 Well done. Can you tell how much I love my birthplace ? Lmfao 😅😅😂😂

[@mrleafbeef634]

Thank your local liberals (commies) who dont know math let alone jb pritzker & madigoon.

[@MrJesus-ck6xt]

I agree.

[@InFamousProductions]

Bro, your vid is hilarious and sad at the same time. keep making these masterpieces.

[@willisjefferson5886]

Another Gem Nick

[@mrnobodz1]

to show how bad it is, even Obama didn't move back to Illinois after he left office

[@elijahbranigan3177]

@@idontcareokay48 ok

[@kingjames1586]

Springfield's corruption alone should of made this list.

[@MartianAmbassador69]

Love this guy's attitude/sarcasm 😂

[@bmjv77]

I grew up in Kankakee. My family has been there since the beginning on my French side. Such a shame what has happened to my hometown. It was once a good town to grow up in.

[@Driving4bangers]

Kankakee was never a good place to grow up in. Unless you’re talking greater than 50 years ago which I can’t speak for?

[@bmjv77]

@@Driving4bangers I'm close to 50 years old, so that's most likely the case.

[@GGAgaming7]

That barbershop ad was the most uncomfortable skit ive ever had to witness

[@peytonsutiera]

I was gobsmacked

[@zazimazee6171]

YES

[@zazimazee6171]

And when he says “ghetto people”

[@blokcomNativeFaces]

@@zazimazee6171 Uh oh the thought police are here

[@billsimms2511]

@@zazimazee6171 aww did it hurt your feelings?

[@underground9260]

Southern Illinois has some beautiful landscapes. The garden of the gods is a must see, giant city state park, And some other waterfalls and hiking areas as well, In that area.

[@DHarri9977]

There are some nice places left in Illinois the only problem is eventually the taxman will continue raising taxes in areas that want nothing to do with the bad areas of the state.

[@longlovinfamily]

Yes, Shawnee is amazing

[@annmcneal7804]

Lots of new immigrants-in every state- let them improve their home- ( the 🇺🇸 USA-they are the majority.( why wouldn’t they want to?)( most are citizens- right??).

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

Shhhh!!!! Don't tell Shitcago this exists. We don't need the graffiti or being mugged in the woods.

[@kayla-vr3dt]

Yeah I live in the southern part

[@Goji2021]

I am from Chicago, IL and I’ve never had a problem here in suburbs everything has been growing and people are nice and humble

[@Cindybin46user-nu4hg2dx6u]

Suburbs are getting worse. I'm in the far west and this town used to be all White. Now with "diversity" we have a school "diversity director" who promotes lgbtq and crt onto children, uses her pronouns, school board members use their pronouns and brag about going to "pride" parades, we have pot dispensaries and booze fests, etc. Just insane.

[@dustinwarf9303]

Only someone one from Chicago would try to defend anything about this god forsaken state.

[@Cindybin46user-nu4hg2dx6u]

Chicago is full of crime, and the suburbs are getting terrible, too, especially with "diversity". There are "woke" school boards, pot dispensaries, "pride parades", etc. It's terrible.

[@prairiepatriot2162]

Which suburb? Must be one that is way out in the outskirts.

[@mattthomas1217]

Literally everywhere, all chicago land and downtown is good. Literally the only bad places is south side west side, and near the border of Indiana. I've been to every single ghetto in the Chicago area and yes it's horrible but that isn't the whole state.

[@azrahostetler571]

I moved from Ohio to Illinois and I’m happier. Live where you are happy.

[@bethanyderekw3723]

Moved from ia back to il and I feel safer. Lol poverty doesn't always mean crime. I agree. I too am happier in il. They have real education too.

[@prairiepatriot2162]

@@bethanyderekw3723 Real education? You do realize that most students can't read or do math at grade level in IL, right?

[@Sazonman]

Ohio is wayyyyy better than that dump Illinois 😂😂😂

[@tomconner2326]

Left in 1988. Never looked back. I could tell even then that the State was on the way down. Weather, crime, unemployment no reason to stay.

[@heidifisher7693]

Me to. I left in 1984, to FLA. I sure DONT MISS those Winters 🌬❄❄❄❄☃️☃️⛄☃️⛄

[@xanderharris1104]

Where did u live? Im in west chicago. Youre right this state is getting worse every year

[@heidifisher7693]

@@xanderharris1104 Kankakee County, Bradley. Lived right across from Bradley Bourbonnais Community High. Hate that town! They took everybody's homes on that street, to build a parking lot. Mom n Dad bought that house in 1953. They came here from Germany in 1951. IT WAS the "House That Built Me". Mom had to move out in her 80s and find a new place. ALL for a GD parking lot for the spoiled little rich kids cars.. Dont know why THEY (BBCHS) couldnt waste there MONEY and build a Damn Parking Garage on Their property, so ppl could LIVE in a HOME they had paid off 30 yrs previous.!!😠😠SO,,, ALL my memories are buried under asphalt. It's Not "Home " to me anymore, when I can't even go "Home"😢😭😢😭. 🏡. Mom just passed away in Sept at 98. She always grieved to go "Home" . IT was NEVER my Moms Problem that the Ppl of Bourbonnais were to CHEAP to build their OWN High School because THEY didn't want the TAXES!! THAT SURE would have alleviated ALOT of Problems. So these ppl VOTED to BOOT my mom out of her home, with NO REAL HELP for her. THAT folks was The End of HER AMERICAN DREAM.🇩🇪🇺🇸😢. I live in FLA now, but always thought that would be my forever home. 2 my daughter's were raised there, and my 4 grandkids who still live in K3. I'm just sad every time I go home, ¿, cuz there is none, for me.

[@xanderharris1104]

@@heidifisher7693 im sorry that happened 2 u. Its a real scumbag way 2 treat someone thats 4 sure

[@heidifisher7693]

@@xanderharris1104 Thank You. At this point, it's Unfixable.😢🙁

[@SamTheMountainBikeBeast]

Gas is also too expensive in Illinois

[@sweetsexypickles]

Yeah, they come to Missouri to get gas where I live 🤣

[@SamTheMountainBikeBeast]

I have family in Illinois and they do that

[@charltonheston969]

One pack of cigarettes costs around $13 in Chicago last time I was there..

[@grantv2313]

Yeah they just increased the gas tax again about two years ago. It’s common for gas to be 0.25 to 0.30 a gal higher than Iowa. The license stickers were $84 about 10 years ago. Got increased to $101. Everybody flipped out. Now they run you $150 per vehicle, per year. Much less than some other states but the income tax is 4.95% which is about average and property taxes are obscene compared to surrounding states. Build a new home just about any location and your property taxes will push if not be, five figures a year. It doesn’t matter if you build out in the middle of nowhere far from the nearest town. Average house in a small town that has nothing to offer property taxes are commonly 3-5k a year.

[@timothykeith1367]

@@sweetsexypickles Sounds like you might live in Quincy!

[@KristenCarnell]

Nailed it!!!!

[@LailaSkye17]

As someone from Illinois and still lives there some parts are bad but some are beautiful. The main issue is wealth divide some suburbs are becoming abandoned while others get filled with wealthy families

[@unholydiver1095]

I am from Blue Island, IL. When I was little and moved to Illinois, my parents wanted to buy a house so they were actually looking for ones they could afford in Harvey, where my dad still works. But after learning about how bad Harvey was, my dad decided to rent a small apartment in Blue Island. And boy was that the right move

[@playerpaul5509]

I live in france

[@RB-es1vx]

Blue island still a bad area

[@Dai-ek9bj]

@@RB-es1vx not too bad

[@gingeranagram2467]

Bruh you(literally) dodged a bullet 🤣

[@BoratWanksta]

@@RB-es1vx Blue Island's bad section(whatever part of town it's in) isn't as bad as Harvey, though.

[@livingforfree2]

I live in Urbana 30 years now. No problems and love the farming and plot of land we have. No issues with crime and city parks are wonderful here. Im an Indianapolis native of 25 years, so when i visit Indiana : i cant wait to return to Illinois.

[@jenshoaf07]

Ummm....not true. I also live here. Full of CRIME. Car jackings at EVERY Circle K, shootings constantly. Didn't see the armed robbery at the Indian Restaurant? Daily crime.

[@livingforfree2]

@@jenshoaf07 i live down the street.! So, i cant speak for Philo and a commercial gas station. Such as the location ,but only for the fact ive been in the same house down the street over 25 years with not 1 issue ...there is no Indian restaurant in Urbana , so just not sure if your aware of that, it's in Champaign.

[@alkorkrus5152]

@@livingforfree2 Eh, half the people I know tend to lump them together, the radio refering to Cham-bana doesn't help either I imagine only the locals make the Champaigne/Urbana/Savoy distinction correctly

[@Nightowl2548]

Only the southwest part of the city near the campus is nice old houses attracting rich people with University Tenure Jobs, the rest of the city is rapidly degrading cheap housing attracting the worst from Champaign which is razing their worst neighborhoods and apartment complexes. They want to turn Champaign into something upscale like Ann Arbor and ultimately don't like Urbana as the dumping ground for the poor and prefer Danville and Decatur as their dumping grounds. Southeast Urbana has become quite bad compared to 30 years ago. Urbana has absolutely no development going on, the state has a dearth in General, but in the county nobody is building in Urbana. The Meijer they put up out there 20 years ago was Urbana's last gasp. Urbana keeps electing these horrible liberal school marm types as mayors and a lefty city council though not as bad as Berkeley.

[@bernieweber4663]

That weed must be good

[@TheOldVeganDude]

Hey Nick! Another good video. I was born in South Chi, and I will never move "home"... ever.

[@paolofranceschi6874]

Nick, sei un sognatore. You are great.

[@timhadac8783]

The way this guy sneers at poor people speaks volumes about his soul.

[@Ryan-re1rs]

You are what you make yourself. Why should someone else Care about your life decisions? Also just because you are poor doesn't mean you need to live like compete shit and filth, destroy your community and make it so your kids can't succeed!

[@carolmapp7113]

A community can not survive with all the job loss.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Pittsburgh, PA is doing quite well despite the loss of most of the steel mills (and associated jobs) that surrounded the city.

[@LeviLong1]

Great video, way to share the reality of these places. Rather unfortunate though. Makes you pray they think twice at the voting booth

[@Hugoantan]

Looking forward to get the hell out of here!

[@elliotnoble8352]

I don’t like how u use ghetto

[@amandahines977]

I agree with this fully

[@daveainteatin]

Same. There’s a weird tone here and the durag bit didn’t seem necessary at all.

[@bigCROWNmusic]

Yeah it clearly sounds like he uses other words I won’t mention comfortably

[@Ry-yj5ym]

He knows exactly what he’s doing here.

[@BangTanPrettiNikki]

Sadly I came to the comments to see if anyone else noticed this. This is not okay!

[@pambohan2977]

I’ve lived here for 25 yrs. I’ve met some wonderful people. However the state is corrupt and people keep voting for it again and again. We are leaving, I just hope we can sell the house before things get too bad.

[@countryman4995]

80% of Illinois always votes republicans but the big city's make up all the college votes so we keep getting crap like Priz. and other democrats that only focas on Chicago. If Chicago was it's own state like they want it to be, and took all near by city's with it that are highly populated and Chicago effected, than Illinois would do better as far as tax, money and debt. These crime citys though is another issue

[@gjhoward]

Was the Clippaz thing really necessary?

[@AnnLippert1]

Wow, I grew up in Illinois. This video is good. I forgot how big Illinois is. I grew up in Wheeling. 20 miles north of Chicago. Glad it was not mentioned.

[@kathymccabe4370]

Or we’re stuck due to taxes and can’t move!

[@crespengrecohear4486]

Hey go from one welfare program to another till you connect to A Naturel Process of Life city/ area, aka CRESPEN GRECO here 🤡☕☕👌

[@mrleafbeef634]

Get yourself some silver folks!

[@mrleafbeef634]

Minimum wage laws doesnt work, any form of government laws hurts the common folks

[@iluvmylilsnickys]

I went to Indiana. Save much more money.

[@derpyeh9107]

However much it costs to get out of Illinois, it's worth it.

[@rymtotheprime11]

Downtown Chicago is one of the most beautiful downtowns in the world though

[@seaturtledog]

In the summer and early fall it is very nice. The residents really take advantage of the outdoor life and it is one of the best cities for that.

[@scottjones6608]

it's only nice there Chicago because they Steal money from taxpayers in downstate Illinois. To fund that nasty place. It's sad that you get more acknowledgment than the capital Springfield. Which I only live 20 minutes away from a 35 minutes away from Decatur. If it wasn't for us people downstate Chicago would be nothing....

[@AlexSanchez2254]

So true

[@nathanv4320]

Go back and look what blm did to several blocks downtown

[@chrisnash430]

Uhhh, its been a ghost town for a year now. Also not safe after dark. Carjackings galore.

[@Count_Apollyon5]

The" P "😆😆 Great content

[@tommymanningart8864]

I grew up on east side of Bloomington. Glad to see it not on the list. Some people think it’s a boring town but it’s not too bad. The neighbor city normal is a fairly fun college town. There’s some solid job opportunities in Bloomington as well. It’s quiet, no traffic, spread out, schools are good. It’s not too bad imo. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I don’t mind living in Illinois, I do want to try out other places tho

[@jazminebenson3592]

I go to Illinois state rn, and I think blono isn’t bad at all

[@luveniahayes8150]

It’s getting bad

[@georgelester9561]

Just about every state in America have rough spots and people on link 😂

[@KenTeeKar]

Ikr

[@ericschneider8524]

When the first Bush declared "no child left behind " every kid in public school was taught to the lowest level. It's not just Illinois but the entire US.

[@kingsushi4883]

"Don't worry Pekin, you're not any better." Sent me rolling. I mean- he's not wrong

[@modeladenny1218]

Yet, we actually love Pekin. We've been everywhere except out west recently. It seems every state has problem areas and deserted buildings.

[@remybutler6473]

Ah Pekin, the meth lab

[@modeladenny1218]

@@remybutler6473 We'd retired to Florida to get away from the drugs and crime. Who'da thunk we were right in the middle of it. There's drugs and crime everwhere. Just watch your back and hope a mass murderer is not near.

[@Alaska-Jack]

Pekin is better.

[@modeladenny1218]

@@Alaska-Jack For us it is. But only because I was born and raised here. For the landscape and nature, many places are better.

[@coltonlawhorn5170]

Danville represent! I’m going to Decatur tomorrow, wish me luck.

[@edasueboyles9039]

I was born and raised in Peoria and left permanently in 1973. When anyone asks me where I’m from I tell them Peoria Ill. It’s a good place to be FROM.

[@nugggaming9413]

Do you know the quad cities bout an hour away?

[@jeffcook5449]

Bruh you had to buy a durag just for a two second clip lol Appreciate the effort you put in your videos

[@nunyabidness5375]

Breaks my heart because I grew up in Illinois, Bridgeview then Summit. Even Summit, which always had problems, was charming when I was a kid (1970s-80s). And Bridgeview was lovely and safe back then

[@annabelleb.8096]

The humor was great and offset the sad nature of the rest of the video. Are there any communities doing well in IL?

[@petebrown3715]

All the reasons why I'm leaving the state of Illinois, County of Cook and city of Chicago. Can't wait to leave. I'm planing my escape for 2022. Great videos Nick 👍 You're awesome.

[@michaelmarks1391]

Good for you! Good luck!

[@NickJohnson]

Yeah Pete have fun - happy landing!

[@dennishassler605]

This is an excellent place to be "from" - and it's too cold in Illinois! Still the people are very friendly there.

[@eagleentertainment275]

Colorado sucks go somewhere better

[@seanmccurdy80]

I left 2 years ago to NC. My well paying job left Decatur , and so did I. I miss family and friends, but it was the best choice for my kids.

[@Sha-ss1in]

Just DON'T move to Illinois at all ESPECIALLY if you have a family!! I hate it here and CAN'T wait to move!!!

[@pinpoint2379]

-respect

[@karlas6385]

Me too! Illinois helps whom they want. In certain areas it's still segregated. The rents go up $50-$200 every year in Dupage County. Jobs are requiring you to speak another language. It's shitty here. There's alot of fun things to do and alot of spirit here but it's getting harder & harder to make it here.

[@zechgreen4458]

I want to move but since I have sports and possibly a career in sports it’s kinda hard.

[@orion3706]

Im a native Illinoisan and like it here.

[@kingjames1586]

The only "Karen's" that like living in IL live rent free in Mommy's house, play video games 75% of there time, & proclaim to be socialist justice warriors? CNN said...

[@Rickie_Speed]

There's a port project in the works for Cairo. It will bring a lot of jobs and some economical stability to the area.

[@Waterbirdbob]

Can tell u never been to a barber shop in the hood but I like how u break stuff down I have to travel for work so u be putn me up on what's fucked up

[@Morgan77477]

Why all hates Illinois? South much poor then IL

[@Calimax91]

It’s pretty obvious you’re extremely conservative. Especially when you blame crime on Link card recipients

[@NickJohnson]

Oh geez

[@KonfidentSoul888]

Stereo types smh

[@karlas6385]

💯

[@subzerogaming3488]

Def can’t blame crime on link card recipients, really that just sounds absurd!

[@raymondcaruso507]

You've got to be kidding!!!!!!!!!

[@truediva18]

When you see your hometown on this list....😭😭😭😭😭

[@tapethegrape8195]

Same

[@mayraperezsostres5128]

Sad that this is happening to Illinois.💔🤧

[@johnny4830]

@@mayraperezsostres5128 nothing is happening

[@mayraperezsostres5128]

@@johnny4830 What you mean ? So where the factory s. Not everyone can run the website. I dislike all those Internet signing in.

[@angelspurpp3819]

Decatur 😭.

[@jesusguzman9394]

Cool videos

[@searchingtruth6693]

It would be great to see an update. You nailed it back then and it’s stayed right on track to self destruct. We won’t stay here forever but we have aging family to take care of. Illinois sucks because of Chicago primarily.

[@Ronreco_SR]

I'm from Chicago and the South Suburbs (Kankakee County). This list was spot on.

[@goldenboi24k]

You think everyone who gets LINK cards live in bad areas?

[@marynunez2873]

Clearly he does. I’ve never heard “ghetto” more times in my life. He’s a sad excuse for a human.

[@Margaux639]

Exactly

[@liliknowsbest2.037]

Right I use to get link and I was definitely not ghetto. The fact that I lived in 3 of the areas he has named ...so what still not ghetto. The way he is describing the areas are horrible and he is clearly putting down people not right. Like me I am a victim of domestic violence and unfortunately I lived in Illinois because of family. I now reside in Indiana but still close to Illinois and idgaf!! I would have subscribed to this channel but his attitude towards people less fortunate or just in general is irritating

[@thechange175]

Not gonna lie this video made me vary uncomfortable

[@cello100k3]

@@thechange175 frfr bro

[@davidrust5128]

Nick Johnson is Awesome! Been a huge fan for years!

[@tominmtnvw]

I moved to Peoria Illinois from the south west where I lived for much of my life. I love it here! It’s green, there are streams and lakes and the Illinois river and little ponds in this town that was founded in woodland. Every where you drive there are gorgeous trees and grassy fields to see, and I mean in the city. Peoria is still a woodland area. There are gorgeous parks, and nature preserves in and around Peoria. The cost of living is lower than many parts of the country. Housing prices are low compared to many parts of the country. What I paid for a house here, a two-story house with partially completed basement would be little more than a down payment elsewhere. We have seasons unlike in the southwest. The woodlands abandon a riot of cover as the trees change in autumn. In the spring there are that feels of glorious flowers. I can grow fruit trees here that would die in the southwest. My neighbors are all pleasant people, which I could not say and any number of other places I’ve lived in my life in the United States. The healthcare system is excellent here. There are also wonderful places to eat here, including the kind of places you would expect in the heartland of the country. Good old fashion diners that serve things like bisqiuts and sausage gravy, excellent steakhouses, several excellent mini breweries, and foods that I used to eat as a boy that have disappeared in the Southwest. I love the architecture here too. It reminds me a bit of a 1950s town. Zoning is different here. I’m not sure how to explain it but it seems there are more mom and pop shops, an old-fashioned drive-through burger joint, and a generous smattering of Mexican restaurants Chinese, Japanese, and German, which I couldn’t find in the southwest. We have warm days in the summer but not unbearably so. Oh, and did I mention that it’s green? That there are streams and rivers and lakes and ponds here? When the great migration begins in earnest as people move from Florida which is sinking into the ocean, and from the south west where water is becoming scarcer - think the great Salt Lake and lake Meade - people will have a destination. Illinois, and my wonderful city of Peoria. Nick Johnson doesn’t live here. Nick Johnson has never visited here. Nick Johnson doesn’t know Illinois.

[@Daykiss]

Which part of Peoria if you don't mind sir thank you for your reply I'm looking to visit and possibly move there next year any recommendations?I'm looking to buy a house actually.

[@Daykiss]

I'm going to be moving from Lake Mead area actually lol

[@countryman4995]

Housing is low due to people playing loud music, being shot at and drug deals. If the house is cheep your in the wrong part of Peoria. There may be good places to visit but when you have to deal with the crime it is not worth it.

[@martaberns4080]

You had a lot to say

[@skytrip5273]

I'm looking at a fixer upper house in Peoria. I'm thinking of retiring there. I just want to be in a decent area. Any ideas?

[@joshuadabrowski0033]

Quick answer for everyone: Don't come here in the first place haha

[@ron177188]

Lol you could say that again

[@ginb981]

You are RIDICULOUSLY wrong, and don't even know what you're talking about!!!! GET A CLUE

[@xxrated-2174]

as someone whos lived in Decatur my whole life your 100% right

[@10kdizzo7]

@@xxrated-2174 Lmaoo it’s been a minute since I been in Decatur I live in Chicago but Ts is so small ion know how y’all do it

[@xperiodpoohx6481]

Amen hahaha

[@TheCroutonman]

Is it just me, but if a town or city has the word Heights in it, it’s terrible?

[@jeffking291]

Jacksonville Hights is not all that bad COMPARED to other areas of Jacksonville. It is 30th. on the most dangerous neighborhoods in Jax. 📻🙂

[@tompain2751]

That's pretty reliable.

[@CP-rm7rz]

Arlington Heights is good but it is in ILLINOIS

[@NoBody-zr4ue]

@@CP-rm7rz Was gonna say, lol

[@bombtubejamz739]

in some small towns citizens dont have much of freedom in police state corrupted towns

[@mariainman3618]

hi Nik I just stumbled onto your video and I'm going to watch it… My very first question is do you live in Illinois? And secondly where did you get your rankings what was your reference/ credentials?.... please don't think I'm being nasty I just need to be educated on where you're getting your information

[@melissas.2905]

You should check more of the southern side of IL. Even small farming towns have horrid unsavoriness.

[@michaelmarks1391]

I'm so glad you asked what I'm doing about it, Nick! I'm gtfo in 12 months! Can't wait!

[@NickJohnson]

Go on with your bad self!

[@unicornlap]

I left 3 years ago to MO. Best decision I ever made!!!

[@devinfolds8790]

I have a bad habit of forgetting Chicago isn’t the only place in Illinois 😂

[@Casinogirl56]

It's pretty much all the same, except for Galena....Galena's still pretty nice.

[@michaelmarks1391]

Chicago seems to have that same problem.

[@alberteinstein3078]

That's typical for Chicago folk. You definitely have you head up your asses!

[@timjohnson1199]

Yeah. So do the A holes in Springfield.

[@collegeman1988]

It’s just like forgetting Denver isn’t the only place in Colorado.

[@HollyCampbell-coaching]

Born and raised in Chicago, IL. I moved to Lawrence, KS in 2019 and Kansas City MO in 2022. I have not looked back!

[@slusheesAndfritos]

My parents left Peoria / Lacon in 82 and I've missed it ever since. My absolute best memories ever are from the middle of nowhere.

[@freddykrueg3r713]

I'm from NY born and raised. I moved to IL in 2016 and I got to say, there are beautiful suburban towns better than the ones from NY. Very friendly people out here and honestly I don't plan on going back, I rather move to Spain but it might be the same who knows.

[@charjay3318]

I agree, guess it is his narrative to drag down Illinois, when anyone with experience traveling realizes that every state has its good and bad points

[@vinnieleonsepic]

My dad actually came from NY to Illinois himself in the early 00's! What do you know

[@shyramarrero9349]

@@charjay3318 aa

[@cmikeguy]

I can back this up.. if you're from Illinois and planning on Moving to New York City? You better think twice. And if you really want to, you better get a real high paying job to move somewhere downtown Brooklyn or somewhere in Manhattan because first of, a lot of places in Brooklyn is just like south side Chicago, Bronx is a war zone, Queens? Same shit.. So, I'm from New York, I'd rather move to Illinois, somewhere like lake county. There a pot beautiful towns there. Do research!

[@BlueTyphoon2017]

Why Spain? Move to the southern, eastern, or western states.

[@andysux1]

I lived in Rockford when I was able to afford my own place when I was 20. Almost got stabbed by a junkie 2 weeks in, saw meth heads all the time tweaking, and the cops are no better. I was constantly harrases by them even though I never committed crimes. Was more afraid of the police than the junkies. That city is legit fucked.

[@robertclements4492]

Doesn’t surprise me one bit, it’s well known that everyday there’s shootings and tension going on in that city. I can only imagine how rough it truly is for someone that’s living there. Grew up 35 min away from Rockford and whenever my family went to Rockford when I was small, we’d only visit the mall. This was back in 2007-2010, I was never allowed to get lost in the mall at any time. Even now as a young adult I just don’t enjoy myself while driving around the city, very unsettling. How long ago was this when you lived there, if you don’t mind me asking?

[@andysux1]

@@robertclements4492 I would say around 5 years ago. Moved back to Elk Grove.

[@Zodak5D]

I left in 93 but came back in 98. The cops definitely suddenly had a harassment mandate. I have stories. One is about 6 of them came to my apartment looking for a stolen pizza. They claimed a pizza guy got robbed on my porch. Umm, yeah right. I knew I had to go. They're going after law abiding black people like it's a sundown town. I left a year later and never went back.

[@CrisTc86]

Hell yeah, been waiting to see where Chicago sits.

[@tommygun80127]

I spent 72-82 as a child in Park Forest. I have great memories growing up in what was termed an "All American City"- Holiday parades, little league baseball, Christmas caroling, boy scouts and of course the Park Forest Plaza, one of the first if not the nations first outdoor mall. This WAS a great place to grow up but the 70's and 80's were not kind to a lot of Chicago suburbs that depended on manufacturing jobs that were quickly disappearing.

[@ScarlettOHara0087]

I spent the first 7 years of my life living in park forest. It was late 80s early 90s. I have alot of good memories from there.

[@darkprince9064]

Illinois: loses the most residents.. California: hold my depression

[@xdOreoMilk]

thing is California is not losing its population

[@xdOreoMilk]

@Ben Hauser domestically yes but internationally no

[@usaisnojoke]

@@xdOreoMilk Um, yes it is. I don't know what rock you have been living under the past 5 years. Californians are the ones to blame for the major housing cost increases for AZ, UT, CO and Nevada. Thanks to these clowns, there are actually waiting lists to even rent a home.

[@aszul7750]

@@xdOreoMilk wtf does that mean? Lol

[@herrerad3]

I moved from chicago to san diego in 2019. Im living my dream life now. My fam loves visiting for obvious reasons.

[@Dlow-kc6jv]

Any damn town in this state is falling apart with really high taxes.

[@jarvasjohnson143]

Facts

[@pierrecausemybladdersempty1678]

My town is perfectly fine

[@martinkelting]

The brother of my Grandfather emigrated to Bloomington Illinois from Krempe in Germany with his family (Kelting) around 1880. He was a successful master carpenter there. He came to catch up with his brother, but he stayed. Unfortunately, their sons were probably enemies in two wars. The traces have been lost.

[@Rickie_Speed]

I lived in the Greater St. Louis area for about 6 years. I went to college in the area too. I had a group project once and one of the students was a middle aged african america man from East St. Louis. He didn't show up to a group meeting so I texted him to see where he was at. He said he would be there in an hour. So we all met back up together and he apologized for being late, and the reason was he dropped his girlfriend off at her house in ESTL and as he was driving off he was shot at. He showed me the bullets on his new car he had worked so hard to get. I asked if he had called the police, he just looked at me, laughed and said "of course I didn't, I got off easy."

[@chingus-6696]

My father moved from a small town named smithville to Bloomington, I was born and raised there until we moved 4 years ago into Danvers. And my dad loves it.

[@cguzman4340]

You probably missed more bad towns in Illinois.

[@justgheesy]

Like rock island

[@renneedwards9826]

Joliet 👀💅🏾💯

[@cherylhulting1301]

@@justgheesy That's my home city. It doesn't have quite the crime levels of someplace like East St. Louis, but it makes me sad to go back to visit my family and see how blighted the town is getting to be in some sections. The Quad Cities never really recovered from the agricultural crisis of the 1980s and the powers that be didn't have an economic diversification strategy. It's sad; Rock Island was different when I was I was growing up. I live now in Minnesota and my family misses me. My father in particular tries to pressure me to return to Illinois sometimes. But it's a high tax and low growth state with badly run government. I just don't see myself returning.

[@supermarioworld04]

Zion

[@rickDArula]

Born in Lagrange, but grew up in the North West Suburbs. ( Glendale Heights, Carol Stream area) I want to leave but I can't picture leaving somewhere else

[@abbieesdad]

Caterpillar just left Deerfield, IL, too. Great leadership, guys! 👍