9 Places In Illinois You Should Never Move To

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

For 10 more places to avoid in IL, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJK5dqR6a96Zhpo

[@williamkazak469]

I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago. We moved there from Cicero when I was five. I played baseball everyday with the neighbors kids. Nice schools, good teachers. What is wrong with Illinois is the corrupt politicians and police who do not enforce gang activity in any meaningful way.

[@ChicknCoopTv]

Still here on the Southside and you are absolutely correct. I'm an 80s baby/90s kid.. its a shame what has happened here.

[@skatee99]

Trust me: Add Bloomington. As a lifelong resident of Chicago, I had to move to the "twin" city area of Bloomington/Normal due to my career. I regrettably chose Bloomington over Normal, though will be moving soon. I am very familiar with Springfield (as mentioned in this video) and, you are spot on. So, thing of Bloomington as a "mini" Sprinfield. Severe decaying/closed factories, store fronts - no economic growth - many living below poverty line - homeless - over tattooed scary residents always at gas stations here to get cheap beer and cigarettes. There are ZERO standards set by the city for home maintenance so, most are decayed and falling apart by residents who simply are too lazy to care. I hope to do a video on this town myself before I leave. Don't be fooled by the low apartment/home prices here. As always in life, there is a reason. If you find you must or want to live in this area of Illinois, I HIGHLY recommend you pick Normal (fairly nice, especially by ISU), over Bloomington.

[@tyapple22]

I lived in Rockford it’s definitely run down but sulk village is not that bad it’s in the south burbs I live 15 mins away from there nothing goes on there all homes and quiet it was one murder recently like a year or so ago that’s it

[@jamessveinsson6006]

I’m not sure if it’s the police, but I know it’s the prosecutors and the judges who are not doing their job and the police are handcuffed and protocol these days

[@Jg_JG]

@@edlvsgng Cicero is not that bad ..I stay in little village about 6 blocks from it ..a lot of Mexicans tho but fairly a quiet neighborhood

[@stevecook413]

I shut down my business and sold my house (at a loss) to get away. Did anyone notice that when the governor and queen of Chicago walked in waving in the open game of baseball they got BOOED by the entire crowd they just kept smiling. THEY WILL NEVER CHANGE

[@ARcrossroads]

Left Illinois nearly 10 years ago. Only thing we miss are Family and friends that are still there.

[@jerryfriday8619]

The best place to move to in Illinois is out of there.

[@farrfamilyfarm6597]

By don't let the screen door hit you where the good lord split you. LOL!

[@Aarontank24]

No not everywhere in Illinois is bad there are great areas so yea shut up. Just don’t go to the horrible places

[@JohnnyReb92]

Planing on it in a few months

[@mayhamman6013]

Exactly! I'm stuck here for now

[@PRStuntin6693]

Born in Kankakee Illinois. Moved to Indiana. Regrets? None

[@nemoexpress3426]

What is Illinois best known for? ... 🤔... Um, having more governors in prison than any other state!

[@mayhamman6013]

We have.... chicago🤣 and.... the big bean🤣😭

[@evelyn_rita]

@@mayhamman6013 and corn?

[@cecilhoff6169]

Hey, what about AL Capone? He gave us ORGANIZED crime! Now we just have regular crime

[@fallguy4209]

@@mayhamman6013 cloud gate lol

[@ThePurple1-m2o]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mikewright8033]

If my wife did not have cancer and could travel, I'd leave tomorrow. Get out of Illinois!!!!! With pritzker, it will never change.

[@aprilr1064]

Left Danville, Ill. In 2009. Best but hardest decision I’ve made. But, I am thankful I was able to leave everyone I knew in search for a better life. I found it!

[@Dazza13Bravo]

I left the state! Best move ever!

[@BrianUnderwood-q5u]

I left Hoopeston, so understand your move from Danville

[@antifajesus]

Westville also, meth is everywhere 😢

[@cheshire_skatkat9093]

Good for you! I left is '08. I came back to vermilion county last year to take care of my aunt. I HATE Danville.

[@cheshire_skatkat9093]

​@@antifajesusHave you seen Paris,IL. I worked there. SEVERE meth heads.

[@brianpan6453]

Abbreviated version: Don't move to Illinois.

[@Aarontank24]

I moved to Illinois 5 years ago and I’m glad I did . I moved to the best area and I think Illinois isn’t that bad. Even people in my town have signs that say I love Illinois.

[@sonicfx07]

What area is that? Sounds like a great place to be!

[@gina4808]

Why

[@ThePurple1-m2o]

We live in Champaign County in a small country town, we love it!

[@mattd.4133]

We live in Flora and love it. There are jobs and cost of living is cheap. Crime is low and most trucks are high, just a nice little town that hates to identify with "Illinois."

[@blackhawk2302]

The nine places you should never moved to: 9. Illinois 8. Illinois 7. Illinois 6. Illinois 5. Illinois 4. Illinois 3. Illinois 2. Illinois And my hometown and place I'm stuck in, can't wait until I can leave... 1. Chicago

[@Balding1]

😂😂😂😂

[@dav3has1nk16]

Im getting out of Illinois, I was raised around the Springfield area and currently live in the Peoria area. Im just burnt out and don't have any hope for this state. Im 42 and got a family and don't want them to be stuck here any longer.

[@bmoody4191-fl3qe]

I left almost 5 years ago. Other than missing friends and some relatives, I never regretted getting out and also saving major money just on property taxes!

[@don-tl6hu]

@@dav3has1nk16 Peoria isn't much better

[@Loveyours33]

As a black woman i stay away from 'sundown' towns

[@eandsm4620]

Zeigler

[@saxman432004]

Why is that?

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

@@GoogleUser-lq1ou I wouldn't be so sure of that. Illinois was full of them. Here's the map that shows them all: justice.tougaloo.edu/map/

[@crystalmeier6579]

I live in the nicest little town in illinois! I won't name it, but left home of CA 29 years ago due to a horrible divorce, had to flee with my small children. They are adults now. They've enjoyed safe, wonderful schooling, a wide variety of jobs, gorgeous parks and the cutest, friendliest shops. Seeing how CA. Has become, I don't regret leaving for a moment. I do miss the beaches and surfing but that's it. There are several other tiny towns nearby that are equally as great. So, there ARE some very nice places to raise a healthy, happy and SAFE family. Would like to see a 'best places to live' in illinois video.

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

Here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZiWZKCih52kY8k

[@jillhull7358]

I live in a nice little town too . Great police

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

Just moved back to Illinois after 5-years Hollywood. Illinois looks like paradise compared to L.A. right now.

[@troyelliott6951]

I agree la is so shit rn

[@edenelston7668]

That says more about LA than IL.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

@@edenelston7668Maybe

[@CharChar827]

I moved out of Illinois four years ago and it was the best decision I ever made! I wish I would have moved sooner!

[@eandsm4620]

Well, I moved, too. Been living many years now in Montana.

[@CharChar827]

@@eandsm4620 what part of Illinois were you from? I'm from northern Illinois.

[@1mike60915]

I moved from the Kankakee area last August to a suburb just to the East of Madison, Wisconsin. Talk about night and day!

[@Savot-mw9jb]

My friend from Mexico will move soon there, Blomington, soon....I think it will be a bad idea

[@danielgrosvenor9948]

@@Savot-mw9jb just got robbed on the west side under that one sketchy Bridge by the bright mural with the blue people. Fuckin hell why do I live here lmfao

[@cybersean3000]

Much of the violent crime is related to m.e.t.h. production: resources and territory. I grew up in Springfield, but left in 2003. It is hard to see my hometown decay to ruins.

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

When she talked about Springfield, I said aloud Get those bums out of there! Sean, I'm so sorry. Still, better of than many, cities are getting wild including Hawaii, the powers that be are saving things for themselves. I grew up in Hoffman Estates, a Chicago NW suburb. Good luck friends, and Illinois expats. ✌🏻👍🏻💪🏻

[@murphyrod4839]

The biggest problem with Illinois and still recovering from the damage that former Speaker of the House Big Mike Madigan inflicted on Illinois.

[@CVSoprano]

@@Greg-xv9qj Chicago's influence ruins the rest of the state.

[@jenica1388]

Chicago funds the entire state….look at how much of the taxes we pay go to southern Illinois. We fund you while your cry about us.

[@kdiggity11]

Thats not true anymore, the Chicago Metro area is about 85% of the state GDP. This aligns with the population distribution. The suburbs collectively are about even with the city proper.

[@lancehyde7051]

@@jenica1388exactly why you all should just become the 51st state already since you don’t claim Illinois anyway.

[@paulrobertz8491]

Agreed. Mike Madigan's attorney (Bob Fioretti) is now running for Cook County States' Attorney after getting Tiffany Henyard's recall election overturned. Madigan's successor, Chris Welch, placed Tiffany Henyard's #2 guy in charge of Dolton and Thornton Township, which has the highest property taxes in the state. No Illinois law enforcement stops this criminal gang.

[@obi-wankenobi2981]

As someone who lives in Rockford, the crime really isn't that bad if you stay away from the west side/ downtown, Cherry Valley is a great place to live, very quiet town with very little crime, however the housing prices are a little higher

[@daneedler]

I agree. There was a downturn in the early 2000’s when Chicago moved the residents out of Cabrini Green and the Robert Taylor Homes. This disrupted many of the older gangs and a few of these gangs relocated to the Rockford area. I have many friends that still reside there and don’t have any problems. There are many great parks and more things to do are being developed there especially the last 6 years. The aviation industry is growing in that area and bringing more jobs. Like any town, their are always bad areas.

[@toonsketch8064]

I never lived in Rockford, but have had jobs in the area. Anything passed the bridge heading downtown is pretty dangerous. When I was working for Cintas near the Cherryvale mall, I’d hear stories of crimes, people shooting people. Scary stuff. I’ve known Rockford since 2002.

[@56cadd]

Southeast side behind old Rockford products is a quaint area.

[@peterm.fitzpatrick7735]

I grew up in Peoria. It saddens me to see this kind of decline, but as much as leaders of both the state and country promise to somehow bring the "rust belt' back to life, nothing ever happens. The decline of industry in this country has had far-reaching and long-lasting negative effects. Caterpillar, one of the original multi-national corporations, certainly didn't show much loyalty to the city by moving out after decades of basing their headquarters there. I believe ADM also vacated their executive employees out of Decatur some time ago. I don't know why these companies turn their back on these downstate communities. They used to be family friendly and economically progressive.

[@mattbrown9484]

The state screwed those companies over. Taxed them outta here along with the citizens. My youngest is a senior in high school. I’m counting the days until I can get my big raise by moving outta here.

[@gNome_5]

My husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, and aunt-in-law all work for John Deere; if they were to move out of the Quad Cities, nearly my whole family would be in serious trouble. That's a scary thought! 😦😥

[@ChicknCoopTv]

My daughter goes to Bradley. It is crazy. I really didn't want her to go there. But she is in her last year so I really hope she doesn't decide to grow roots there. We mainly stayed in the "nice" part, but she had us take her to a store and the neighborhood looked like a third world country.. I was shell shocked. Still not as bad as Chicago, though.

[@michaeldelgado2107]

@@ChicknCoopTv lot of nice areas in Peoria…not so much near Bradley though

[@ajdubbya]

The politicians that get elected in Illinois are terrible. Chicago and Rockford are dragging the whole state down voting for leftist crooks who promise “help” but only help themselves and their cronies.

[@ginnyleedays]

If you want to surround yourself with criminals and filth come to Illinois. Our Governor needs to move to some of the cities and see the mess he has caused sickening

[@lordrayden3045]

Care to elaborate? Or just gonna stay stupid stuff with no actual facts ?

[@ginnyleedays]

@@lordrayden3045 it’s very clear the mess Illinois is in there is no need to elaborate. If you have eyes, and ears it’s pretty clear don’t need to be a genius to know that the whole State is declining. 😃

[@bananarepublicans7936]

Personally, I don’t wouldn’t want to move to Chicago, not because of politics, but because of the crime.

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

It's the traffic that keeps me away. Way too congested for my liking.

[@mkshffr4936]

Those two are not unrelated.

[@aaronbrown0417]

Crime is only bad where is always been crime... Chicago not even in the top 15 cities of violent crime in the country

[@stevenleslie8557]

The politics created the crime

[@joeacp4525]

The voting choices and crime ARE RELATED

[@Hugh_Manitee]

Real estate taxes are triple of what people are paying in Indiana. Huge numbers flocking across the border.

[@garythomasswings]

yeah, but....then you're stuck living in Indiana.

[@sychavez7269]

most of indiana is booming on the state line past rt 30 . I will move there soon while others enjoy paying high cook county taxes and property taxes . lol

[@lordrayden3045]

@@sychavez7269 Hey look Another person that can’t figure out cook county is one of 102 in Illinois

[@michaeldelgado2107]

@@sychavez7269Hammond? Gary? Lol no.

[@teenatchie1313]

S0 why everybody that live in Indiana work in Chicago they get high pay then go back to Indiana for low taxes

[@scotttaylor8498]

I've lived in Springfield Illinois for 47 years and what you said is correct but this town is no worse than about 95% of the other cities in America I've been all over this country literally all 50 states and I've seen way worse cities than what Springfield has to offer yeah it's got his bad parts of towns yeah it's got homeless people in it but what major city don't I mean if you want to get really technical you know I mean look at la it's the capital of homelessness in the world and they have everything but you don't hear people complain about people leaving are coming or going from that place because LA is LA.you can say that it's a bad time go ahead and raid it the way you want and what you saw downtown by the Lincoln's home with the homeless people I mean come on like I said every major city has a homeless problem I go down to St Louis all the time and you walk downtown and there's all kinds of panhandlers and people wanting to buy money on drugs and fighting all the time so I mean it goes on everywhere Chicago same thing Indianapolis same thing Detroit same thing and these are major major cities I mean anywhere and everywhere you go you're going to have problems unless you buy a farm and have lots of land and you don't want anybody else around you or you want to live in some happy Go-Go small Rich City like you said which I'm not rich and I can't afford to live there so you take with what you get and I've been here for 47 years and I've never been robbed

[@77chevy4x4]

So we figured out it’s not the country not the constitution not the state.... but the mental attitude problem of the things called people... gotcha!

[@erickingsbury7193]

Sorry Scott....Illinois cities and the state as a whole is significantly more jacked up than the places I have live....Illinois is pathetic.....Keep chasing employers out of the state.....keep your unions pushing out CRAP products and keep your Illinois state government promising pensions to everyone with no way to pay those pensions.....your state is laughable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@arzecide1900]

​@@erickingsbury7193 well what state do you live in, eric?

[@voltrondefofunv5708]

@@arzecide1900 he is checking statistics to lie about the best place he lives and found out it didn't matter and was like i live in Kentucky im moving to illinois and he probably lives in the state just lost at life

[@eloiseburgo2182]

​@@erickingsbury7193p

[@edwardschrader2853]

I moved 50 years ago & never looked back

[@farrfamilyfarm6597]

Glad you left. We don't miss you LOL!

[@Aarontank24]

I love Illinois it’s a great state if you are in a great area. People are complaining because they live in Chicago area or some random area. Like no, just say Chicago or whatever city Illinois isn’t all that bad I can say I’m glad to live in Illinois over living in Iraq

[@aaronclover3906]

I’m getting ready to move to Missouri myself trust me I’ve seen enough of this shithole state I’m from DuQuoin I don’t go up north or south at all this whole state is going to hell

[@russcarroll9414]

The best way to look at Illinois, is in your rearview mirror

[@scottkaye7932]

I grew up in the south suburbs in the 70s and 80s. It was a good place and of course everything changes as time goes on.There are still lots of good people there. It's our local government that has let things go.

[@9852323]

South suburbs of where??

[@Oohmyymiaa]

I'm sure he means south suburbs of Chicago...

[@koreancardboard]

@@Oohmyymiaa Yes

[@jesseb9362]

I live in Illinois, and the only thing keeping me here is my job. If they ever allowed us to transfer i feel most of us would be out of here in a heartbeat

[@farrfamilyfarm6597]

Most of the 50 states have all the same problems. They all have undesirable cities. The US is in decline. Thanks to the braking of the unions and lose of manufacturing jobs to Asia.

[@geneo317]

Totally agree. The only way we can bring back jobs is bring back our manufacturing base. We used to make everything and of great quality.

[@JeepWrangler1957]

Unions are the problem in Illinois

[@justusforrster9264]

We need more college students going to college for real degrees, and not gender studies or psychology. These kids go for a bs degree to get government jobs, instead of getting a real degree and paying off their debt in 5 years.

[@k123332]

@@JeepWrangler1957 I live in a state that is right to work and the only jobs here are walmart, mcdonalds, and quicktrip.

[@erickingsbury7193]

The problem you say is the braking of the unions....hell NO....the unions have destroyed this country....drunk employees working on the line for UAW....crap product being pushed by the Teamsters because they protect horrible workers......jobs went overseas because it simply became too expensive for most manufactoring jobs to survive in the USA.....Right at the top of the list is union saleries and pensions and benefit packages.

[@GrouchyOldBear7]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@MrJacobkick]

Lived in Belleville for 25 years until I moved to Smithton 2 years ago. Had my car stolen in 2019. A homeowner in Centerville saw my car in front of his house which was a dead end road. A path led to a housing area just across the railroad tracks. Cops recovered it and it still had 1/2 tank of gas. I suppose the thief return find that someone had stolen his stolen car.

[@Narsuitus]

I was born in Chicago and lived in Chicago, DeKalb, Sycamore, Urbana, and Champaign for years. I was surprised that Chicago was not on the list. It seems that Chicago has not gotten better but the smaller cities in Illinois have gotten worse.

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

I gave Chicago its own video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYuQlqd6qZyNnsk

[@ajdubbya]

Chicago voters elect the worst and most corrupt politicians and along with gerrymandered districts make sure the rest of the state goes down with them.

[@Natschke_Family_Adventures]

ALL of Crook county should be on the list.

[@lisacatalano841]

How is it living in DeKalb and Champaign?

[@karenlarkins5429]

I was a student at NIU, and lived in DeKalb my first semester, then stayed in Rochelle, IL my last yesr. I shopped in Rockford, and got a chance to visit different cities, including Chicago, during my time in practicum and internship. I was offered a position with the State of Illinois, post graduate studies, but a hiring freeze was put in place during that time, so I didn’t get a job, and went back home to Detroit.

[@edwardfarrar4228]

Should never move to Illinois period

[@mkshffr4936]

Nail on the head! If someone forces you at gunpoint though go as far down state and as far away from major cities as possible to fly under the radar as best you can.

[@2003_Katie]

We just moved to SW Illinois from Cincinnati about 6 months ago. We love it here and I have no desire to go back to Cincinnati.

[@dougtheviking6503]

@@2003_Katie It's cheaper down state . More laid back and 20 years behind the times .

[@stuartbluefield769]

Screw you. Love my state.

[@mkshffr4936]

@@stuartbluefield769 If it works for you enjoy. :)

[@GarfieldTheater]

Excellent video: State of Illinois keeps it's paws inside your pocket, as if it has a personal relationship with you, as one of three people in the state.

[@JoshuaPatrickGarrett]

Thanks. I've driven past Sauk Village so many times on the way to a friend's country getaway in Indiana. Glad I never stopped to explore. I remember a report a few years back when there was a severe metal contamination in the water supply. Sad.

[@terence4427]

The decline of Peoria is a shame. The area has some of the most attractive neighborhoods you have ever seen. Literally.

[@michaeldelgado2107]

I commented earlier that there are still some great areas like Grandview Dr, Prospect Rd, and newer developments near Dunlap. Like Chicago you just have to stick to the nicer areas and it’s fine.

[@73honda350]

How did Kankakee not make this list?

[@PRStuntin6693]

From Kankakee and wondering the same. Got robbed at gun point in front of the old county jail

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

I put Kankakee in a viewers' request video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKrWe56gia6spJI

[@asimhusain8087]

East st Louis didn't make the list along with Kankakee and Washington park

[@Bigman.Struggles]

Illinois has extremely high taxes. So high that major corporations are moving out of the state. With fewer jobs available, it's not a surprise that the poverty is so high. People are just barely surviving.

[@kcmap22]

LOVE your Illinois videos..

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

Thank you!!!

[@Rayburn9318]

I was born and raised in Peoria for 35 years. I was so happy the day I moved out. I lived in the East Bluff which was a good area in the 1970’s , 1980’s, and early 1990’s. Then the gangs, thugs and criminals started doing whatever they wanted. The City Council and Police Department can’t agree on how to curb the criminal activity so people get tired of it and move out. Only time I go back to Peoria is to visit friends I have there. No amount of money or any job offers could ever get me to move back there. Sad that a city I grew up in has such a crime rate.

[@warchantillini]

Over the past 2 years I installed several furnaces and ACs in the East Bluff and it was bad everywhere I went. I was nervous most days about getting my tools stolen or me being robbed

[@jdre1976]

I love the nice music soundtrack underneath all the dire information.

[@dougtheviking6503]

4th Generation Illinois Resident . Once a mighty state ! Kinda ruined by our corrupt government and out sourcing

[@bubba9482]

"Kinda ruined"? 100% ruined by the politicians! Lifelong resident, can't wait to get out!

[@korihendon4180]

Youre exactly correct. The corruption is the primary issue bcz it's the reason for the high taxes, etc etc. I left in 1986 for college then left state in 1992 seeing the difficult road ahead fighting the economy. Hope you can move soon.

[@modeladenny1218]

Still have the best politicians money can buy.

[@sarahtaylor7288]

This has some great statistics laid out! Thanks!

[@JC-up3dj]

Born and raised in Hellinois, getting worse as the years pass.

[@matthewkaler823]

Rural Illinois resident here still keeping on. Things are changing. Snicarte IL still small still forgotten at least we have a church.

[@jeffholloway7974]

A couple of bull sharks were caught in Alton by fish traps in the 1930s. I believe this is the longest freshwater migration of the anadromous shark in north America, although bull sharks have been found thousands of miles from the ocean in the Amazon and Nile rivers.

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

Wow, really? That's a cool little bit of trivia.

[@bernieweber4663]

What about pool sharks?

[@modeladenny1218]

We spent over 20 years swimming in Shark infested New Smyrna Beach, Fl.

[@jasondurenda6454]

Great review

[@kevinwells4986]

Thanks for your video... and well, it is Illinois. I swore I'd leave it at 17 (high school grad) and I did. I swore I wouldn't come back... but I did. Then, after revisiting, I swore it off once more. I won't get into the reasons why in particular, but in Silvis Illinois, home of the Rock Island Railroad at one time (and nearby John Deere, but only that was later)... well, I won't get into it. I saw a lot, lived through a lot, but still had some happiness growing up there. I think their crime rate was minuscule, but when I was back from basic training visiting home someone tried to break in on our porch. I went after them in my skivvies, and there was a lot of snow as well as a snow storm. They drove down 19th street, I hopped the fence hoping to catch them... anyway, I guess if I had a point... people that are losing hope start to lose attachment. They don't care about each other or their neighbors. I don't blame them really... because those of us that don't live through it don't understand it on a daily basis. I'm seeing way too much of this again. I guess, luckily, I won't be seeing that much more.

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

I really enjoy your videos

[@NICOGIA300]

I live in Springfield and I have found it to be very difficult to support this city. As a capital city you think we would have great amenities, jobs, new developments however none of these are the case. Our infrastructure is very poor. Good jobs are very minimal and crime is much higher than the national average. I am beyond excited to call Miami, FL my new home next week!

[@ag4allgood]

Good luck in Miami ! Your going to need it.

[@37HD]

Their schools aren't good. Plus it's on an island. Alot of trashy folks especially on the north and east sides

[@xanderharris1104]

How did things turn out?

[@robbspear3072]

While Springfield is our capital city, it's really not treated as such. Most of our "Governors" come from and remain in the Chicago area, so that is where the money and attention are focused. Sad.

[@1978garfield]

The problem with Springfield is it is Capital in name only. The state is run from Chicago. It has been many years since a Governor actually lived in Springfield. I say they should turn the Governor's mansion into an Airbnb and earn back some of the money spent maintaining it.

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

Even though this is a very doom and gloom video, I still love hearing your beautiful voice ❤️

[@rosseckstein4183]

Gone 38 years now. Texas is really the greatest.

[@bryantsherman7263]

We used to live just across from Saint Louis in Granite City. It was a town that had its best days at least 50 years ago. Can't wait to go back and visit. The town still had a K-Mart in the 1990's.

[@charliewestbrook1741]

I'm moving to Illinois. I know what I'm getting into but A) I'm from Maryland so it's an upgrade, and B) it's the great people & lifestyle that I like

[@michaeldelgado2107]

Lot of great people in this state. Don’t let the bad PR fool you.

[@karrenreason7360]

I moved from coastal SC to Springfield, and I haven't regretted it at all. There's good and bad everywhere. Taxes are high. That's why most hate the state. Sadly, those golden pension funds have wrecked our financial house here.

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

Charlie, I love that you said. I miss things in IL. Best wishes❤

[@sarysa]

No joke, I am a trucker and I recently did a 34 hour restart at the Love's in Channahon. During that time, someone stole my landing gear handle...?! Seriously, who does that? Laredo, TX has a problem with semitrailer scavenging but they only take small things like glad hand seals and valve caps. I've never heard of it happening to another driver, I didn't draw attention to myself, and it's on the outskirts of Channahon. I figured it was rural enough to be safe.

[@rocketmom60]

You might consider posting some pictures of the best and the worst neighborhoods in each town you profile. That would give viewers a better idea of actual living arrangements.

[@denisesziky6607]

Driving past Springfield my entire life I always have been disgusted by the rest areas as you enter the area! Absolutely gross and if I were a visitor to this area I would be wary of visiting the Lincoln Sites. One would think the state would redo these rest areas and advertise the historic areas. Currently the rest area smells of urine, years of urine, soaked and sealed into the grout. It’s embarrassing,

[@TerminusHostilia]

The worker's have only lightly serviced them for years because they're haunted by cock goblins.

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

Sheesh. If the rest areas are nasty, complain to the people in charge, not YT. The people failing to keep the places up can be replaced easily. A friend of mine has the vending for one of the rest areas by Benton...some of the people running the place were ripping him off and lying about him--but they got caught, and now someone else is keeping it clean. It really isn't that hard to fix.

[@NICOGIA300]

Agreed! Are rest stops are among the worst I have ever seen! They are all built in the 60s and 70s, extremely under managed / funded. It’s a complete joke driving around the capital of Illinois. It is a representation of the state.

[@donjohnson3701]

Right with you! Visited Springfield about 10 years ago and was disgusted by the decay. The rest area should have been a tipoff before I got into town! This is what happens when politicians are more interested in social programs that launder money to get them reelected and pandering to public sector unions.

[@csj9619]

I was born in Centralia, had family residing in Decatur and my high school girlfriend was from Danville. I'm not really sure what all that adds up to, but I'm glad my parents decided to move to Sarasota, Florida when I was seven years old.

[@thomassargent-j6e]

@@csj9619 I too was born there and now live in St. Petersburg. Isn’t Florida wonderful!

[@stevenpatricknorton458]

My parents moved out of Illinois in 1955 to santa barbara calif. I thank them for that. Now it's time to move out of calif.

[@happydays2741]

The best things to come out of illinois is this. I-74 EAST or West, I-57 South, I-55 South, I-39 North, I-80 West, I-64 east or West, I-24 east. I think y'all get it...

[@lahart2003]

Might be a lost cause?.. born and raised Chicago Northside. I’m getting out of this whole entire mess that they made! They’ve destroyed my beautiful city and sat back and watched it burn. I can’t take anymore. I’m moving with my family out of here ASAP. God❤ bless everyone.🙏🏼

[@michaeldelgado2107]

Where to?

[@Ichyt]

We drive through Cairo, in the southern tip of Illinois, fairly often. It was a beautiful river town with fabulous architecture, but now more than half those beautiful homes are empty and going to rot and ruin.

[@billconserva1461]

I don't want to pick on any city in Illinois but it's actually the entire state that's in ruins. Bad Politics and High Taxes have killed that state. Look next door to Indiana, like two different worlds.

[@ThaddeusGhostal]

Used to live in the Indianapolis area it’s going down hill fast.

[@edenelston7668]

Lafayette? No thanks.

[@bernie8537]

You failed to mention Freeport Illinois. What was once a beautiful city has been devastated by years of poor management, high taxes, rising crime, and a loss of employment due to high corporate tax by the state.

[@eandsm4620]

Mt. Vernon. Man I have a lot of relatives around Mt. Vernon. Last drove through in 2015 and was horrified at how downhill the place went. I remember the '60's & '70's and how FUN it was to go there and shop and go out to eat.

[@bradleyboyer9979]

I grew up outside of Galesburg in a town called Rio (population of 200). It was the best childhood one could have asked for. Going back now is depressing. Galesburg is a shell of its former self.

[@patriciaholloway]

I'm familiar with Rio. Spent a lot of time in Galesburg over the years, going to the mall and such. My great great great Grandfather actually founded the town of Alexis and my grandparents lived in the area until they passed. Now my remaining family live closer to Monmouth. My mother lives outside of Oquawka. I miss Illinois, but it's only because I live in a much worse area in Indiana, so I tend to feel nostalgic about living there.

[@davidmorse5826]

SALUTE! Sorry. Knee jerk reaction. :)

[@y.t.928]

It’s so sad to see what has happened to Galesburg. Maytag leaving was the final nail in the coffin. I believe the town and others like it suffered greatly when Chicago tore down their projects and people were moved from the big city to these smaller towns and brought the big city problems with them.

[@timshepherd4626]

God I hate living in this state. Low pay and high taxes, as a home owner it's extremely hard to make ends meet and rely heavily on programs such as LIHEAP and Obamacare. The only positive is the tiny farm town I live in is crime free aside from all the drunk drivers. Other than that Illinois is a joke and I'm not even gonna get into Chicago...that should be a state of its own.

[@middletonwho]

in the peoria category, you used pictures of east peoria’s levee district. west peoria is considered a neighborhood in peoria while east peoria is considered a different city separated by a river

[@michaeldelgado2107]

Lot of people don’t know this unless you grew up there like I did

[@1978garfield]

Peoria Heights used to be nice. Is it still?

[@jeffrypresutti3139]

Good job

[@ashleypioli5118]

I live in IL. My fiancè and I just bought a very nice brick house in a very chill town called Oglesby. I grew up their and loved it.

[@jerrycoughlin-iq7lb]

Nice area.Moved from Princeton to Grand Raids,Mi.N ver seen this many homeless in my life!

[@troyelliott6951]

Yoooo my friend go to the oglesby lake tower and jump off into the river super crazyyy

[@kenhill5713]

I wouldn’t move to Illinois under any circumstance. That state is a dumpster fire.

[@stevieray7203]

Makes me sad...I loved Alton when i was there. Eating at Tony’s and walking along the water.

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

It makes me sad too. Alton has so much history, but it's starting to fall apart.

[@copperhead9437]

The manufacturing has left. The whole metro east was built on those kind of jobs.My Dad worked at Olin for 36 years. I worked there for 23. You would always hear about generations of families working there, and Laclede steel, Granitcity steel,Alton boxboard, Duncan foundry, flobox board, all good paying union jobs that you can support a family on and Mom sat at home and took care of the kids.

[@leob4403]

@@StuckInTheKernfield you mentioned Wadlow (worlds tallest man) but you forgot that Miles Davis was also born in Alton

[@stevedennis4197]

@@copperhead9437 That river and those creeks that flowed from Olin would change color at certain times of the day when I was growing up there in 40's and 50's. So happy to leave the minute I could, to never return.

[@OrdinaryMarvel]

I'm not sure what your politics are but you come so close to the entire point a number of times in this video and even in the description. Poverty leads to crime. If you remove poverty, you remove the vast majority of crime as well. I just moved to IL and it's been great so far. I haven't been to any of the cities you mentioned apart from Peoria and Springfield, but overall it's been one of the better places I have lived and there are some really shitty places in every State. Ironically, most of them are the poor areas. See my first point. We the people need to stop bickering and fighting each other so we can fight our oppressors, the rich and the corporations, together as one united people. It's sad how many poor to middle class people will punch down and fight those around them when the richest people in the country are the ones stealing from all of us every single day.

[@gottabthe1]

Someone should so a video on the dying collage town of Carbondale Illinois

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

I covered Carbondale in my list of dangerous college towns. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn3Gm6eHl6dsgrM

[@modeladenny1218]

Used to love camping at Crab Orchard Lake.

[@eandsm4620]

When I was a student (in the 70's), there were 24,000+ students. They just need to get more students enrolled again!

[@truediva18]

My son is in college at Carbondale. I fear for his safety. He was a victim of a hate crime during his first semester. I don't want him to return, but I know that he wants to finish his education.

[@catt1003]

Carbondale is going from bad to horrific, worse every year. I don't know why the college still has any students to be honest. If I had a choice I would head for civilization as fast as my legs could carry me. Sadly, family obligations keep us stranded here...for now.

[@karrenreason7360]

I'm moved to Springfield 35 years ago. It has its up and downs but all in all I like living here. I feel safe, except for crazy drivers but hey that's everywhere.

[@Super-J10]

The number one place you should DEFINITELY never move to is Illinois. The whole thing ....

[@dianaevans7102]

Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia are great towns!!

[@troy6267]

Agreed I use to work in Batavia, if the home values weren't so high id buy there but I'm in Sycamore

[@73honda350]

I agree. Nice old river towns. I lived in Geneva and Batavia, and worked in St Charles in early 80's. Though even back then those communities had rather high housing prices compared to other nearby towns.

[@katheyweigel9996]

To expensive to live there

[@jaybobred6552]

Geneva Batavia & St.Charles are low crime but very high expense living. Roads are congested too. Good area if your rich & don't mind being stuck in traffic.

[@betterd9160]

@@troy6267 me too. Just wish there was more to do in town. It’s a nice town though

[@chrisswin8976]

Girlfriend very well spoken. Anybody stupid enough to move to Illinois and lose your gun rights deserves what they get.

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

You have to pay $250 for a CCW license which will probably take forever to arrive.

[@chrisswin8976]

@Andrew I'm not trying to be rude but okay whatever you say. I like to be bored with my gun rights. I don't want to be in a good old boys club.

[@chrisswin8976]

@@nelsonmcatee3721 I'm sorry. There's a whole world out there. Illinois isn't it.

[@cel5207]

So what if I was born there?

[@timbrown8170]

I lived in Rockford the “Forest City” for most of my life. It’s very sad as it was a beautiful place in the 80’s and early 90’s. I do agree that it is in ruins with no updating or renovations. How many times have I heard let’s revitalize the downtown area. I moved away 5 years ago and only go back to see family.

[@CharChar827]

I'm from Rockford as well and totally agree! I moved four years ago and only go back to visit family too!

[@erickingsbury7193]

My mother lives on the southside of Rockford and soon will be moving south to live with me. In the late ninties I had a friend completing an internship connected with NIU in Rockford at this time. His degree was in Urban studies or Urban planning. He worked closely with several companies in an effort to bring businesses to Rockford but the mayor....I think it was Mayor Box didn't want any part of his proposals....After spending time in Rockford, my friend thought Rockford was a S=-Hole and it was obvious to him that the politicians could careless about the city or its people.

[@johnlarson1891]

I live in Dixon. Only time I go there is to Sam's club and Cherryville Mall

[@Bowmannn]

Freeport

[@dashx1103]

I live in Rockford. It is a horribly managed city. There was a time when Rockford had a chance to really invest in the downtown area and try to turn things around. Some improvements were made, but half-measures at best. Downtown is no great shakes, and just west of downtown is desolate ... until you get a little farther west where you hit consistent poverty and a food desert. The solution to the "crime problem," which is consistently correlated to poverty, is to poor more money into law enforcement, perpetuating the cycle over and over. The city, really, is doomed. Mostly self-inflicted. Sadly.

[@d_chatz8353]

I live in Illinois and really enjoyed this.

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

Thanks!

[@johnberry8117]

I use to live in Illinois, it made me ill and annoyed! So glad I moved!

[@michaelconlee3925]

I left too. Thank God!

[@Aarontank24]

I’m glad I decided to move out of Missouri to Illinois because I love Illinois it’s one of the best states in my opinion been living here for 5 years never hated it. I just think Illinois isn’t that bad depending on what area like I live in a great area the best place ever

[@russelltackett4779]

@Tony Hinshaw Lol

[@stairman3151]

You should really check out Collinsville illinois. We have the Cahokia mounds. Monks mounds etc. The oldest city in North america. 600 AD. Monks mound has a larger footprint than the largest pyramid in Gaza/Egypt. Great museum. Many documentaries have been made on it

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

I'm planning on getting down there to take some footage when summer rolls around.

[@adventureswtwolfganglizzie1804]

Ive lived in IL for 24 years and it's gone from bad to horrid,luckily I'm leaving next year my advice don't move ANYWHERE in IL it's high property taxes high crime high corruption the worst Governor's & Mayor's that usually wind up going to prison,and the weather is horrible year round humid hot summers and cold snowy winters rainy humid spring and fall is cold & rainy

[@michaeldelgado2107]

What a sad way to look at life. TF is wrong with you? Be happy you woke up today and stop complaining and whining like a baby.

[@trklusmeyer]

I grew up in Springfield and moved all over the world after college with a successful corporate career. Sad for me to see Springfield rated as it is here.

[@ContemplateNow]

Good video. I suggest taking a look at East St. Louis and Fairmont City. I can’t imagine they wouldn’t make the top 9

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

East St. Louis is in my other video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJK5dqR6a96Zhpo

[@bobcantstandzyobitz9778]

there are still some scenic small towns in Illinois. Actually probably a decent state to retire in, because it doesn't have income tax on retirees. And I visit Rockford recently, i'm born in Aurora, live in Naperville area, Rockford has a lot of poverty, but there is a lot going on in the city. Nice parks and activities there.

[@RockLug-uj7dw]

What about Ford Heights? The problem with Sauk Village is that it lies next to Dyer, Indiana. If I want cheap gas, property taxes, and anything else, I'll move out of Sauk.

[@alanparedes2034]

Why didn't Belleville make the list?

[@anthonyiocca5683]

SPFLD still has the worlds largest flower mill. Located south of north Grand avenue, built for Pillsbury. They put the dough in the doughboy. Sadly, it stands abandoned. Mostly due too questionable greedy management…

[@acedia4453]

Average property tax bill in Cook County in 2011 was $3,700. Average property tax bill in Crook County in 2021 is $8,200. The biggest tax breaks go to wealthy land lords who 'provide housing' to others while single family home owners carry the entire county. Avoid Chicago and all of its surrounding suburbs connected to Crook County.

[@wolveslair766]

Awe I live in outlying Chicago burbs Republican mayor Wrong on all counts except the taxes 13,000 2022 Been here close to 40 years Grew up in Chicago for the other 30 Never had a problem We defend ourselves We are very diverse and get along just fine without racist remarks Have a good day and get over yourself 😂

[@stairman3151]

You need to check out the alto pass/pamona/Cobden area.. pine hills, trail of tears area.. Jackson/union county though some of the roads up in pine hills area are closed above oakwood bottoms. Because it's the only place in the world where Copperhead and timber rattler snakes den together. They are normally mortal enemies everywhere else. And they close those roads down during winter to keep from running over snakes

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

Will do! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@mariebernier3076]

Annual rattleesnake migration in the fall, they go to the Little Grand Canyon. It's beautiful! BOBCATS, bald eagles and river otter there, too.

[@modeladenny1218]

Great camping and scenic in Illinois state parks.

[@rizrizobiz4166]

Snake Road 🐍

[@edenelston7668]

It's gorgeous there.

[@2Hearts3]

Thank you for this informative video. I spent a month in Illinois (Jan-Feb) earlier this year, looking for a home. I found only a couple of possibilities, both overpriced. I do like the Belleville thru Edwardsville stretch, but houses overpriced. Good retail areas, though. And downtown Belleville is very cute and nice.

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

There are quite a few affordable communities in the downstate area, but some of them are more rural. If you're looking for a college town kind of feel, like you would get in the Belleville/Edwardsville area, you might like Macomb or Charleston. Both cities have a fairly cheap housing market. I did a video on cheap and safe communities, if you'd like to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH-Tdod4g6mmrNE

[@tanyacooper6252]

Eureka is a nice little place

[@michaeldelgado2107]

Check out Waterloo which is a smaller town than E-ville and Belleville in same vicinity

[@ryansobel9447]

The taxes will kill you don't come to Illinois if you can help it.

[@juliefranco12]

Housing is cheap but they get you with taxes, gas prices and and everything else. I live in St Louis and alot come to Mo for gas,cigs,some food. Couldn't pay me to live there

[@JKVisFX]

Ugh! Don't forget Streator. A complete dump of a town. Don't know the crime rate but, my X-wife is from there and going down to Streator for holidays always put a set of dread into me. There's not even a single, decent motel there, just a couple of real dumps. It is old, dilapidated, with a dead "historic" downtown, broken down infrastructure, and not much else going for it.

[@troyelliott6951]

Keep your Peter out of streater 😂

[@happydays8171]

Good thing Illinois made marijuana legal, next cocaine and heroin so everyone can have employment.

[@shawnleek4970]

I grew up in Illinois in a very small farm town of 550. My graduating class was 22, our High School was out in the country where 4 small towns sent there children. It was an amazing place to grow up. Illinois is now the worst state in the Country. I am bound to Illinois with Family and a very good Veterans Administration, where I live. The second I am able to move though, Im gone.

[@lordrayden3045]

Worst state in the country? Yeah….. sure thing sparky

[@michaeldelgado2107]

What town?

[@codys9930]

Hammond?

[@1978garfield]

It is sad by the time I came along all those little schools had been closed. Some counties have one school k-12 for the entire county in one building. Some "Consolidated" districts have student from 3 or 4 counties. I think the closer little schools would have been better.

[@patreynolds360]

For everyone not from Illinois asking about Chicago... yeah that's a no go guys. Just stay the hell away from everywhere listed on this video and everything north of I-80

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

Don't even drive through Chicago. The traffic used to be merely excessive, but over the last few decades, it's become just plain dangerous, because there's always some fool driving like it's a racetrack...check out the death rate on the main highways going through Chicago.

[@davegibbs6592]

Only 9 places? Family moved from IL. in the 50's luckily and only place livable is on the farm...state is sad

[@StuckInTheKernfield]

I actually have another video with 10 Illinois cities that I wouldn't recommend.

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

I used to lived in Gurnee, Illinois with my family in a nice suburb called Grandwood Park. I did moved back in 1994-1997 with my sister. I moved back in Wisconsin in 1997 to be closer to my parents. In some ways that I do missed Gurnee, Illinois. I preferred to lived in Wisconsin. I lived in a small town. It gets busy during the summer but, quite in late fall towards late spring.

[@lauranowak3632]

I’m thinking of moving to Wisconsin. Do you have any recommendations for nice small towns for new comers? I don’t know how much longer I can afford to stay in Illinois? I’ve lived here for all 54 years of my life, but my immediate family is spread out all over the country. There’s really no logical reason for me to stay.

[@ellenlaken8440]

I have lived here 62 years. It I'd a great state. So overlook Chicago and Springfield. Maybe all of the southern part but here in northern Illinois it's not that bad. We get all kinds of weather. It's awesome

[@niftynic115]

The Piasa bird! My family lives just west of Alton in Cottage Hills, Wood River, South Roxanna, etc. I can confirm Altton is not a place you would want to live, it's pretty depressing just driving through it.

[@heroesandzeros7802]

Cottage Hills is EAST of Alton.

[@JohnH20111]

i grew up in the area myself and i have to agree with you on that