Unboxing Illinois: What It's Like Living In Illinois

Is Illinois more than corn, cornhole and Cubs and Cardinals fans? If you've ever been in Illinois you likely only went to one of the largest cities in the U.S; Chicago. If for whatever reason you found yourself further South you'd probably just get lost in a bunch of cornfields until you turned around and went back to Chicago.
Ah, Illinois. What a beautiful state. Home to Abraham Lincoln (our finest president), the state can really be divided up into four parts. You’ve got 'snobby' Chicago metro area, a small area that can be defined as Chicago suburbs, a section of Illinois that might as well be Wisconsin, and the rest of the state. The rest of Illinois is very large, and very much looks the same.
Now, since Chicago has a large part of the state’s population (17 percent to be exact), we'll be starting there. Don't worry though, we'll be covering all the action that takes place in the rest of Illinois, too. Try not to fall asleep when we get to that part.
Let's be real, Chicago is by far the most common reason for going to Illinois, bringing in 58 million visitors in 2018. A new record! With that many people coming and going, you'll have a hard time finding any parking, as most Chicagoans will tell you. Especially when it snows.
The heart of Chicago, The Loop, is synonymous with the downtown area of Chicago. Here you'll find everything from concerts and festivals to famous art pieces like Cloud Gate, which everyone just lovingly calls 'The Bean'
You'll find most of the safest spots in Chicago from the Loop and up north.
Next we have the Near North Side, probably the best place to live in the city. (If you can afford it) It's located just North of the beautiful Chicago River, the only river in the world that flows backwards.
Here, people are wealthy, and quite frankly, could be considered yuppies.
This is home to Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile and The Original Gino’s East of Chicago. The best pizza in Chicago, depending on who you ask.
Of course Chicago is known for it's awesome food. Whether it's the no ketchup ever Chicago style hotdogs or the famous dish dish pizzas that commonly have wait times of over an hour, you'll find it in here.
Outside of Chicago you have the Chicago suburbs. This is where the wealthy, rich, smart, snobby people live. Places like Buffalo Grove, Naperville and Clarendon Hills always rank in terms of the best places to live in the entire country. The Chicago suburbs have much more greenways, parks and lots of places to swim and fish. There’s a good sense of community here.
People from Chicago can come across as snobby, possibly just because they love their city so much. But people from the rest of Illinois can't seem to agree with them on anything. This includes everything from politics and ideals to fashion and pizza toppings.
What about the weather? Well, it’s a gray, cold sort of place for most of the year. Winters in Illinois seem to start in October, and you can still expect a freak snowstorm in May. You basically get two good months a year - June and October. That’s really it. Summer is measured when the local ice cream shop opens up.
But all that miserable winter weather doesn’t stop mushroom season from happening every Spring. If you’ve never hunted for morel mushrooms, it’s actually pretty fun. Illinois folks NEVER tell others about their secret mushroom hunting spots.
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Our goal is to combine recent data, fun videos, and thoughts about local culture into bite-sized snacks of shareable information. We call it bite-sized regional infotainment. We try to paint a picture of what’s happening in a region based on “Friday Night Science” - how’d you argue at a bar. To do that, we gather data from around the web to help determine a wide array of factors about where you live, things like safety, desirability, and culture.
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Music by Kevin MacLeod and Chris Zabrinski.
Business email: [e-mail]
Mappy: [e-mail]. He'll do his best to answer your questions and fan mail.

[@NickJohnson]

Here is my entire Unboxing Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLq-_cmf3H6yqgM1vGG305six5T7dqGURF

[@CrookedRosePOD]

This video aged very well, chicago bears are gone now in Arlington heights smh The Raq

[@Krombop.M]

you cant drive a buggy, you travel in them.

[@SoupyPoopy21]

Idk why I'm watching this, I already live here

[@NickJohnson]

so get to know your state even MORE!

[@misscuty1]

same xD

[@exoticcats6119]

I haven’t even seen most of the state I live in, which is this one

[@mariebernier3076]

@@exoticcats6119 you really owe it to yourself to go see the amazing forests in Southern Illinois, Shawnee National. Nice cabins or hotels, warm Fall weather,wildlife, so much and cheap.Ferne Clyffe is my childhood woods.

[@exoticcats6119]

Marie Bernier I’ll do that one day

[@HardcoreSumo780]

Yeah I’ve lived in Illinois all my life, also been looking to move out of the state all my life.

[@shanegrey431]

HardcoreSumo690 I wish I could like this comment a million times. Lol I mean back recently I’ve been enjoying it more

[@sebassgaming2168]

Can't agree with you more

[@mikehowell2779]

Then go

[@stevenrobinson4454]

Same!

[@zKaRiisMa]

I've lived in Illinois all my life & can't agree more

[@loxxxe2840]

The S in Illinois is silent

[@NickJohnson]

duh

[@mombiethezombie7536]

The amount of people that live here that DON’T know this is ridiculous.

[@PrivateIdaho24-7-52]

Webster's Dictionary says otherwise.

[@theevilone1646]

@@ThatJuniorKid shmart 👉

[@ElGaymer2001]

@@NickJohnson what do you mean by Aurora is just Aurora?

[@blakemette6911]

Dont forget all the dam road construction.

[@davidfrazier6536]

Every street I drive down now has construction

[@youngillinoisan4270]

There’s a bridge near our farm that’s been under construction for two years,

[@davidfrazier6536]

bulldogce is the bridge called the millington bridge

[@lovelysparkle7931]

Omg it's not just my town!

[@classichank60]

There's only 2 seasons in Chicago: Winter and construction.

[@jasonkellar9897]

The Governor's seem to do a lot of prison time.

[@gadi6489]

Trump is about to pardon the most corrupt one. The current governor us good and legalized marijuana in the state

[@mr.squidward6947]

Yea ik right 😂 its either 3/7 past governors or 4/7 of the past have went to prison and so should the current one

[@gadi6489]

@Nice Guy Eddie blagolevich

[@Jeddi-kk8qq]

@@gadi6489 don't forget madigan.

[@nicksquatch7212]

@Kingy B JB Pritzker

[@ericarmenta4186]

Okay he is right about Schaumburg, literally all pill poppin mommas who drive a bunch of Lexus’s

[@saraahdeal]

True dat

[@poda7273]

I see that as more like Glencoe or winnetka

[@dhruv7862]

Schaumburg is nice asl

[@solomonlokshin1597]

I just went BIG MISTAKE I Will never go back it sucked

[@speedymolasses3062]

Dhruv which is exactly why all the moms drive lexus’s and pop klonopin

[@dukeskyhopper]

Illinois: The only state in which all of it's citizen dream of leaving, but few ever do.

[@mikecarranza5385]

@Stellar' likes Walmart Florida will sink before 2100

[@korriworden4001]

So true

[@opsedopsers9874]

Because we have family that can't leave because money

[@Nebulasecura]

@@mikecarranza5385 luckily most of us will be dead by then so that’s the future generation’s problem.

[@unnecessaryapostrophe4047]

Oh, plenty of people are leaving Illinois.

[@alexlindquist2986]

Living in Chicagoland most of my life, I died of laughter when you used a dumpster fire icon for Rockford.

[@PAULY-P]

Rockford is definitely getting worse. Plus the roads are one of the worst ive seen.

[@colbycondon2187]

Lol I live in Rockford

[@joecooper3535]

Lol same here, I live in the NW burbs along the 90 corridor and Rockford is pretty rough. Although they do have Beef A Roo out there which I usually stop at when heading to Wisconsin lol

[@radicalgreek99]

Every single city looks like Mexico and central America now.

[@anitaknight3915]

@@PAULY-P Yesssss potholes fricking everywhere it's ridiculous. Now DeKalb and Aurora are real bad too with all the gangbangers and thugs bringing crime from Chicago

[@nicksquatch7212]

You didn't mention Starved Rock or Shawnee!!!

[@radicalgreek99]

Both of these places are awesome.

[@katiefagan5079]

Starved rock is a awesome piece of land except the history

[@mariebernier3076]

Grew up IN Shawnee!!! Still have never seen anything like it! Think about it a lot.

[@joejonas3684]

Starved Rock is awesome!

[@doritosbag1054]

Starved Rock is awesome, it has numerous great trails and at the end u can get ice cream at the hotel area and it’s fantastic

[@katelynnclinton6226]

Lol, He wasn’t wrong when he called Rockford a dump.

[@NickJohnson]

Love ya Katelynn ❤️

[@leahcimthgirw3163]

I live in Rockford and it is a dirty freaking town

[@youngillinoisan4270]

I mean, like, well yea but there is about a block that’s pretty nice.

[@1224w]

He was being generous by saying it's a dump... Rockford is a shithole

[@TheBeastofTrinity]

Rockford is a horrible city. I grew up and live there unfortunately. I want to get away though.

[@theragingbob3910]

So, how do you miss the fact that southern illinois is home to an entire national forest with some of the best hiking spots and views you can get? It's an entirely different landscape down here once you reach the hills.

[@bleujean357]

Fellow southern Illinoisan here. Southern Illinois is very different from the rest of the state.

[@eldestgrahambo1126]

Southern Illinois is swampy flatlands and looks like Mars with houses.

[@johnnycreighton29]

You tell him, Raging Bob! And forgive him, for he knoweth not well that of which he speaketh.

[@johnnycreighton29]

@@eldestgrahambo1126 I almost gave you a thumb up, then remembered how beautiful Southern Illinois appears when the green grows back in the spring. But I give you an B+ for snark. Keep working 😸

[@eldestgrahambo1126]

@@johnnycreighton29 Well I forgot to mention the largest concentration of unattractive women I've seen to date and really boring bland food. Did I get an A?

[@matthewpucek8685]

I want to start off by saying. As a resident of Danville, IL i thank you for saying that things are looking up for us. We're doing the best we can to turn our city around... Also its nice to hear someone thats not from IL talking accurately about the state. Thank you

[@NickJohnson]

ive spent a fair amount of time in d vegas matt

[@matthewpucek8685]

@@NickJohnson i dont know if your saying thats a good thing or a bad thing lol

[@patrickcassidy8543]

@@NickJohnson What do you mean d vegas Nick? Is there a connection with Las Vegas?

[@Camerenreynolds]

Really, I’ve heard that Danville is a complete craphole, hopefully they are turning things around.

[@martinelliotedwards1883]

The cost of living is god damn unbelievable.

[@alainastevens9999]

Ikr

[@gaming_sportsaaron1365]

In New York and New Jersey it’s worst and Florida and California it’s ridiculous

[@TheFutureOfMen]

Cause everyone wants to live in the popular states

[@paulblackmore1630]

I agree as a southern il born and raised person other then some rediculas laws the only thing that makes south il undisirable to live is the sheer amount of money you spend just earning and living hear. I'm in south east missouri now working for the same rate of pay I almost always have and I save and earn so much more easily now all that changed was my location.

[@andreww1212]

I thought it would be really cheap compared to New York and New Jersey.

[@gmitchell91]

You're right about most of Central and Southern Illinois, but far Southern Illinois is actually VERY different than the rest of the state. It's anything but flat. It's a very hilly and full of towering bluffs and natural wonders. It's beautiful! Makes a beautiful background for our ever expanding network of Southern Illinois wineries and microbreweries!

[@NickJohnson]

Grant I missed the southern charm of Illinois you're right:)

[@gmitchell91]

Camo Girl Rebel absolutely! I'm from Johnston City.

[@michiganwannarbor3255]

That’s where I’ve looking at moving to. What are some recommendations? I live in North Dakota so ruralness won’t be a problem.

[@timothyzakaria7397]

​@@NickJohnson Lincoln Park is nice the Pizza is a whole lot better than NY. I'm talking about Chicago. The crime rate is terrible though and I did go broke there

[@timothyzakaria7397]

​@@NickJohnson Illinois is the birth place of Mike Myers lol 😂 that's the 80s

[@adamruiz5789]

Born here, moved back here, and can’t wait until I build my new house in MO. GTFO of this dump before it burns to the ground. I love the state and I’d love to stay but I’m not putting my family through this crap

[@curtanderson8655]

They are not going to burn it just turn it back in to a corn field

[@b3yourself91]

Missouri not much better IMO lol

[@adamruiz5789]

@@b3yourself91 Missouri is much much much different than Illinois lol. Lower taxes. Better representation. Better laws. Just avoid St. Louis and Kansas City and you are good to go. Whereas in Illinois you are ruled by Chicago no matter where you live in the state. No thanks

[@aaronclover3906]

@@adamruiz5789 completely agreed I’ll be moving to southeast Missouri this summer I currently live in southern Illinois (gulp) yeah seen a lot of Chicago destroy small town down here get out while u can man

[@CJColvin]

Awesome brother. For me I chose Missouri over Illinois anyday of the week.

[@ml_daryl4790]

Just moved out of illinois to the oven state of Arizona. I dont miss it, I just miss my buds

[@ethanboone226]

Yo im about to move from central IL to arizona also, small world

[@PrinzII]

Moved to AZ from IL and don't regret it. Just make sure you get glass coverage.

[@mrs.morris5506]

....and the food, lol!

[@Pbirv]

I moved to Scottsdale from Peoria 4 years ago. I’m loving it, other than the bars not staying open past 2am.

[@sharonfauber2118]

I know about Illinois. I have lived here all my life💜🤗

[@unorthodox-2047]

Same

[@norrvox]

Sharon Fauber same

[@blukatzen]

just about the Same, with a brief stint in Arizona and Florida.

[@schnuts1962]

And ur happy to live here??? 🤔

[@sharonfauber2118]

Schnuts it's ok. My hubby is a farmer so I am here to stay. . I love the spring 🌸

[@jcoghill2]

My memories of Illinois are all good and positive. A great place to raise a family and grow up as a kid. I would love to go back to that but I couldn't stand to see how much it has changed so I never will. It matters more where you are born than it does where you die.

[@btetschner]

A+ video! Great overview of the state and some of its general dynamics! Going to watch the second part in a bit...

[@robertvillaneda3828]

Thank you for another great video, can’t wait for the next one

[@alexwatzke5932]

I live in Illinois. Thank you Nick for not just completely trashing Chicago as so many people do. The corruption is horrible and crime is bad, but crime is bad in just about every big city. I’m glad you think it’s a great city. One of the best (of not the best) sports cities in the country! Most of the state of pretty quiet and peaceful. I don’t hate it living here if I’m being completely honest. I live in a really great town and good community.

[@elmalanmalan2175]

Which Town s do you recommend to live in Chicago?

[@Camerenreynolds]

@@elmalanmalan2175suburbs such as Arlington heights, Naperville, Geneva, and Wheaton are my favorites. Depends on what you are looking for. There’s ones closer to the city if you like that’s or further away if you want cheaper houses with bigger yards.

[@Remember_when]

I live in the Fox Valley. The towns there are Naperville, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Sugar Grove, Aurora and North Aurora. Surrounding towns like Lisle, are great places too. This is a fairly well to do area and Naperville and Aurora rank high on safest large towns in America to live. Illinois actually has lower crime, per capita, than most red states.

[@danzemacabre8899]

Some of the top meth chefs in the world reside in Illinois, along with our famous horseshoes.

[@schnuts1962]

It's an honor to live among them

[@mombiethezombie7536]

You must be from Springfield. 😂😂😂

[@danzemacabre8899]

@@mombiethezombie7536 🤘 it's all in the cheese sauce, for the shoes, not the meth🤘

[@drunkenblacklocustbushcraf2857]

How dare you bring our horseshoes into this.

[@lovelysparkle7931]

Beloved Horsehoes💖💖

[@jackjfb8439]

Nick, you’re absolutely spot on in all of your videos plus you make me chuckle! (Chuckling is more manly than giggling))

[@johnwise9440]

You should’ve just made a separate video about Chicago

[@NickJohnson]

Probably

[@kimmie9038]

😂😂😂😂 I've lived here all my life, this cracks me up. You forgot to mention Garden of the God's and Shawnee national forest by Metropolis in the Kentucky region. I'll let you know how my trip there next weekend goes. 😂 Hopefully Superman will stop the casino from taking my money. 😂

[@kimmie9038]

@Stephen Williams we got a comp room at Harrah's, a little get away.

[@gregturner2363]

You did not mention on of the best parts of Illinois - the Urbana-Champaign area of Illinois and home to the University of Illinois !!!!

[@NickJohnson]

I know I should have mentioned Champaign more I wish KZbin had an edit button!

[@rustyshackleford2365]

Let's be honest it's called the University of Asia

[@davidjones6894]

@@rustyshackleford2365 true, ik I live in Champaign

[@henryfruhling6783]

The U OF I CAMPUS SUCKS,AND THE CHILDREN THAT GOES TO THE U OF I ARE THE WORST,THE ILLINOIS DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS GAVE THESE BRATS THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN OUR ELECTIONS IN 1988, IT FLIPPED ILLINOIS INTO THE DEMON O 🐀'S CONTROL, AND BECAUSE OF THESE BRATS ARE STATE IS TOTALLY SCREWED UP AND BACKWARDS.

[@anitaknight3915]

@@rustyshackleford2365 lol very true either Asian students or those from rich families

[@spid3rmike117]

How could you not mention Shawnee Nat'l forest?? I drove all the way from Baton Rouge, LA just to go camping and hiking there. What an amazing trip

[@MS-zg1nq]

Country living Hampshire Illinois supports President Trump and our Veterans. We hunt and fish and farm.

[@Bad_Batch_65]

Great video. Illinois born and bred. This video is on point and so true. I’ve lived north of I80 and south of I64. Shawnee Forrest should have been mentioned... the legacy of al Capone truly lives on here in Illinois

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

We had our own Al Capone down here. Charlie Birger, the last person to get hanged in Illinois. My grandpa met him.

[@Bad_Batch_65]

@@nelsonmcatee3721 and the Sheltons from Wayne county

[@montanaskies2702]

Except Lincoln wasn’t from Illinois, he was from a small town in Kentucky. Moved to Illinois when he was a kid. Do people actually not look for facts?

[@NA-ck6cz]

I've lived in the city and on a farm in Illinois, I love both. Don't mind the haters

[@MS-zg1nq]

Country living Hampshire Illinois supports President Trump and our Veterans. We hunt and fish and farm.

[@reeses.puffs1251]

I live in a great town and ive lived here for 3 years and i have loved it here since day one

[@IndianaCrane]

Love this so much!!

[@xBlueWolf]

The slideshow at the beginning was great lol. I love the Smashing Pumpkins reference and Watch Dogs reference

[@fuzzchick3549]

I understand that Chicago is a huge city that has lots of stuff to do, but southern Illinois has just as much fun stuff to do that you skipped over! Collinsville - Cahokia Mounds State historic site (thought to be the most sophisticated pre-Columbian civilization north of Mexico) Alton - Fast Eddies Bon Air (best dive bar around and the best place to party for your 21st birthday) Carbondale - Giant City State park which is absolutely beautiful! Carlyle - home to Illinois largest man made lake which is surrounded by beautiful campgrounds. Edwardsville - historic Wildey Theater (Opened in 1909 as an opera house and a second floor meeting hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows)

[@fuzzchick3549]

Sounds like he’s never even been to southern Illinois.

[@randomnotes4258]

Ikr I could drive to carlyle and I love the lake

[@randomnotes4258]

Well ig I couldn’t drive but I live close to it.

[@amollo01]

A lot of Chicago people root for the White Sox too...

[@PAULY-P]

And alot of WI people root for the cubs. Go figure.

[@Anthony-fi9ml]

Not really. They couldn’t sell out a game if it was free.

[@kingdoughnut7244]

Tons of White Sox hats here in Michigan! I own one.

[@easysimmons6921]

That's what i just said

[@julietteflores3033]

South side!

[@Eustice2]

Congrats on some great work!

[@sarahb9240]

Hugs and loves to Mappy. 🥰 Great video Nick.

[@NickJohnson]

Hey Sarah Mappy says hey and he wishes he could high five you! Also Mappy swears this 🙏 is the high five sign. I told him I wasn't so sure :)

[@sarahb9240]

Nick Johnson - 🤣🤣🤣

[@christineliebke1882]

Woo hoooo. Schaumburg here....thanks for the shoutout. You did really well on your unboxing my state!

[@christineliebke1882]

P.s. It's time to lawyer up mappy... Before he gets sucked into more baby mama drama!!!

[@PAULY-P]

Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates is getting very crowded. Especially on the crappy roads. I have family there. But i would say Rockford has even worse roads and probably the worst in the state for crime.

[@NickJohnson]

Glad you feel complete :) and yes Mappy totes needs to figure his shit out we'll see what happens in what's becoming a real cliffhanger Christine!

[@carmenmonoxide7459]

Wow! Thanks so much for your research about this state. It was good timing for me. I nearly spit out my coffee with Karen Mappy's announcement! LMAOooo ---*Ahem* I mean, poor Mappy. The plot thickens...

[@ruffknight9549]

The "Little Woman" is pregnant and will look like a globe.

[@NickJohnson]

Hahahahaha yes

[@NickJohnson]

Carmen shits about to get real I think these two need their own damn channel

[@steveeuphrates-river7342]

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago (near Schaumburg) and this whole presentation seems spot on.

[@thomasburton2093]

I lived in Central Illinois majority of my life but now I live in Chicago. They really are like 2 different states. The medical care is much better in Chicago then Springfield. Central Illinois isn't backwards. It just not meant for growth. They don't have what is needed for growth to occur.

[@noahcurry3615]

Ayyyye glad to see ptown getting some love on... crime dangit

[@acooper306]

I lived and travelled all over the world for work, and can say from actual experience, that Chicago is one of the greatest cities.

[@africkinamerican]

Used to be...

[@hueso5071]

@@africkinamerican it still is. Chicago’s economy is booming and downtown Chicago is the fastest growing of any other downtown in the country. Numerous jobs/opportunities and it’s skyline is one of the most iconic in the world.

[@africkinamerican]

@@hueso5071 do you actually live there now? Because lots of people have moved now, and are looking to move out. The Chicago I knew was one where you didn't have to worry about getting carjack or shot in the Loop or in Lake View. And I don't know where the claims of a booming economy come from, since much of it has been shut down for nearly two years.... maybe some big corporations on government subsidies, or benefiting from smaller competition being shut down

[@hueso5071]

@@africkinamerican yup. You can do a little research lol. Chicago was a lot worse 30-40 years ago. It’s more developed now, most people aren’t leaving Chicago. That’s mainly on the south side. Most people leaving the state all together are from central and southern Illinois. Not Chicago.

[@Archi891]

Love this series much!

[@michelecaron]

Nick you crack me up! I’m sure you hear about how adorable and smart you are too. Can’t figure out where to relocate. NJ is WAY to pricey. Keep the videos coming. 😘

[@NickJohnson]

What about Wisconsin or Michigan? I like those states Michele

[@michelecaron]

Red states we like red

[@MrJesus-ck6xt]

As much as I love my state, I still have to leave as soon as possible.

[@ryanvelez6762]

Out of curiosity how come ? I’d it that bad ?

[@MrJesus-ck6xt]

@@ryanvelez6762, it's not the worst, there are just way better options.z

[@sb-tb1oh]

It's the politics

[@arunasmickunas2605]

You didn't mention about movie "Home alone" and that famous house in chicago. I even have address of that house 😄😄 I love your video's allways waiting new video. Good luck 😉👍

[@NickJohnson]

OMG i know!! But i mentioned ferris buellers day off at least. I also missed adventures in babysitting! And aww...thanks for watching Arūnas :)

[@arunasmickunas2605]

@@NickJohnson You're welcome :)

[@robdebosko3100]

These U boxing videos are great. I hope u plan on doing more states!

[@jabbarmuhammad6167]

Great unboxing of Illinois Nick

[@Stickman0660]

Laughed so hard when you brought up centralia. Accurate. Worked there a lot. It's only getting worse too

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

Mousetown's worse. At least Centralia still has a basketball team to be proud of!

[@rahuliyer7456]

Downstate Illinois is what we call the area from Danville IL to St Louis. It is where you see the Amish area, farmland, and "The Silicon Prairie"...a cluster of research areas around Urbana and Champaign where the University of Illinois is.

[@unnecessaryapostrophe4047]

Chicago doesn't get lake effect snow that often. The winds and big winter storms in the Great Lakes region come mostly from the northwest, so it's shorelines that are on the east sides of the lakes that get lake effect. Buffalo, Rochester, and Cleveland are the big lake effect cities.

[@julietteflores3033]

Chicago is beautiful. No matter where u go. South, west. They have beautiful people and kind people. Just be careful and don't get to comfortable. It's my home. I love Chicago.

[@NickJohnson]

I agree Chicago is a great place for sure!!

[@theevilone1646]

lol

[@chuckd.7048]

I want whatever she's smoking!

[@vaishx]

Cousin It in what way?

[@vaishx]

Charles Dewey I want whatever YOU’RE smoking lol

[@eileenegger4892]

Without even trying,I can point out interesting places you left out. Cahokia Mounds,a pre-Columbian Native American site,Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois with beautiful rocky hills and forests,a part of which is called Garden of the Gods.Another interesting spot is Cave in the Rock,a large cave facing the Ohio River on the southeastern side of the state.Not too far from St.Louis are the Mammoth Caves. You dropped the ball on this one.

[@NickJohnson]

well i mentioned the cahokia mountains at least you missed that Eileen :)

[@ernestclements7398]

Mammoth Cave is near Russellville Kentucky a good hour South of Louisville, and a long way from Saint Louis!

[@danielacharlton1]

Amazing and completely spot on!

[@NickJohnson]

I go to Illinois like every other month for one reason or other

[@danielacharlton1]

I grew up in the town next to Centralia, stayed in town south of Bloomington/Normal for a summer and have family in Northern part. I live in NC now. I miss the ground freezing and killing the bugs, but not the effects of politics via high taxes and regulations.

[@kylefast9650]

Almost expect saying to never going to the south side of Chicago, it’s actually pretty safe and nice if you don’t go to the crappy neighborhoods

[@chuckd.7048]

I drove through it quickly, to visit Arizona, didn't stop to pee!

[@collinsje5]

Illinois native here. Most of the state outside of Chicago and the burbs is miles and miles of corn and bean fields. Oh, and we get about 10 perfect weather days a year. The rest of the time it is too something - too cold, too snowy, too hot, too humid, too windy. Nick is right - visit Chicago in spring or fall - I'd pick May or October. Most of the touristy stuff is in the Loop and on the north side, and our public transportation is excellent. To the south, if you're here for an extended visit, you'll find the Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park, and Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox). Chicago is also a foodie town, and you'll find many options in addition to pizza and hot dogs with no ketchup.

[@NickJohnson]

You should make a video Jerald!

[@johnkennedy9327]

What beautiful film. I love it. I grew up in Kankakee. You have it right.

[@NickJohnson]

I have friends in Danville

[@rogerrice1772]

It doesn't matter how you try to propagate it Nick, the "s" in Illinois is ALWAYS silent. Great video btw. If you make another one, talk about how & why southern Illinois was once called "little Egypt" and the Shawnee national forest.

[@vitokramer7451]

You should do the 10 shortest or longest states Btw keep up the great work

[@sumguy2581]

Shortest or longest in what way, Area?

[@vitokramer7451]

sum guy No like how long or short the people are

[@DeathKiller362]

@@vitokramer7451 we love long people, I mean from central illinois I'm 6'6" and there were probably 3 people taller than me in my school, with like 20-30 people near my height, and a lot of really short guys too. Illinois likes polarizing things I guess, ya know like the weather is 100s now and in 4 months it will be in the 50's, and then a few months from there we'll get 0-20 for a few weeks

[@NickJohnson]

Like tallest? I wonder if there's data on that

[@vitokramer7451]

Nick Johnson yeah tallest but if you can’t find any data on that than you can maybe also do the 10 most corrupt states

[@Shug04]

Someone has probably already said this, but just in case.. Chicago is actually called 'the windy city' because of the volume of corrupt politicians. Unfortunately, there's no shortage of those anywhere in the country.. Or world for that matter. Love your videos, & your music! 🙌🏼 ✌🏼

[@lindsaygraham5687]

In SW Illinois is the old French fortress Ft. de Chartres, founded in 1719. An obscure historical jem. Nearby is Prairie de Roucher, founded in 1720. Lots of French names around the state they first began to explore in 1673. On an island in the Des Plaines River is the museum Isle a la Cache. An excellent little museum about the French and Indian fur trade . The French first explored and colonized the region. The French named the place Illinois. The French pronunciation il-i- nwa.

[@jameskessler3466]

Hi Lindsay

[@goneinc.7642]

Al Capone used to hang out in Beardstown. It used to be referred to as 'little Chicago. I referr to it as ' the taint of the midwest'.

[@stonecold7919]

What no one is saying is that Illinois is one of the five highest taxed states in the country.

[@stevenjohnson4207]

Yup 2nd only to New Jersey

[@katel3962]

Thank you for calling it Cloudgate 👏👏👏👏👏

[@lindsaygraham5687]

The area around the Chicago River used to have a vast amount of wild garlic growing there. The Potowatomi natives called the wild garlic she-KAK-way, and called this area "place of the wild garlic" in their Inekwe dialect of the Algonquin language. The earliest French explorers spelled the name of the place Eschekagou after the native's name. Soon the French spelled it Chekagou. There are a few stories about where the name comes from but this is all in the internet. It was Americans who started calling the South Branch of the Chicago River "the stinking river" because of all the slaughterhouse and industrial waste sewage garbage etc. being dumped there .

[@aliciabaez6469]

Batavia, Illinois it’s a beautiful place ; I’m here👍

[@dolecrash5802]

Can you open an album? I want to be able to listen to your amazing music more lol. I’m sure a lot of people share that wish.

[@NickJohnson]

Maybe I start a new channel for music only haha.

[@brandonnewby178]

Summer when the ice cream store open... Or the tropical sno. 😀😀😀 Let'sleave Chicago alone and enjoy our peace and quiet.

[@NickJohnson]

Shh maybe they won't bother you if you're quiet!

[@benbelzer8303]

This is very spot on. Springfield is the Goldilocks region. It's Just Right. That's funny you pronounced the S at the end of Illinois. Beardstown, Pumpkin Capital

[@Gmaa-bf3xg]

I love Chicago . Definitely has a lot of perks for young people. High rent, taxes and crime is probably the worst part of Chicago/ close suburbs area. I have been to the other IL as well. Their crime is bad too, a lot of drugs and broke families down there. Just in smaller scale

[@MatrixRoland]

At least Illinois knows how to deal with snow. Colorado could learn a thing or two from them.

[@jordanchamberlain4377]

East Peorian here. I actually started to get irritated when the topic was still about Chicago halfway through lol All in all, great video.

[@NickJohnson]

thanks jordan! i know i had to finally bail on chicago and get to the rest of the state. but to be fair, chicago has a lot of stuff to talk about.

[@jordanchamberlain4377]

Nick Johnson I mean.. you're not wrong. But with the majority of us lower folk getting sick of all the taxes going to Chicago, I am one in favor of annexing it 😉

[@benharaluri5104]

@@jordanchamberlain4377 is Peoria good???

[@Horzzo]

Congrats on the child Nick!!

[@NickJohnson]

LOL you'd better be wrong I have a ton of responsibilities I can't rear a kid

[@kjalight]

Loved that song

[@carfulcracker4203]

Taylorville Illinois, home of the famous horse dragging and the greasy Bills Toasty restaurant

[@caesaraugustusmaximus]

Great video! Don't forget about Champaign. Home of the Illini! Regards from a Chicagoan who dislikes Chicago's Leftist politics, but who loves the city...and the rest of Illinois...

[@Secondcitysavage2318]

This video is spot on

[@daisypeony66]

Lived in Illinois all my life. Raised in Bourbonnais, right next to Kankakee. SPOT ON with all your points!!! Went to college at SIU Carbondale. Beautiful down there, a lot like Ky just like you said! Well done!!

[@indigo1324]

11:35, okay, I know this probably a joke, but I live in Illinois, and this isn’t true. The earliest I’ve seen snow is late November, and the latest I’ve seen any snow at all was late April. However, that’s very rare. Generally, winter seems to start in late November, and end in late March.

[@tomokototo]

You live in Illinois but where do you live in Illinois

[@indigo1324]

@@tomokototo I forgot I wrote this comment, but I live in a suburb northwest of Chicago. (Also, since I wrote this comment, we did actually have snow on Halloween of 2019.)

[@georgeclark2211]

Theoretically if the state was divided how do you believe it would affect Illinois 1(Chicago) and Illinois 2? Also where the Marion homies at.

[@vincewhite8043]

This is so accurate. I’m from KC, but my dads whole family is from Illinois. He went to High School in Arthur while my grandpa had a John Deere dealership. I didn’t know anybody had heard of Arthur before. And they are also cardinals fans. I was also told by my grandma that people want Chicago to become part of Indiana, Or part of Illinois to become part of Kentucky.

[@NickJohnson]

Vince I spent a lot of time in Illinois 😉

[@gtanner997]

Chicago's Foodfest on the pier is amazing!

[@NickJohnson]

Do you like the rides? As I get older I am more and more afraid of heights

[@jamesbagwell5120]

*Do a South Carolina unboxing next please!*

[@CJColvin]

The cities in Illinois I've been to are Columbia, Waterloo, Alton, Grafton, Quincy, Galena, Springfield, Mount Vernon, Macomb, Rend lake, and Rock Island.

[@chargermaster586]

I see you in most car channels and other videos recently.

[@CJColvin]

@@chargermaster586 Yes you have brother.

[@CJColvin]

@Stephen Williams True because it's by Benton Illinois.

[@mistispear9766]

I live a stones throw away from rend lake in Hamilton county

[@CJColvin]

@@mistispear9766 Sounds awesome.

[@willisjefferson5886]

Another Gem Nick

[@tay3103]

Had to check this out as I live here in corn country. I think you got it right. Chicago is amazing and incredibly expensive and dangerous. We don’t even go there out of fear of getting lost. And the south is legitimately southern. Very forested with a lot of nice people who also happen to be hicks. Where I am...it’s just flat. The corn makes it scary to drive in the country. The taxes are also outrageous and the state is super broke and corrupt. Honestly, if I could, I’d leave without a second thought.

[@JimInTally]

I've been to Illinois many times on business and have had, for the most part a pleasant time. Illinois is a good state, especially in the Chicagoland area.

[@justgeorge3728]

Love My Proud Union home! Illinois welcomes everyone. This is the make a memorable midwest life state.

[@tmusa2002]

I lived in Albany, Illinois for 9 years. Loved it. Small town, Iowa vibe. 🙂🌽

[@benlindsay6012]

That was an interesting video! I'm wondering if you've "unboxed" ALL 50 states in the US ?

[@dubk7369]

It’s crazy how accurate he is 😂😂

[@BeefyWalrus]

Conservative Illinoisians: let's blame Chicago for all of the corruption and taxes despite the fact that Chicago is only 1/4 of the state population and is responsible for paying most of the state taxes and 7/9 of the economic productivity.

[@aminamoore5660]

Only 1/4 of the state but yet Chicago still gets all the money from taxes and also trumps all the votes down south.... yeah thats what I call corruption. Go to Springfield and listen to the state politicians and the policies. No one from outside of Chicago can get anything done. Everything we have GOES to Chicago. Yes u ppl need to be ur own state.

[@ronschafer4533]

@@aminamoore5660💥 100% agree

[@bert0522]

I'm 70 years old, was born in Murphysboro, Ill. just a few miles from Carbondale University SIU as we know it. Grew up in Cahokia, Ill. founded in 1696, moved a way to 3 other states and now back living in Belleville, Ill. till death do us part. Jim

[@ADPeguero]

Dude. You're too funny LOL. "Come on feel the Illinois..." hahahahahaha

[@NickJohnson]

It rhymes!

[@ADPeguero]

@@NickJohnson Yes it does. Keep up the excellent work. I watch your content daily for the information and entertainment. Greetings from Beantown.

[@NinaMalfoy1791]

Great vid! However there’s a whooooole lot of scandal when you visit lake county (Waukegan, Zion, etc)!

[@BrogodHuncho]

From Zion🤝

[@youngillinoisan4270]

Waukegan is just a total mess

[@ryankoehler3170]

I'm in the suburbs of chicago. I'm about 20 minutes south. Chicago and cook county ruins this state.

[@SuV33358]

Same with NY. I live in Rochester NY, but NYC gets all the attention..... it's like a different state.

[@johnnyfisheyes]

I am from SHITCAGO Uptown area and I am laughing my AZZ off. THANKS for being so honest with these shows. Love you man

[@johnnyfisheyes]

I LEFT SHITCAGO back in 1987....I was there in Uptown back in 1977-1983..It was Decent under Jane Byrne. White Mayor lives in Cabrene Green..Funny what Suburban aspirations. I still loved her though. She tries or look like she did.

[@bardthenascarfanaticdragon]

Been a resident since I was born in September 2002. I was born in Peoria, which isn't too far from my hometown of Tremont. Tremont is 6 miles east of Pekin on Route 9, and about an hour away from Springfield. Morton is around 20 miles from Bloomington. My dad works in Morton, which is about 5 minutes from Tremont.

[@ethanpope9085]

I love Morton, my grandparents live there and my father grew up there, great place

[@bardthenascarfanaticdragon]

@@ethanpope9085 My Grandparents on my Mother's side of the family live in Galesburg. My Grandparents on my Dad's side used to live in Richland, Washington until my Grandmother moved to Tremont after my Grandfather's death in June 2017.

[@BillKing3456]

From Illinois originally. Once took my cousins from Scotland on a road trip. I said to them, take a look at the name of this town coming up ... "Normal" and this one ... "Farmer City".

[@tarakissel2992]

Ha! I live in Normal!

[@vtoohigh4952]

Tara Kissel ive been there and its a pretty chill place

[@davidfrazier6536]

Should’ve took him to sandwich IL

[@jamsandwams1782]

Bloomington-Normal is one of the better spots in Illinois i feel like

[@BillKing3456]

@@davidfrazier6536 One time when we played them in high school, some kids made a banner and hung it from the water tower next to the football field that said, "Eat Sandwich."

[@emilyd7834]

Frankfort is the best part of Illinois. I live there and there might be some corn, but not a lot!

[@ethanpope9085]

Nice, I’ve lived in new Lenox all my life, not a bad town, Frankfort is pretty good to

[@jamestrueblood1990]

Omg yes pumpkins I didn’t think you’d mention it!!! The PUMPKIN STATE!

[@NickJohnson]

🎃