If you’re considering living in Illinois you’ll find that there are a number of good reasons for moving to that state. You’ve probably already realized the advantages of making the move. But it sometimes takes a long time to decide if relocating is the right thing to do, so it’s a good idea to take a while to think about the details before you decide if it’s right for you.
Each year, a lot of people move to new homes in the United States. Around 12 percent of the population, or about 35 million people, leave their current residence for a new domicile. A number of families and individuals from across the country relocate to Illinois, and they often find that it can be an exciting adventure.
If you’re new to Illinois, there are many new sights and experiences in store for you. Numerous guidebooks and online sites supply an almost endless inventory of information about every conceivable benefit that the state offers.
Among your first decisions will be selecting the best places to live in Illinois. Do you prefer life in the city, a small town or in the country? You can find a variety of options that will fit the kind of environment that suits you best. The next step is to choose several different locations that fit your preferences, and then look at the advantages that each provides. If you have friends or relatives you’d like to be near, that can help you narrow down the options. They can also probably help you make a good decision by providing advice and inside information.
Once you’ve considered the many advantages and opportunities the state offers, you’ll probably be asking yourself, should I move to Illinois, to another state that’s also interesting, or should I stay in my current state? It all depends on your reasons for moving. Sometimes your circumstance can help to make your choices clear. If you’re relocating for a new job, for instance, that makes your decision easier. Otherwise, you must weigh the benefits that you’ll reap by making the move.
Economic decisions always play a role when it comes to making a move, so you’ll, of course, want to consider the cost of living in Illinois. Taxes, fees, the price of real estate and many other factors determine how far your money will go in any geographic location. You can look at the cost of food, utilities and other day-to-day or year-to-year expenses and make your own calculations. Or, find an online cost-of-living calculator and let it do the work for you.
There’s a great deal of information that you’ll want to consider if you’d like to move to Illinois, and that may take a bit or research on your part. The time you invest in finding the facts will be worthwhile, most likely. Should you decide to make the move you’ll feel more confident about your decision, and you’ll likely have a good idea of what to expect in your new home.
Registering a Car in Illinois and Getting an Illinois Driver’s License
It can be challenging to get around almost everywhere without your own source of transportation, so it’s a good idea to ensure that you know the rules of the road and any new regulations that you’ll be obliged to follow. When you’re moving to Illinois, the DMV will likely be among the many stops you’ll want to make as soon as you begin to get settled. Start out by looking at the Illinois.gov DMV website. It supplies a lot of the information you’ll need to know and can save you a lot of time.
You’re probably most interested in finding out the facts about transferring your car registration, such as how much it will cost and how soon you must make a transfer after becoming a resident of the state. Fortunately, you can find all of that information online.
Another top question for motorists taking up residence in the state is what do I have to do about my driver’s license? Again, you’ll find all of the facts that you need to know on the government site. In addition, you can learn about all of the rules associated with registering a car in Illinois.
Moving to Illinois with Guns
If you’re an outdoorsman and are moving to Illinois with guns, you’ll want to know what regulations and licensing procedures you’re facing.
To legally possess firearms or ammunition, Illinois residents must have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, which is issued by the Illinois State Police to any qualified applicant. Non-residents who may legally possess firearms in their home state are exempt from this requirement.
The state police issue licenses for the concealed carry of handguns to qualified applicants age 21 or older who pass a 16-hour training course. However, any law enforcement agency can object to an individual being granted a license “based upon a reasonable suspicion that the applicant is a danger to himself or herself or others, or a threat to public safety.” Licenses issued by other states are not recognized, except for carry in a vehicle. Open carry is prohibited in most areas. Without a concealed carry license, a firearm must be unloaded and enclosed in a case when it is being transported.
There is a waiting period to take possession after purchasing a firearm — 72 hours for a handgun, or 24 hours for a rifle or shotgun. For private sales, the seller must verify the buyer’s FOID card, and keep a record of the sale for at least 10 years.
You may find that the gun laws in Illinois are more lenient or more restrictive than the laws in the state that you are moving from. In either case it’s a good idea to contact your local law enforcement agency to ensure that you’re getting the most up-to-date rules and regulations, whether you’re moving to Illinois with a handgun rifle or shotgun.
5 Ultimate Tips for Moving to Illinois
Relocating to a new state can be a tricky business, so you’ll certainly benefit by picking up any tips to make moving to Illinois a little easier. Here’s a handful of items that will help you get started:
- If you’re a sports fan, you’ll love living in Illinois, home to the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. The Chicago Bears are here too, as well as the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks.
- The KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort in Gurnee offers a tropical environment all year long and is fun for the entire family.
- Home to numerous museums, Illinois is known to have some of the best of well-preserved history in the world. From the John Deere museum in Moline to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois is the place for the inquisitive and history buffs.
- Springfield is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which is great for anyone who loves learning more about American history.
- Illinois is a diverse blend of agriculture, natural resources and industrial productivity. Home to the third largest city in the United States, Illinois boasts a rich history and cultural prestige within the Midwest.
It’s never exactly easy to make such a big decision as moving, particularly if you plan to move to another part of the country that’s far away. But you’re probably taking the time to think about all of the pluses and minuses that you may encounter. So, when you make up your mind and you have your heart set on a new, exciting destination that you’ll soon call home, take the leap! Call Trico Long Distance Movers for an estimate and our California movers will help you begin your new journey. It could be the first step you will take on a long road of exciting adventures.
