There are several good reasons that Illinois has become one of the most populous states in the country. First, the state economy is very strong and varied. Second, the weather and the landscape are both beautiful. And third, there is enough diversity throughout the state to attract residents from all walks of life. Before you start looking for Illinois real estate, it would be wise to know a little background information on the three main regions throughout the sate: Northern, Central and Southern Illinois.

Northern Illinois
As home to almost seventy-five percent of the state population, Northern Illinois is definitely the most popular region. This is largely due to the business districts, research facilities and educational institutions in Chicago though. For example, about sixty-six percent of the people in northern Illinois live within the boundaries of Chicago land. Chalk full of employment, entertainment and beautiful beaches, parks and neighborhoods, it isn’t surprising that Chicago draws such a large crowd.

There are parts of Illinois that cater to country living over city lifestyles though. For example, northwest of Chicago, home buyers will find charming old villages like Galena and Long Grove. Nestled among rolling hills and tiny valleys, these areas are characterized by their historic buildings, small-town atmospheres, covered bridges and scenic landscapes. Some Chicagoans even buy second homes in here.

Central Illinois
The Central region, which is also known as “the Heart of Illinois,” is known for its small towns and mid-sized cities. The primary economic industries in this area include manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Wind farms are also starting to sprout up across central Illinois. If you are a fan of Abraham Lincoln, you might be interested to know that Springfield is also located in this area.

Southern Illinois
One of the most attractive characteristics of Southern Illinois is the warmer weather it enjoys. The topography is also more varied than the flat, long plains that cover most of the state’s geographical area. Small oil deposits and coal mining are the resources that drive economic production in the region.

Most of the population in Illinois is found in the northern region of the state. Winters are colder up there, but the economy, history, and natural beauty of northern Illinois are attractive enough to draw more residents every year. Even outside of Chicago, residents have a wide variety of activities to choose from. Some people enjoy the small town feel and look of historic districts like Long Grove and Galena. The shops and restaurants in these towns are fun to visit not only because of their wares and menus but because of the settings that the towns create with nineteenth century buildings and covered bridges.

The most beautiful attractions in the region are the natural parks and gardens. There are 18 canyons waiting to be explored in Starved Rock State Park and hikers will also be able to enjoy the beauty of lush forests and several different waterfalls. Anderson’s Japanese gardens, the Chicago botanical gardens and the Morton Arboretum also display hundreds of acres covered with gardens, waterfalls and wildlife. With so many attractions in the area, it isn’t surprising that northern Illinois real estate continues to be in high-demand. Unless you have the time and money to make several trips to the area while you are searching for a new home, it would probably be wise to hire an Illinois realtor to help you find which homes are available. A realtor can also give you valuable information on the best school systems, neighborhood appreciation trends and the true market value of any real estate that you are interested in. If you want to negotiate with buyers, a realtor can also help point out ways to strengthen your arguments. In a competitive market like northern Illinois, having a realtor will also make you seem like a serious and trustworthy buyer to the people who are looking to sell their homes.