Ali’s Journey – The differences between Wisconsin and Illinois

The differences between Wisconsin and Illinois.

Being born and raised in Wisconsin, we’ve tended to think certain things about our buffering states. Well, that kind of changed last year after moving to Illinois. Here’s the differences between Wisconsin and Illinois that we’ve noticed.

1. Driving. Yes, Illinois drivers on average tend to drive fast, however, they get the heck out of the left lane when someone is wanting to pass. They also tend to be very courteous and conscious drivers. Letting you in when you have your blinker on, multiple lanes stopping so you can cross traffic, and even moving up at a stop light so you can make a right hand turn. Surprisingly enough, we have found Illinois drivers to be better, more patient and kinder drivers than our Wisconsin drivers (sorry guys, just speaking the truth). Do note, that this is in the suburbs I am talking about, not downtown. 😉

2. Bumper Stickers. There are little to no political bumper stickers on cars in Illinois. In fact, there are hardly any bumper stickers on cars here at all. It’s quite refreshing.

3. People are friendlier. Sorry Wisconsin but this is just truth! Even though we’re only 2 hours from Madison, people ask you “how are you doing” instead of “hi” or not even looking or answering when you say “hi”. When you’re in line at TJ Maxx or Target people actually have conversations with you. When you check out at grocery stores or other stores, the check out people are friendly and talk to you as well. People are much more conversational and friendlier.

4. Go green Illinois. Sadly, Illinois could use some major work in this area. They are plastic happy! At Target they’d don’t even have paper bags for an option, only plastic. When I bring my own bags into the grocery store, I don’t get any sort of a credit for doing so. They’re a bit behind on this area and it’s quite sad and painful for me.

5. Sales tax is WONK. Insane in the membrane!!!!! In Plainfield where we live it’s 8.5%. In other counties it can be almost 11%.

6. Property taxes are insane. Illinois has the second highest property taxes in the entire United Sates of America.

7. Diversity. This has to be one of my favorite things! Growing up in a small town, which was all white and then moving to Madison for college and to raise Maxwell, I haven’t experienced much diversity in life. I’ve loved the people we’ve been blessed to meet, who are from so many different countries and backgrounds. It’s so refreshing to learn and be around people that have different upbringings, traditions and beliefs. I love it!

8. U-turns are legal. That’s right, at every light, you can make a U-turn. At every light I’ve been at, at least. It’s pretty great.

9. Beef and cheese. I have to admit, this is something I took for granted in Wisconsin. These are must haves in our home! Now I get it when people from other states talk about how great our beef and especially our cheese is. I just assumed you could get good cheese and beef anywhere. That is not a true statement. There is nothing like our cheese and I will forever be a cheesehead! 😉

It’s been fun to get the opportunity to compare the two states. I know that no matter where we live, there are pros and cons and there is no perfect place. A home IS where the heart is.

I’d be curious what you’ve observed when you’ve moved to a different state. Feel free to share below.

Shine Brightly,
Ali

Disclaimer: Please note that we live in the west suburbs of Illinois so I’m sure things differ based on where in Wisconsin and Illinois people live.