Where Chicagoans would move if they left Illinois
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A majority of you would head for the Hollywood Hills — if you decided to leave Chicago (and Illinois).
What's happening: In our Axios Chicago survey last week, 18% of the 460 respondents picked California as their top destination. The warmth, beautiful nature, and the ocean all added up for readers.
Why it matters: Our survey is hardly scientific, but it appears to track with recent migration trends.
State of play: Florida topped the states for Illinois residents to move, according to an analysis of 2022 data by MoveBuddha.
- The new data says Illinois residents are also moving to Texas and California.
Yes, but: While California and Florida also scored big in our survey, Texas received only six votes.
Zoom in: California-loving respondents called out the state's "warm climate" and "outdoor activities," choosing places from San Diego up to the redwood forests.
- One reader who picked Los Angeles did so because it has "access to outdoor activities and better climate, entertainment and food."
- San Francisco "demonstrates concern for the environment," one respondent wrote.
By the numbers: Colorado came in second place with 10% of readers, with nearby Michigan coming in third.
- Just missing the top 10: Maine, South Carolina and Massachusetts.