Why Illinois Residents Are Choosing Wisconsin

If you’ve been thinking about moving from Illinois to Wisconsin, you’re not alone. Thousands of Illinois residents are crossing the border each year, drawn by Wisconsin’s affordability, thriving communities, and welcoming lifestyle. At Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners, we’ve made it our mission to make that transition smooth and stress-free — from your first home search to the moment you unpack the last box.

📊 The Trend: Illinois Residents Moving North

According to recent migration data from the IRS and U.S. Census Bureau, more than 19,000 people moved from Illinois to Wisconsin in a single year, giving Wisconsin a net gain of over 7,600 residents.
Illinois continues to see population decline due to higher property taxes and cost of living, while Wisconsin offers lower housing costs, stable job growth, and a better quality of life for families and retirees alike.

In Southern Wisconsin — including Rock, Dane, and Walworth Counties — home prices remain competitive compared to Illinois suburbs. MLS data from Q3 2025 shows the median home price in Rock County averaging around $295,000, compared to $370,000+ in northern Illinois’ collar counties. For many Illinois families, that’s a powerful incentive to move north without sacrificing amenities.

🌳 Why Wisconsin Appeals to Illinois Buyers

More Home for Your Money: Larger lots, newer homes, and scenic neighborhoods.

Lower Taxes: Wisconsin’s average effective property tax rate is 1.25%, compared to Illinois’ 2.23% — one of the highest in the nation.

Lifestyle Upgrade: From lakes and trails to small-town charm, Wisconsin offers a better pace of life.

Proximity to Illinois Family & Work: Many buyers choose Southern Wisconsin towns like Janesville, Beloit, or Lake Geneva, where commuting back to Illinois is still convenient.

🧭 How Kevin Clark and the team at BHGRE Dream Partners Make Your Move Easy

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners, we specialize in helping Illinois homeowners relocate to Wisconsin with confidence.

Our 3-Step Relocation Process:

1. Personalized Consultation: Kevin Clark and the Real Estate Consultants at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners identify your goals, timing, and ideal Wisconsin communities.
2. Market Analysis: Using MLS insights, we compare your Illinois property value with potential Wisconsin homes, highlighting how much farther your budget can go.
3. Seamless Coordination: From referring your Illinois home to a great Illinois partnering listing agent to closing on your Wisconsin property, our team handles every detail — great collaboration, two states, zero stress.

👤 About BHGRE Dream Partners - Your Wisconsin Real Estate Brokerage Experts

Kevin Clark, Broker/Owner of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners and his team have helped hundreds of families move confidently. With deep roots in Wisconsin and years of experience in business, real estate and design, Kevin leads a team known for integrity, education, and personalized care.

He believes that moving from Illinois to Wisconsin isn’t just a change of address — it’s a chance to design a new chapter of life. His clients appreciate his market knowledge, problem-solving capabilities, communication, and ability to align lifestyle goals with the perfect property.

“My goal is to make every Illinois-to-Wisconsin move seamless, not just finding a house, but finding your perfect home,” says Kevin Clark.

🌟 Ready to Start Your Move?

If you’re planning to move from Illinois to Wisconsin, let Kevin and the team at BHGRE Dream Partners guide you.

We’ll prepare a custom relocation plan — including neighborhood comparisons, MLS listings, and moving resources — to help you make the transition with confidence.

📞 Contact us today at 608.480.8599
📍 Serving Southern Wisconsin: Rock County, Dane County, Walworth County, and beyond.