According to a recent study from the personal finance outlet WalletHub.com, Illinois is 2025’s seventh best state to raise a family. The ideal state is one that’s affordable to live in, offers a high degree of safety and good job prospects, and demonstrates quality in education, health care and entertainment.

In this study, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 50 key indicators of family-friendliness. The data set includes factors like the median annual family income, housing affordability, health care quality, crime rate and school quality.

Illinois is ranked second for family fun, third for the highest median family income and seventh for the overall score.

For more information on this study, visit WalletHub.com.

Are you looking for a fun, cheap and family-friendly event this weekend? This Sunday, Feb. 23, check out the Southern Illinois Reptile Show in Marion, IL!

The show will include thousands of scaly animals for guests to observe, touch or even adopt! There will be reptiles, amphibians, mammals (including kangaroos) and more. Feeders and pet supplies will be available for those looking to treat their pets at home.

I Like Illinois is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting important historical museums and places across Illinois to uplift the rich African American culture and heritage in the state. From historic civil rights leaders to art and culture, there are many places across Illinois to immerse yourself in history and learn more about the contributions of African Americans in the state and the country.

The Bronzeville Neighborhood

Bronzeville, also known as the "Black Metropolis," was the center of African American culture and commerce in Chicago during the early-to-mid 20th century. It was home to influential African American leaders like Ida B. Wells, Louis Armstrong and Richard Wright. The neighborhood still has historic sites such as the "Victory Monument" honoring African American soldiers, and the former homes of famous figures.

Visiting Bronzeville gives you the chance to step into a historically rich area that was the birthplace of many cultural movements, from jazz to the Great Migration. Walking tours are available to explore the legacy of African American intellectuals, musicians and activists who helped define the area and the nation.

According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress report, Illinois ’eighth-graders outperformed the national average in both math and reading.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” is given every two years to a sample of America’s children. It is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of the U.S. school system. The most recent exam was administered in early 2024 in every state, testing fourth- and eighth-grade students on math and reading.

Topping off the achievement in Illinois, third- through eighth-graders showed the highest English proficiency rate to date.

Below are the detailed results of the exams:

• For the state’s fourth-graders, 59% performed at or above grade level in both math and reading, while 30% expressed proficiency.
• Taking a closer look, Illinois students did well in math, with 62% of eighth-graders performing at or above grade level and 32% at or above proficiency, a 6% percent increase since 2022.
• Fourth-graders also excelled in math, with 74% performing at grade level and 38% performing above proficiency.

This year, Illinois surpassed the national average, with only one state outperforming them. According to the report, 70% of eighth-graders performed at or above grade level while 33% of students achieved proficiency, which in the assessment is described as a more “aspirational” level of performance beyond grade level.

Did you know there is a 3,000 mile long road that follows the entirety of the Mississippi River? This scenic route winds all the way from Lake Itasca in Minnesota, to Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. Of all the territory the road covers, Illinois has by far the most picturesque stretch of the river.

Pro tip: the stretch of River Road between Alton and Grafton Illinois is unlike any other place in Illinois. This area is the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers. Complete with a full view of the Mississippi and towering white cliffs, you would hardly think you were in the Midwest. There are many memorable stops along the way including the Loading Dock, Pere Marquette State Park, Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower, and Historic Downtown Alton.