Downstate IL near STL is nice weather, pretty countryside, polite people. But we all talk a lot about leaving the state. Anytime you have to interface with the government it’s generally painful, unhelpful, sullen, and mean. Plus we all see nothing but higher taxes forever to feed the greed of Chicago and Springfield. If I could leave without getting financially nailed I would.
I can see your point. That does not make for a good atmosphere.