Not sure what the definition of plentiful is but Chicago is a great city and housing is far less expensive than other cities of similar size and with lots of stuff to do/eat. Doesn't have mountains or coastal California weather, so you win some you lose some. Seasons are nice though.

And the residents complain of high property taxes. They may not realise the blessing.

Better than prop 13. Also, Illinois has lower state sales and income tax than California (not as low as other places though).