Champaign, IL

Situated in east-central Illinois, the metropolitan area of Champaign-Urbana has much to offer potential residents. 

For starters, it’s home to The University of Illinois, which annually enrolls nearly 56,000 students and employs thousands. And the university’s impact trickles down to many lesser-known facets of life in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. 

For example, Champaign has the second-largest international population in the country thanks to the university, which welcomes more than 11,000 international students and scholars spanning 110 countries every year. That international population flavors everything from the cuisine to the friendly, welcoming vibe.

Indeed, Champaign-Urbana is known as one of the best areas in Illinois to grab a bite to eat — it retains the title of Midwest Living’s Greatest Midwest Food town. 

The availability of student talent, resources like the University of Illinois Research Park and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation and a central location also make Champaign-Urbana a great place to launch a start-up.

One of Champaign county’s biggest draws is its  affordable cost of living (29% lower than Chicago, 7% lower than Indianapolis and 5% lower than Peoria), which makes it easy for newcomers or the U of I alumni to buy a home and nestle into the community. 

If you’re looking to plant roots, Champaign–Urbana’s impressive school systems, diverse community and many parks are just a few of the countless reasons why it’s a great place to raise a family.

And whether you have a young family or are looking for a place to launch your career, Champaign-Urbana has lots of affordable things to do. For outdoor enthusiasts or art and history buffs, there’s a multitude of ways to keep yourself occupied — from the many galleries, museums, parks, and trails to a few unexpected activities and destinations, too. The Krannert Art Museum, for example, is the second largest art facility in Illinois.
Read on to learn more about what makes Champaign a great place to live.