Discover 9 Communities Near Champaign-Urbana, IL
Find your perfect home and neighborhood in this central Illinois region.
The Champaign-Urbana metro is a magnet for people in every stage of life. Think students living here while attending the University of Illinois’ flagship campus, young and seasoned professionals working in key industries like health care, education and ag tech, and parents raising their families in a safe, affordable and fun environment.
Regardless of what draws people to the region, the various communities encircling Champaign-Urbana, IL, make it easy for everyone to find their perfect home and neighborhood.
“We have this little radius of towns that are all close, and they give people lots of options when they are looking for a home,” says Barb Gallivan, broker and lead listing specialist for The Gallivan Group. “Some are very close, others are a little farther out, and you can really pick and choose the right spot for you depending on what you’re looking for at that point in your life.”
PJ Trautman, designated managing broker and certified appraiser with Trautman Real Estate Agency & Appraisal, adds that when looking for a home and neighborhood, people should start by making a list of their priorities.
“For someone who wants to be in the center of it all, Champaign-Urbana is the best choice,” Trautman says. “The countless festivals, events and activities for an individual or family are sure to offer something everyone will like.”
To find your perfect home and neighborhood in and around the region, read ahead to learn about nine communities near Champaign-Urbana, IL.
In This Article
1. Mahomet
Small-town charm is abundant in this village of approximately 10,000, along with shopping and dining establishments that you’d expect to find in larger cities. A local favorite is Chophouse on Main, which serves everything from steak and pork chops to seared scallops and grilled salmon. The Mahomet-Seymour Community Schools system is a big draw for parents, while others make their way to Mahomet for its outdoor recreation options. It is home to three forest preserves, the Lake of the Woods Golf Course and 10 parks that combine to offer more than 100 acres of open space.
2. Savoy
Home to nearly 9,000 people, Savoy is a growing village that’s known for its pretty outdoor spaces, like Burwash Park, as well as its thriving business community including the popular Triptych Brewing. It’s less than a 10-minute drive to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, making it a great place for university employees to reside. Plus, it’s home to the University of Illinois-Willard Airport, which offers nonstop flights to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
3. St. Joseph
Also a short drive from the university is St. Joseph, a small, inviting village with friendly residents. The community, which is home to approximately 3,700 people, offers amenities like the Kickapoo Rail Trail and St. Joseph Community Sports Complex-Woodard Family Park as well as various restaurants, like the acclaimed farm-to-table destination, The Wheelhouse, just off the bike trail.
4. Paxton
Swedish charm is the order of the day in Paxton near Ten Mile Grove, a stop along the Ottawa Trail, which was used by settlers in the early 1800s. Paxton traces its roots to the mid-1800s, incorporating in 1871. It is noted for its older homes and notable structures, like the Paxton Carnegie Public Library that was built in 1903. Residents love the community’s annual events, such as the Swine ’N Dine BBQ Contest & Festival and Old-Fashioned 4th of July. The city’s population is approximately 4,500.
5. Monticello
Another community with roots going back about two centuries is Monticello, which offers beautiful tree-lined residential streets dotted with historic homes (some of which have underground passageways) and carriage houses. Roughly 6,000 people reside in Monticello. The city hosts a regular farmers market on Thursdays from June through October, and it is home to the 1,500-acre Allerton Park & Retreat Center.
6. Tuscola
Approximately 4,700 people live in Tuscola, a city situated in Illinois Amish Country. It boasts historic homes, a selection of boutique and antique stores, and Ironhorse Golf Club’s championship golf course. Plus, the city has a calendar full of community events, like Tuscola Halloween Boo Bash.
7. Arcola
Arcola, which dates back to the 1800s, claims John Barton Gruelle, the creator of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy, who was born there in 1880. It’s also home to Aikman Wildlife Adventure, a drive-through park that allows visitors to see multiple animals, and the world’s only Hippie Memorial, which measures approximately 62 feet long. During the right season, you can also catch the Lawn Rangers, a precision lawn mower drill team, who are a highlight of the Arcola Broomcorn Festival Parade, held the weekend after Labor Day. The city is home to about 3,000 people.
8. Arthur
Known as the heart of Illinois Amish Country, Arthur draws visitors from around the world to experience its slow and serene approach to life. Visitors and residents alike enjoy handcrafted offerings from local artisans as well as delicious cuisine. For example, Arthur is home to Yoder’s Kitchen, which serves comfort-food favorites, like country-fried steak and smothered grilled chicken. Approximately 2,300 people live in Arthur.
9. Sullivan
Sullivan, which has a population of approximately 4,400, is known for playing host to Abraham Lincoln, who spoke there during the Illinois U.S. senate campaign against Stephen A. Douglas in 1858. Today, the city is home to solid schools, plenty of green space, and Lake Shelbyville. Residents can also enjoy the impressive productions at The Little Theatre on the Square and the Sullivan Farmers Market, held on Wednesdays from May through August.
“Any of these communities is a great place to raise a family and build a career,” Gallivan says. “My family came to the area in the early 1960s when my dad took a job at the university. We only planned to stay a couple of years, and we’re still here.”
This article was sponsored by Experience Champaign-Urbana.