Relocating to Champaign-Urbana: A Local Guide to the Towns, Commutes and Buying a Home

One of the things I love most about helping people relocate is introducing them to the community I've called home for more than 25 years. I've sold real estate here for 18 of them, and I raised my three kids in Mahomet. Of course we'll look at homes and neighborhoods, but I also want to help you picture what everyday life here actually looks like. Where do people go for dinner? What does a Saturday morning look like? Where are the best parks, patios and coffee shops? Those are the things that make a place start feeling like home.

Why people move here

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the area's largest employer, and health care is close behind, led by Carle Health and OSF HealthCare. The University's Research Park brings in tech and research companies, and Bloomington-Normal is about 45 minutes away on I-74. Day to day, you get Big Ten sports, concerts and restaurants you'd expect in a bigger city, with commutes measured in minutes and a cost of living well below Chicago.

The five towns, side by side

Champaign

The largest city in the area, with about 92,000 people. It has the widest range of housing, from condos and older homes near downtown and campus to newer subdivisions on the south and west sides. If you want to be close to everything, start here. Schools are mostly Champaign Unit 4.

Urbana

Champaign's twin city, with about 40,000 people, home to much of the campus and the county seat. You'll find established, tree-lined neighborhoods, older homes with character, and Meadowbrook Park. Schools are Urbana District 116.

Mahomet

A small town about 15 minutes west on I-74, and one of the fastest-growing communities in the county. It went from about 9,400 people in the 2020 census to an estimated 10,600 in 2024. Many of the homes are in newer subdivisions with walking paths and ponds, and Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is right in town. This is where I live, and where I do most of my work. Schools are Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3. (See my Mahomet neighborhood guide.)

Savoy

A village of about 9,000 people just south of Champaign, close to Willard Airport and I-57. It's mostly newer construction and an easy drive to the south side of campus and Research Park. Savoy is split between school districts depending on the street, so check each address.

Monticello

A town of about 6,000 people and the county seat of Piatt County, about 25 minutes southwest of Champaign. It has a historic downtown square, a slower pace and Allerton Park nearby. Schools are Monticello CUSD 25, and taxes and prices are set by a different county, so compare carefully.

My local favorites

After more than 25 years here, these are the places I find myself recommending over and over again.

Favorite patio: Seven Saints or Nando Milano. Meeting friends for a glass of wine, a date night, or just sitting outside on a beautiful evening, these are two of my favorite spots in town.
Favorite walking trail: Lake of the Woods in Mahomet. One of my favorite places to walk and unwind. Beautiful scenery, walking trails, gardens, the covered bridge and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors.
Favorite date night: downtown Champaign. Honestly, it's hard to pick just one place. Downtown Champaign has a great mix of restaurants, cocktail bars, live music and energy.
Favorite summer event: Friday Night Live. Every Friday evening in the summer, downtown Champaign comes alive with free outdoor music, restaurants, patios and people enjoying the weather.
Favorite coffee: Mad Goat or The Lit. Two local favorites with great coffee and welcoming atmospheres. Perfect for meeting a friend, getting some work done or a slower morning.

A few more worth knowing

Eat: Big Grove Tavern for brunch or date night, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House for barbecue (get the burnt ends), Papa Del's for C-U's classic deep dish, and Maple & Yolk for a brunch worth the weekend wait.
Sweets: The Main Scoop, with old-fashioned ice cream in Urbana and right here in Mahomet, and Jarling's Custard Cup on a summer night.
Drinks: Yellow Rabbit, a hidden speakeasy in Urbana, and Riggs Beer Company's farm brewery and beer garden.
Outdoors: Meadowbrook Park's prairie paths, the boardwalk at Busey Woods, the free gardens at the UI Arboretum and Japan House, and the Kickapoo Rail Trail for biking and running.
Arts: Krannert Center for concerts, theater and dance, and shows at the Virginia Theatre, built in 1921.
Mark your calendar: Urbana's Market at the Square on Saturday mornings, Friday Night Live all summer, the Pygmalion Festival in September, and Curtis Orchard every fall.

What to budget for

Property taxes. The median effective rate in Champaign County is about 2.3%, more than double the national median. On a $450,000 home, that's roughly $10,000 a year. Rates vary by town and school district, so I'll pull the actual tax bill on any home you're serious about.
Taxes are paid a year behind. In Illinois, property taxes are paid in arrears. At closing, the seller credits you for the time they owned the home, and you pay the full bill when it comes due.
A real estate attorney. Most Illinois buyers hire one to review the contract and handle closing. It's a normal part of the process here, so plan for it.
HOA dues, in many newer subdivisions. They're usually modest, but ask what they cover.

Getting around

By car: about 2.5 hours to Chicago, 2 hours to Indianapolis and 3 hours to St. Louis. I-74, I-57 and I-72 all meet here.
By train: Amtrak runs several trains a day between Champaign and Chicago, about 2.5 hours each way.
By air: Willard Airport (CMI) in Savoy currently has American Airlines service to Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth. For more options, many people drive to Indianapolis or Chicago.
By bus: the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District covers Champaign, Urbana and Savoy.

Buying from out of town

Most relocating buyers do the first round from wherever they're living now. Here's how I make that work:

A call first. Your job location, commute, must-haves, budget and timeline. From that, I'll suggest which towns and neighborhoods to focus on.
Get pre-approved early with a lender who knows Illinois, so you can move quickly when the right house shows up.
Live video tours. I walk the house with you on video, including the things listing photos skip, like the street, the noise and what's next door.
One focused trip. Once we've narrowed it down, a weekend visit to see the top few in person.
Remote closing, if you need it. Inspections, attorney review and closing paperwork can usually be handled without you here.

If you're starting in the spring for a fall move, you're in good shape. Spring and summer bring the most homes to market, and the university calendar means a lot of rentals turn over in August if you'd rather rent first.

Local favorites are current as of October 2026. Hours and offerings change, so check before you go. Population figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau (2020 census and 2024 estimates). Property tax rates are county medians and vary by address. Airline service changes often, so check current flights before you plan around them.

Common questions

What towns are near Champaign-Urbana?

The most common choices are Champaign and Urbana themselves, Savoy just to the south, Mahomet about 15 minutes west on I-74, and Monticello about 25 minutes southwest in Piatt County. Each has its own school district, tax rate and feel, so it pays to compare them by address, not just by town.

How high are property taxes in Champaign County?

Higher than most of the country. The median effective rate in Champaign County is about 2.3% of a home's value, compared with roughly 1% nationally. On a $450,000 home, that's around $10,000 a year. The rate varies by town and school district, so check the actual tax bill on any home you're considering.

How far is Champaign from Chicago?

About 135 miles, or roughly two and a half hours by car. Amtrak also runs several trains a day between Champaign and Chicago's Union Station, and the trip takes about two and a half hours.

Is there an airport in Champaign-Urbana?

Yes. Willard Airport (CMI) in Savoy has commercial service, currently on American Airlines to Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth. Many people also drive to Indianapolis or Chicago for more flight options.

Which school district is a Champaign-area home in?

It depends on the address, not just the town. Champaign is mostly Unit 4, Urbana is District 116, Mahomet is Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3, and Monticello is CUSD 25. Savoy is split between districts depending on the street. Always confirm the district for the specific address.

Can I buy a home in Champaign-Urbana without visiting first?

Yes. Many relocating buyers start with live video tours and a short in-person trip once they've narrowed it down. Inspections, attorney review and closing can usually be handled remotely if needed.

When is the best time to move to Champaign-Urbana?

Spring and summer bring the most homes to market, and the university calendar shapes the rental market, with many leases turning over in August. If you're relocating for a fall start date, begin your search in late winter or early spring if you can.

Moving here? Let's talk it through.

Tell me where you're working and what matters to you, and I'll tell you which towns and neighborhoods I'd look at first. It's a no-pressure call, and you'll walk away with a plan.

Contact Molly

Or call or text 217-493-6200.