Hi all, I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $199,700 on average. The median home value here is around $199,700, which is actually reasonable. Household incomes average around $57,544 in Champaign. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Let me know your thoughts. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
24 upvotes
11 Replies
tucsonmind2020
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Ezekiel J.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Ella Cook
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
austin_aiden
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Aubrey Morgan
I'm a HR manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Emilia G.
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
21 upvotes
miamipapa2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Melanie Wood
great question, following
17 upvotes
Mark S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
13 upvotes
Luna Bennett
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The nightlife is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
Claire Smith
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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