Champaign, Illinois (population 67,000; metro area 179,000) lies approximately
two hours south of Chicago in east central Illinois. Champaign and its adjoining
twin city, Urbana, owe their vibrant college-town atmosphere to the presence
of the University of Illinois, a top-ranking public university. Strong academic
programs attract outstanding faculty from across the globe and one of the
largest international student populations in the country. Champaign is also
home to Parkland College, an excellent community college. The city's public
schools include two new elementary school buildings. A Catholic high school is
the newest addition to a strong parochial school system.
Champaign offers an appealing combination of small-town affordability and ease
of access plus the cosmopolitan feel of a larger city with an abundance of
cultural and recreational amenities. With its range of park facilities and colorful
flower islands dotted across the city, the Champaign Park District has won
several national awards. Local educational diversions include a children's science
museum and the second largest art museum in Illinois. The Krannert Center for
the Performing Arts is widely recognized as one of the nation's premier art
complexes, hosting a diverse schedule of world-renowned performers. The best
popular entertainers, along with Big Ten sports, are featured at the University's
Assembly Hall.
A recent renaissance has transformed Champaign's downtown into a popular
destination for live music and eclectic dining. Community theatre is thriving, and
restoration work is underway on Champaign's historic Virginia Theatre, home to
Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival.
While the University is a major force in the community, Champaign gains
financial stability from a diverse industrial and economic base. The University's
National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) and a new research
park help provide an environment that is attractive to high technology
companies. The twin cities have two of the largest physician clinics outside the
Chicago area and are the major provider of medical services in the region.
