Champaign vs. Urbana vs. Savoy vs. Mahomet: Where Should You Live?

If you're planning a move to the Champaign-Urbana area, choosing the right community can be just as important as choosing the right house.

Four locations frequently come up in our conversations with buyers: Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, and Mahomet.

They're close enough that you can easily work, shop, dine, or spend time throughout the area, but each community offers a different home-buying experience.

So, which one is right for you?

There's no universal answer. It depends on what you're looking for. Here's a closer look at each to help you narrow down your search.

New to the area? Start with our Complete Guide to Moving to Champaign-Urbana  →  CLICK HERE FOR OUR COMPLETE MOVING GUIDE

Champaign: Variety and Convenience

If having a wide range of housing, shopping, dining, and entertainment nearby is high on your list, start with Champaign.

Because of its size, Champaign offers tremendous variety in real estate. Depending on the area, buyers can find older homes with character, established subdivisions, newer developments, condos, townhomes, and new construction.

Champaign is also home to a vibrant downtown and provides convenient access to the University of Illinois, interstate travel, shopping, restaurants, parks, and entertainment.

Champaign may be a good fit if you want:

• A broad selection of housing
  
  
• Convenient shopping and restaurants
  
  
• Easy access to I-57, I-72, or I-74
  
  
• Proximity to the University of Illinois
  
  
• Both established and newer neighborhoods
  
  
• A more urban or suburban setting depending on the neighborhood

The biggest thing to remember is that "Champaign" encompasses a lot of different areas. Don't judge the entire city based on one neighborhood.

Explore homes for sale in Champaign → CLICK HERE TO VIEW CHAMPAIGN HOMES FOR SALE 

Urbana: Character and Campus Access

Although Champaign and Urbana sit side by side, they don't feel identical.

Urbana is known for established neighborhoods, mature trees, architectural character, parks, local businesses, and its connection to the University of Illinois.

Depending on where you look, you'll find historic homes, mid-century properties, traditional neighborhoods, condos, and newer construction.

Urbana is also home to Carle Foundation Hospital and provides convenient access to much of the University of Illinois campus.

Urbana may be a good fit if you want:

• Established neighborhoods
  
  
• Mature trees and older homes
  
  
• Proximity to UIUC
  
  
• Convenient access to Carle
  
  
• Parks and green space
  
  
• A community with plenty of local character
  
  

If you're moving to the area for a position at the University or in healthcare, Urbana should definitely be part of your home search.

Explore homes for sale in Urbana → CLICK HERE TO VIEW URBANA HOMES FOR SALE

Savoy: Close to C-U With a Community of Its Own

Savoy sits directly south of Champaign and is easy to miss if you're unfamiliar with the area. Don't overlook it!

Savoy provides convenient access to Champaign, the University of Illinois, Research Park, Carle at the Fields, Willard Airport, shopping, and restaurants.

Savoy has experienced significant development over the years and offers a mixture of housing options.

Savoy may be a good fit if you want:

• Close proximity to Champaign
  
  
• Convenient access to UIUC and Research Park
  
  
• A smaller community adjacent to the twin cities
  
  
• Access to parks and trails
  
  
• Convenient airport access
  
  
• A mix of established and newer housing
  
  

For relocating buyers, Savoy can provide an interesting middle ground between living directly in Champaign-Urbana and moving farther into one of the surrounding communities.

Explore homes for sale in Savoy → CLICK HERE TO VIEW SAVOY HOMES FOR SALE

Mahomet: Growing Community Outside C-U

Travel northwest from Champaign, and you'll reach Mahomet.

Mahomet has experienced considerable growth, with residential development that includes established homes, newer subdivisions, and new construction.

It also offers easy access to outdoor recreation, including forest preserves and parks.

Living in Mahomet does mean adding a commute for many people who work in Champaign-Urbana, so that's something to consider carefully.

Mahomet may be a good fit if you want:

• A community outside Champaign-Urbana
  
  
• Newer subdivisions and new construction options
  
  
• Access to outdoor recreation
  
  
• A small-town setting with continued residential growth
  
  
• More distance from the activity surrounding campus
  
  

For some buyers, the commute is a worthwhile trade-off. For others, staying closer to Champaign-Urbana makes more sense.

Explore homes for sale in Mahomet → CLICK HERE TO VIEW MAHOMET HOMES FOR SALE

What About St. Joseph and Other Nearby Towns?

These four communities aren't your only choices.

Depending on your needs, we may also suggest looking at St. Joseph, Philo, Tolono, Sidney, Pesotum, Monticello, or other nearby communities.

Expanding your search can sometimes open the door to different home styles, lot sizes, price points, and settings.

That's why we recommend choosing your search area based on your actual priorities rather than simply selecting a city name on a real estate website.

Explore homes for sale in St. Joseph and surrounding areas → CLICK HERE TO VIEW HOME FOR SALE

Where Should I Live If I Work at the University of Illinois?

Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy can all provide convenient access to the University, depending on where on campus you work.

Mahomet and surrounding communities can also be realistic options for buyers who don't mind a longer drive.

Before deciding, consider making the commute during the time of day you'll actually be traveling. Ten miles on a map doesn't always tell you everything you need to know.

Where Should I Live If I Work at Carle?

It depends on which Carle location you'll be working at.

Carle has facilities throughout the area, so don't assume you need to live in Urbana simply because you're relocating for a Carle position.

Tell your real estate agent exactly where you'll be working and how long you'd like your commute to be. That can help determine which communities make the most sense to include.

Which Area Has the Newest Homes?

New construction and newer subdivisions can be found throughout the greater Champaign-Urbana area, but availability changes constantly.

Mahomet, Savoy, Champaign, Urbana, and surrounding communities may all have newer homes or active developments at any given time.

Rather than limiting yourself to one city, tell your agent that newer construction is a priority and search accordingly.

Is Champaign or Urbana Better?

We get variations of this question frequently; the answer is neither.

They're different, and "better" depends entirely on you!

A buyer who loves an older home surrounded by mature trees may have completely different priorities from someone who wants a newer subdivision and modern floor plan.

Your commute, budget, preferred home style, desired lot size, and proximity to the places you visit regularly should all factor into the decision.

Don't Choose the Town Before You Know the Area

One of the advantages of working with buyers who are relocating is getting to introduce them to places they may never have considered.

You may start your search convinced you need to live in Champaign and end up loving Urbana. Or you might arrive thinking you'll live near campus and realize you'd rather have more distance from it.

That's normal! Explore first.

Once you've narrowed down where you'd like to live, learn more about the Champaign-Urbana home-buying process  → CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT THE HOME BUYING PROCESS IN CHAMPAIGN-URBANA

Not Sure Which Community Fits You Best?

That's completely normal, especially if you're new to the Champaign-Urbana area.

Tell us what you're looking for in a home, where you'll be commuting, your approximate budget, and what's most important to you. The Gallivan Group can help you compare your options and build a home search that includes the communities that make the most sense for you.

Let's find your place in Champaign-Urbana → CLICK HERE TO CONNECT WITH US!

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Live Near Champaign-Urbana

Is it better to live in Champaign or Urbana?

Neither city is universally better than the other. The right choice depends on the type of home you're looking for, your commute, budget, preferred location, and lifestyle. Because Champaign and Urbana border each other, many buyers include both cities in their initial home search.

How far is Mahomet from Champaign?

Mahomet is located northwest of Champaign and is within commuting distance for many people who work in the Champaign-Urbana area. Your actual commute will depend on where you live in Mahomet and where you're traveling in C-U, so it's helpful to consider your daily route before choosing a home.

Is Savoy part of Champaign?

No. Savoy is its own village located directly south of Champaign. Its location provides convenient access to Champaign, the University of Illinois, Research Park, Willard Airport, and other parts of the Champaign-Urbana area.

Where should I live if I work at the University of Illinois?

Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy can all provide convenient access to the University of Illinois. Mahomet and other surrounding communities may also be options if you're comfortable with a longer commute. Your preferred home style, budget, and lifestyle can help determine which area makes the most sense.

Where can I find newer homes near Champaign?

Newer subdivisions and construction can be found throughout Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, Mahomet, and other surrounding communities. Inventory changes frequently, so buyers looking specifically for newer construction should search across multiple communities rather than limiting themselves to one city.

What other towns should I consider near Champaign-Urbana?

Depending on your needs, communities such as St. Joseph, Philo, Tolono, Sidney, Pesotum, and Monticello may also be worth exploring. Expanding your search can give you additional options for location, home style, lot size, and price.