Moving from LA to Urbana-Champaign (Mahomet, Savoy: real estate, condos, to buy)

[lindenlu]

My wife got a faculty position in UIUC so we plan to move to Urbana-Champaign in June. We currently live in LA(actually Irvine, CA, about 40miles to downtown LA). We both came to US from China in 1997. We have a 2 year old boy and another baby boy due in July. We'd like to know how it feels to live around UIUC, where's the best place to buy a house, what you can do in weekends(for both adults and children), is there a diversified culture? I'm a software developer(mainly working on Java programming), are there job opportunities for me nearby? Any of your response will be very appreciated. Thanks in advance. - Linden

[Dominik]

lindenlu,

I have been living in Champaign-Urbana area for about 6 years. I went to UIUC for 4 years studying computer science and mathematics. Now I run a small internet related business from my condo here. Since UIUC is such a large school, it's mostly the students that make this twin city (Champaign and Urbana) come alive, especially the business district around Green street. I'm 24 so I don't know much about raising a family here. But there is a very nice park very close to where I live with bike trails and play areas for the kids, and the park is filled with sculptures and statues. It seems like the city spent a lot of money on it. The city has many gyms and fitness areas. (I know because my brother is a personal trainer and he has worked at many of them)

Wolfram Research ( http://www.wolfram.com/ ) is based from here so maybe you could get a software job with them. The Urbana area seems to be growing fast and there's a lot of new housing development so you won't have trouble finding a house. If you have any more questions email me at dominikm (a t) gmail.com

Thanks,

Dominik

[Elwood]

Champaign-Urbana is a great place and the University is a large part of that. Sad thing is, the public schools in town are a train wreck in comparison to the schools in the small towns just minutes away.

For the best in public schools in Champaign county, check out the small towns of Mahomet, St. Joseph, Philo, Fisher, Tolono and Savoy.

All are basically bedroom communities of C/U with not much in them, but they are all within 10 minutes of C/U, boast excellent schools, great growth, real estate opportunities and small town living with the convienences of the city just a few minutes away.

Best of luck and GO ILLINI!!

[decision]

Hi Linden, congradulations to your wife. I personally do not know too much about CU but I do have a Condo there and can put you in touch with a nice lady realtor if you like. There is a one year old building at one Main in champaign that has one floor dedicated to condos and one floor is a software game company I believe. Very secure building with indoor parking under the building. About 1 mile or so from the north end of the school. The building is in the heart of champaign. Very diversified on campus. Many asians If you want the Realtors name or more info on the condos just email me.

Hope this helps