Centennial vs. Central High School/Champaign, IL

[molliecat1]

Thanks once again for all of your input---it is appreciated. The idea of moving (due to a job loss) is nothing we expected. We come from a conservative area, with high standards academically, and it would seem that the 3 are more like what we are used to. Monticello seems like a nice area, but may be a bit of a drive to a job in Urbana. St. Joseph and Mahomet seem very small, with not alot to do in either town.
We believe we will need to lease 1st, since we will make very little on our home sale---and would like to see 1st hand what areas we like best. St. Joseph looks like there is little or shall I say--NO home/condo leasing opportunities from what I have seen...due to this we probably can't settle there.

This leaves Mahomet, which actually HAS leases available---as one realtor put it, "due to the transient nature of the area." Which sounds like people move in, but don't stay? The area seems to lack some neighborhood planning, unless you pay the BIG BIG $$$$. The zerolots are amongst one-family homes, which may be next to a trailer park, with condos thrown in down a side street here and there...just seems very scattered.

They all seem to have little or no downtown area either...perhaps these neighborhood areas and schools have a better sense of community than Champaign?

The southwest side of Champaign LOOKS fairly appealing, but again----we have tough school decision....perhaps we must consider Judah Christian.

Thanks, and again, anything else you come up with, we truly appreciate!!!

Have a good one!

[oneluckymug]

Originally Posted by molliecat1

Thanks once again for all of your input---it is appreciated. The idea of moving (due to a job loss) is nothing we expected. We come from a conservative area, with high standards academically, and it would seem that the 3 are more like what we are used to. Monticello seems like a nice area, but may be a bit of a drive to a job in Urbana. St. Joseph and Mahomet seem very small, with not alot to do in either town.
We believe we will need to lease 1st, since we will make very little on our home sale---and would like to see 1st hand what areas we like best. St. Joseph looks like there is little or shall I say--NO home/condo leasing opportunities from what I have seen...due to this we probably can't settle there.

I graduated from Mahomet, but I think when I move back I will look at Monticello first for a wide variety of reasons. If you can do the drive, that would be where I would suggest. See, here in Asheville, you will drive 30 minutes to get anywhere because everything is so spread out. When I was in Charlotte, it was 1 hour everywhere. So a 35 minute drive from Monticello wouldn't seem like a big deal. I can understand why some wouldn't want to do it. St. Joe hasn't had the growth of some of the other areas.

This leaves Mahomet, which actually HAS leases available---as one realtor put it, "due to the transient nature of the area." Which sounds like people move in, but don't stay? The area seems to lack some neighborhood planning, unless you pay the BIG BIG $$$$. The zerolots are amongst one-family homes, which may be next to a trailer park, with condos thrown in down a side street here and there...just seems very scattered.

There are a lot of decent areas in Mahomet that are older homes, but not run down. If you head west of the schools down state street or Rt. 150 to Timberview there are some areas that are more middle of the road for your typical budget. There are also a lot of homes in the country that are in the school district but you save on city taxes and a lot on $$$. The only trailer park I can think of is out by Lake of the Woods. That is the only area I can think of I would stay away from. Although not technically in Mahomet it is the school district.

They all seem to have little or no downtown area either...perhaps these neighborhood areas and schools have a better sense of community than Champaign?

There is a much better sense of community. There are a lot of activities for the kids and the community gets very involved, even during the summer. One thing you need to remember is a lot of the surrounding communities around Champaign are bedroom communites. They have close to zero crime, great schools, not many business.....but are designed that way. Champaign is only 8 minutes from Mahomet, Urbana is about 8 from St. Joe, and some of the other towns are a little further. So they are designed so you can lively safely in a nice community but still have the comforts of a larger city close by.

The southwest side of Champaign LOOKS fairly appealing, but again----we have tough school decision....perhaps we must consider Judah Christian.

Thanks, and again, anything else you come up with, we truly appreciate!!!

Have a good one!

For some cheaper options......Mansfield. It's 5 miles farther from Champaign, and I think Blue Ridge is a decent school district but you will have to look that up. Another possiblilty for school districts would be gibson city (GCMS) and PBL. Both have decent schools and are much cheaper. Gibson City is a 35 minute drive as well, but if you check out the homes, there are some wonderful homes for a great price. I don't remember much about their downtown, but they have a good German eatery in the town and the only drive through (if it's still open) in the area and it's well run. PaxtonBuckleyLoda is a decent school district as well. I have never been there though. If you like want cheaper waterfront property Loda has some good homes. I currently am in Asheville. Great food, known for its downtown, great surrounding area for active lifestyles. There is a lot do here and people pay top dollar for it. However, I am getting ready to raise a family and so I want to move back to central Illinois specifically because the schools are great, the communities are great, no crime!!!, and you are a weekend trip from St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Chicago for all the culture you want....and you can live in the safety of a wonderful small town during the week.

[molliecat1]

Many thanks again! We will continue to pursue all avenues in the Champaign area. We have faith that the best possible outcome will reveal itself. Best of luck to you moving back to the area!!!