Located 120 miles south of Chicago and 180 miles east of St. Louis, Champaign-Urbana is ideally situated for those who want to take advantage of a less hectic lifestyle, yet be only a short drive from the amenities of the city. Together, Champaign and Urbana form the equivalent of a medium-sized city, which has a unique blend of a high-energy university environment, traditional agriculture, and high-tech opportunity. Newsweek magazine named Champaign-Urbana (CU) one of the world's top 10 hot new tech cities in 1998, and the cutting-edge pace hasn't let up since. Champaign-Urbana continues to expand its technological horizons with innovative community development efforts such as techCommUnity and the new Research Park development directed by the University of Illinois. Geared toward further enhancement of the research and development elements of technology, the Research Park initiative also will promote recruitment and retention of high-tech companies in the area. In addition to boasting a university renowned internationally as a leader in computer science and engineering education, CU is also home to Parkland College, a community college that has been nationally recognized for excellence in education.

A booming economy, a commitment to workforce development, and a growing high-tech presence aren't the only reasons to make the Champaign-Urbana area home. There's also the excellent quality of life. Forget metro traffic congestion and enjoy your commute in a community that offers affordable housing, cultural diversity, superior medical facilities, award-winning public schools, and entertainment excellence. Both the University of Illinois Assembly Hall and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts provide CU with exceptional events year-round. Museums, parks, restaurants, nightlife, and other local attractions add to the CU experience We invite you to take a look at the Champaign-Urbana area yourself by checking out our links to key aspects of one of the hottest tech communities around.