Why Live in Downtown Champaign
Downtown Champaign has evolved from a 19th-century railroad stop into a lively city center with a rich arts scene and restored storefronts housing locally owned eateries. The neighborhood features a mix of commercial corridors and residential streets lined with condo complexes and early 20th-century homes. Residents appreciate the walkability to bars, shops, restaurants, and the nearby University of Illinois campus. Popular things to do include visiting the Blind Pig Brewery, The Literary coffee shop and bookstore, and dining at diverse restaurants like La Bahia and Sticky Rice. The area is highly walkable and bikeable, with easy access to specialty food stores and a County Market for grocery essentials. Downtown Champaign hosts numerous events, such as the Street Fest, Friday Night Live, and the Parade of Lights, fostering a strong sense of community. Architectural styles range from small bungalows to Dutch Colonials and American Foursquares, with homes often situated close together along brick-paved streets. West Side Park offers a gated playground, walking trails, and art sculptures, while the Virginia Theatre provides entertainment with classic movies and live performances. Public transportation is convenient with the Illinois Terminal housing Amtrak, Greyhound, and local bus stops. Willard Airport is about 6 miles south, and major interstates provide easy access to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Students attend schools in the Champaign Unit 4 School District, with Booker T. Washington STEM Academy and Central High School being highly rated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Champaign a good place to live?
Downtown Champaign is a good place to live. Downtown Champaign is considered very walkable and very bikeable with good transit options. Downtown Champaign has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 37. The average household income is $96,839 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 64.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Champaign are renters, with 82.1% of residents renting and 17.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Champaign can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Champaign neighborhood guide.
Is Downtown Champaign, IL a safe neighborhood?
Downtown Champaign, IL is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Champaign?
The median home price in Downtown Champaign is $484,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $96,900 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,510 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $108K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Champaign. The average household income in Downtown Champaign is $97K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Champaign?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Champaign are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown Champaign?
The best private schools that serve Downtown Champaign are:
- Academy High has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 4.8.
- Judah Christian School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 8:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
- Holy Cross Elementary School has a student teacher ratio of 11:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Champaign, Champaign, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Champaign, Champaign, IL?
Are home prices dropping in Downtown Champaign?
Yes, home prices in Downtown Champaign are down 44% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Downtown Champaign, IL
On average, homes in Downtown Champaign, Champaign sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Champaign, Champaign over the last 12 months is $484,500, down 43% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$484,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$484,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$499,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$271
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Median List Price
$484,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-43%