Savoy has a small-town feel and access to big-city life
Savoy was once rural farmland on the southern edge of Champaign, but over time, it grew into a full-fledged suburban village. Today, Savoy is home to around 9,000 people, several parks and everything from an IMAX movie theater to a bowling alley. “Many people like its green space and trees — you don’t have the stress of downtown living,” says Todd Salen, the managing broker of The Real Estate Group, who has lived near Savoy for more than 35 years. “It’s next to a big city, but it has a very small-town feel.” The village has a few shopping plazas, and there are plans in the works to add a walkable downtown area.
Outdoor and indoor recreation in Savoy
The Dana Colbert Park is one of Savoy’s most popular green spaces. The 55-acre park offers picnic pavilions, large open fields and a stocked fishing lake. “There’s even a sled hill for when we get our snow,” Salen says. There are several smaller community parks with playgrounds, and the Savoy Recreation Center has an indoor gymnasium and a fitness room.
Golfers can choose between the two 18-hole courses at the University of Illinois Orange and Blue Course, which is open to the public. Old Orchard Lanes and Links has a mini-golf course and tenpin bowling, and Skateland offers an arcade and laser tag in addition to its roller-skating rink. Residents can also watch new releases at The Savoy 16 + IMAX with Laser.
Housing variety with a median around $350,000
The median housing price in Savoy is around $350,000, which is higher than Champaign’s median but lower than the national figure. “Savoy has both neighborhoods that are well-developed and older and some new ones,” Salen says. “Lots of new homes continue to be built there on a regular basis.”
The village has a few 1900s farmhouses, midcentury ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals from the 1980s and ‘90s. Newly built houses usually incorporate Colonial Revival or Craftsman design elements and have front-facing garages. Single-family homes generally list between $200,000 and $700,000, and newer builds tend to occupy the upper end of the range. Condos and townhouses may sell from around $150,000 to $500,000.
School choice and the benefits of a nearby university
Students can attend schools within the Champaign Unit 4 School District, which earns a B-plus on Niche. The district offers school choice — families can rank their top schools, and students are assigned based on proximity, socioeconomic status and a variety of other factors. Salen says that Carrie Busey Elementary School is often a top selection for parents. Carrie Busey rates an A-minus, and it’s a “proximity school” for some Savoy residents.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus is just a few miles north of the village, and it’s not only a major employer and a popular college, but also a valuable amenity for locals. “The university provides access to big-time football and basketball, rock concerts, performing arts and ballet,” Salen says. “Savoy doesn’t need much because the university offers so much.” Adults aged fifty and older can take classes through the university’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, also known as OLLI. Course topics sometimes include jazz guitar, cryptography and yoga.
Variety of restaurant choices and some retail
Savoy has a fairly standard selection of national restaurant chains, including Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, as well as several locally owned dining spots. At Star BBQ, diners can cook their choice of marinated meats on the in-table grills or opt for hearty Korean stews and noodle dishes. People who are craving American comfort food sometimes head to Old Orchard Lanes and Links for their lunch specials, Salen says. “Some days, they have meat loaf, and on others, it’s lasagna or noodles. It’s like grandma’s home cooking.” Craft beer lovers can sample sours and stouts at Triptych Brewing, along Woodfield Drive. The village’s retail and grocery stores include Schnucks, Aldi and a Walmart Supercenter. The Market Place Shopping Center, a large indoor mall, is in Champaign, about 6 miles away.
Cars, buses and other logistics
Savoy provides access to several modes of transportation, but car travel is the most common. U.S. Route 45, a four-lane highway, bisects the community, connecting drivers to downtown Champaign and nearby interstates. Residents can also ride Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, or MTD, buses. MTD’s yellow route winds through Savoy and Champaign, with stops near the university campus and Market Place Mall.
The Willard Airport, just west of the village, provides convenient access to flights to Chicago or Dallas. Freight and passenger trains come through Savoy as well, and the closest Amtrak station is about 4 miles north, in central Champaign. Emergency and inpatient care is available around 6 miles away at the Carle Foundation Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center.
An annual art fair, plus community gatherings in Colbert Park
In November, regional artists and makers bring their works to the art fair, which is often held at the Savoy Recreation Center. Many other gatherings take place in Colbert Park, Salen says. “They have cultural community events, concerts geared toward adults and activities for youth.” Past events have included a Juneteenth celebration and vintage baseball games.
I have been with Keller Williams since 2006 and have served in a variety of roles. I have a passion for helping people find the place they will call home. From first time home buyers or seniors downsizing, I use a combination of expertise and care to guide you through each step of the process, keeping your needs as a top priority. I am also passionate about collaborating with sellers to help them achieve their goals and maximize their success. As a native of the area, growing up in Philo, IL, I have extensive knowledge of the neighborhoods, surrounding areas and the culture of Champaign-Urbana. I have expanded my expertise to Georgia to help clients in Peachtree City, Newnan, Sharpsburg, and the surrounding areas. I have a passion for continuing education for all things real estate related so I can be the best advocate for all my clients. When not selling houses, I enjoy traveling, boating and spending time with my family.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
