Champaign/Savoy/Mahomet Questions (Evanston, Madison: private schools, colleges, live)

[evoque]

Drove around a bit in Mahomet, Savoy, and Champaign today to get a feel for the area, as we are considering a move. I feel like I have a good visual representation of the 3 areas, but what can you tell me about the intangibles such as: 1. Political leanings of the townsfolk 2. Ease of meeting people and making friends 3. Best area for resale. We have junior high and high school kids who have been private schooled where we live now and would consider private schools in the area if we needed to. Thanks-

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by evoque

Drove around a bit in Mahomet, Savoy, and Champaign today to get a feel for the area, as we are considering a move. I feel like I have a good visual representation of the 3 areas, but what can you tell me about the intangibles such as: 1. Political leanings of the townsfolk 2. Ease of meeting people and making friends 3. Best area for resale. We have junior high and high school kids who have been private schooled where we live now and would consider private schools in the area if we needed to. Thanks-

The core of Champaign is a typical progressive college town, but certainly not as aggressively progressive as Madison, Ann Arbor, or Evanston. The area surrounding Champaign, including Mahomet and Savoy, are pretty conservative—very loyal Republican territory.

It's no more easier or difficult to meet others in Champaign than anywhere else. If you have a connection to one of the colleges or something along those lines, I imagine you'll meet a large group of people very quickly.

As far as property values, it's central Illinois; don't expect a large return on investment, if any. Go with the area where you feel most comfortable.