Top 41 College Towns You'll Want To Live In From Sea To Shining Sea

26. Champaign-Urbana, Illinois: Innovation Hub near Chicago

Champaign-Urbana, twin cities anchored by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a global leader in engineering and agricultural research, boasting a surprisingly international and innovative community. Its dynamic tech startup scene and diverse cultural offerings create a unique intellectual environment. Just a two-hour train ride away, Chicago provides access to a world-class metropolis with boundless opportunities in every sector, from finance and tech to arts and media. This pairing offers a fertile ground for academic excellence and a direct pipeline to one of America's largest and most dynamic cities.