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Living in Urbana

What do you see in Urbana? Award-winning dining. Cutting-edge technology. World-class education. Gigabit-speed fiber network. Urbana is a city where artists, thinkers, and innovators thrive. And we’re just getting started!

Urbana boasts a history built on innovation. From the famed Morrow Plots, a National Historic Landmark, to the groundbreaking research conducted every day on the flagship campus of the University of Illinois, Urbana embraces creative thinking and diversity to drive innovation and advancement.

New to Urbana?

Connect with the Chambana Welcome Crew, a group of Ambassadors that are here to answer questions, share experiences, and ensure a smooth transition into our area.

You’ll never have to wonder “what to do” in Urbana!

There’s Market at the Square, one of the state’s largest farmers’ markets (and a beloved Saturday morning tradition), the Boneyard Arts Festival, the Ellnora Guitar Festival, and the Illinois Marathon, just to name a few. We’ve got festivals, celebrations, and events to pique every interest. Go here to see community attractions in the area. 

We’re connected to each other and the world thanks to an award-winning mass transit district, AMTRAK rail, a regional airport, and three major interstates. Prefer to get around on two wheels? We are proud to be the first Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community in Illinois.

Our West Urbana neighborhood has been named of the 10 Great Neighborhoods in America by the American Planning Association, and together with our twin city Champaign, we’ve been recognized as the Greatest Food Town in the Midwest by Midwest Living Magazine, as well as an AARP Age-Friendly Community.

Led by Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin, Urbana’s progressive values include civic engagement, celebrating entrepreneurs and innovators, smart growth, and transparent governance.

Award-winning schools, outstanding parks, a mosaic of diverse and engaged neighborhoods, a robust array of businesses located throughout the city, and reliable public services committed to the best possible quality of life for residents – all this makes Urbana a great place to live. Ours is a community where people can be successful from birth to their golden years.

We’ll see “U” in Urbana!