These 2 Illinois Cities Ranked In 2020 Top 100 Best Places To Live

Two Illinois cities were ranked as some of the 100 Best Places to Live in America.

Livability.com conducts annual surveys and studies to compile the rankings into a list, whittled down to the top 100 from more than 1,000 considered, the data hub explains.

But, like in many other ways, 2020 prompted a bit of a shakeup.

Researchers had to consider open-ended questions, including “what if you could work remotely and live anywhere,” “what if paying thousands of dollars a month to live in a big, expensive city wasn’t worth it anymore,” and “what if the things that have always mattered — affordability, opportunity, safety, community — mattered more than ever?”

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shifted work, school and more into online formats, leaving more people to spend time at home and in their communities.

“Right now, millions of people are reevaluating where they want to live. If you’re one of them, this list is for you,” Livability said. “These 100 cities offer the exact things so many of us are craving right now: connection, affordability, and the space and opportunity to grow.”

Livability also breaks down each ranked city’s top industries, weekend activities, best coffee shops and breweries and more.

Here are the Illinois cities that made the list:

Champaign, No 27

Home to nearly 89,000 residents, the college town “is a thriving, business-friendly community,” and food worthy of a “Best in the Midwest” title.

Top industries and employers — aiding the area’s robust employment rate for college grads — include education, research and technology innovation and others.

To fully experience the city, check out the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, grab a cup of coffee from Flying Machine Avionics, try a local beer from Triptych Brewing and enjoy a meal from the “local legend” diner, Merry Ann’s.

Oak Park, No. 37

More than 52,000 residents live in this small Chicago suburb, with “its own strong identity that’s rich in arts, culture, architecture and community.”

Oak Park attracts families with its top industries: healthcare, education and local government.

The village features the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace & Museum, the Oak Park Conservatory, Addis Cafe — a place for coffee, waffles and Ethiopian food — Kinslahger Brewing Company and more.

Photos: Getty Images