Self-described as a “micro-urban” community and home to the University of Illinois, Champaign prides itself on its diverse economy. Education, health care and banking are leading employers, while jobs are also abundant in light manufacturing and social services. The diversity extends to demographics, too—in fact, outside of Chicago, the county has one of the largest immigrant populations in Illinois. Champaign made the Top 20 in our People category, at #19, with a #14 ranking for Educational Attainment and #40 for Foreign Born Residents. Hailing from nearly 80 countries (from Colombia to Democratic Republic of Congo), immigrants make up more than 20% of the area’s STEM and education workforce. And while Champaign residents may work hard, they also have plenty of options to play hard, with an overall Programming score of #17, driven by high rankings in Culture (#10) and Nightlife (#8). Expect arts and entertainment sectors (among others) to further flourish: the 11-acre Yards project proposes a hotel and conference center, office tower, apartments, University of Illinois sports arena and more, generating an expected $112 million-plus in annual economic activity.