With numerous excellent colleges and school districts, and a large city that attracts qualified professionals, it’s no wonder that so many people in Illinois are eggheads. Here are eight towns where you can find the greatest concentration:
1. Champaign-Urbana
Here among the corn and soybean fields are some of the smartest people in the state. Many residents are either students or professors associated with the University of Illinois or Parkland College. There are plenty of educational opportunities open to both students and the public.
2. Naperville
Naperville is the home to many professionals, many of which hold advanced degrees. The average household income is just over $145,000.
3. Bloomington-Normal
These twin cities recruit a lot of talented, educated professionals. Throw in the fact that these cities are home to two major Illinois universities--Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan--and you're talking about a lot of smart people.
4. Evanston
Home to Northwestern University, Evanston is home to a large contingent of incredibly smart people. Throw in a strong educational system for K-12 kids, and it's an intellectual paradise.
5. Peoria
Children have awesome schools to choose from, whether they go into the public schools or private ones. The reason so many people are so smart? Look at how many colleges Peoria is home to: Bradley University, Midstate College, Methodist College, OSF St. Francis College of Nursing, the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Illinois Central College (some campuses), and the Peoria campus of Robert Morris University.
6. Winnetka
The Winnetka school district continues to be one of the best in the country. This affluent community is home to educated professionals, many of whom hold advanced degrees.
7. Decatur
Decatur has a strong school system, in addition to a large range of private options. Home to Millikin University as well as Richland Community College, professors and students alike reside here.
8. Springfield
Springfield is host to three universities, University of Illinois (Springfield campus), Benedictine University (Springfield campus), and Robert Morris, as well as Land of Lincoln Community College. There is a strong literary arts and performing tradition here, as well.
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