... The Columbus area is pretty awesome. Unlike the other cities you have on your list (other than Champaign maybe?)...
Not that knowledgeable about this, but I do remember hearing that - behind the relatively new exurbs of Chicago - Champaign is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and number one in Downstate (which includes the St. Louis suburbs and the relatively fast-growing and White collar Bloomington-Normal). Again, I'm not sure about the economy so much, but as someone who goes to Champaign 2-3 times per year, the growth of development of both Downtown Champaign and Campustown over the last five years has been nothing short of stunning.
