Last Updated on: 29th October 2024, 04:10 pm
Thinking about moving to Peoria? Located along the banks of the Illinois River in Central Illinois, Peoria offers both small-town vibes and big-city amenities. Whether you’re drawn by career opportunities, affordable living, or the scenic Midwestern landscape, living in Peoria IL provides a welcoming community for newcomers.
As one of the oldest cities in Illinois, Peoria dates back to 1691, when it was founded by European settlers. It played a pivotal role in early fur trade and later became a hub for manufacturing and industry. Today, Peoria is known for its art scene, historical attractions, and friendly Peoria residents.
So, is Peoria IL a good place to live? Whether you’re considering a move for work or simply looking for a quieter pace of life, this is what you need to know about living in Peoria IL.
Table of Contents
Is Peoria IL a Good Place to Live?
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Yes, Peoria IL is a good place to live. Living in Peoria IL is great for retirees, families, and young professionals alike, due to its diverse attractions. When living in Peoria IL, Peoria residents can enjoy affordable housing, quality health care, and a strong sense of community.
Where Is Peoria?
What county is Peoria in? Peoria is in Peoria County in Central Illinois. Peoria is the county seat of Peoria County and is the area’s most populous city. Additionally, Peoria is a part of the Peoria metropolitan area. When living in Peoria IL, you’ll have easy access to places like the Illinois River, Peoria Heights, and Elmwood.
After moving to Peoria, you’ll have plenty of great options for day or weekend trips. Peoria is a 3-hour drive from Chicago, a 3-hour and 20-minute drive from Milwaukee, WI, and a 2-hour and 45-minute drive from St. Louis, MO. When living in Peoria IL, you’ll be strategically placed in the heart of the Midwest, offering easy access to the entire country.
Peoria Information
This is the information you’ll need to know when living in Peoria IL.
- Peoria county: Peoria
- Peoria area: 50.55 square miles
- Peoria zip code: 61601-61656
- Peoria area code: 309
- Peoria elevation: 502 feet
- Peoria time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Peoria: General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA), 6.1 miles away
If living in Peoria IL sounds great to you, then call our Peoria movers! Our Peoria moving company will be with you through every step of your relocation.
Peoria Population & Demographics
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How many people are living in Peoria IL? The population of Peoria is 113,150, making it the eighth-most populous city in Illinois. Peoria is also the principal city of the Peoria metro area, which has a population of 402,391. The city is fairly diverse, with a racial and ethnic composition of 57.6% White (54.9% non-Hispanic), 26.4% Black or African American, 6.7% Asian, 6.6% two or more races, and 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native.
Living in Peoria IL is popular among younger people, and the city’s median age is 35.4. Additionally, the average household size is 2.2 persons, and 46% of households are occupied by married couples.
Who is the most famous person from Peoria, Illinois? There are several notable people from Peoria, but a few standouts include Richard Pryor, David Ogden Stiers, and Steve Vinovich.
Additional Peoria IL Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 51.8% female, 48.2% male
- Median household income: $58,068 (compared to the Illinois average of $78,433)
- Educational attainment: 91.5% high school degree (or higher), 37.5% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 9.1%
Transportation
When living in Peoria IL, you’ll find that the city offers convenient and accessible transportation options for residents and visitors alike. Peoria is well-connected by three major interstate highways.
- Interstate 74: Runs from northwest to southeast through the downtown area
- Interstate 474: Serves as a southern bypass of I-74, passing through parts of Peoria and the nearby suburbs of Bartonville and Creve Coeur.
- Interstate 155: Connects I-74 in Morton to Interstate 55, offering a direct route to Springfield and St. Louis.
Several state routes also run through Peoria, including Illinois Routes 6,8, 29, 40, and 116, making it easy to navigate both within the city and to neighboring areas. For those relying on public transportation, the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District operates CityLink, a bus system with 17 routes that serve Peoria, Illinois Central College, and surrounding communities like East Peoria, Peoria Heights, and Pekin.
For air travel, living in Peoria IL gives you access to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, which provides both domestic and international flights.
Cost of Living in Peoria Illinois | Is It Expensive to Live in Peoria IL?
Before moving to Peoria, you may want to know about its affordability. Luckily, the cost of living in Peoria IL is quite low! The Peoria Cost of Living Index is 87.4, meaning living in Peoria IL is 12.6% more affordable than the national average. This low cost of living makes living in Peoria IL incredibly attractive!
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Peoria IL would need to earn $101,301 per year to live comfortably in the city.
Typical Peoria Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15.00
- Cappuccino: $4.85
- Gallon of milk: $3.46
- Gallon of gas: $3.50
- Fitness membership (monthly): $25.00
- Average Peoria utilities per month: $170.73
Source: Numbeo
When living in Peoria IL, you’ll also be responsible for paying Peoria County property tax as well as income tax and sales tax. Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% and a sales tax rate of 1.75%.
Peoria IL Real Estate | Average Rent and Home Prices
Are you moving to Peoria in search of housing? Whether you want a house on the Illinois River or a condo in Downtown Peoria, the city has something for you. Luckily, living in Peoria IL is affordable when it comes to real estate. According to Redfin, the median home price in Peoria is $167,500. The average home price in Peoria IL is far below the U.S. average of $434,000. This affordable housing is one of the biggest selling points for moving to Peoria.
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Would you rather rent when living in Peoria IL? Luckily, there is plenty of Peoria IL real estate to rent. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Peoria IL falls between $750 and $1,628. According to the ATTOM 2022 Rental Affordability Report, it’s more affordable to buy than to rent in Peoria.
Neighborhoods in Peoria IL | Where to Live in Peoria
Before moving to Peoria, you’ll want to choose a great neighborhood to settle down in. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of neighborhoods to choose from when living in Peoria IL. These are just a few of the best Peoria neighborhoods to choose from.
Downtown Peoria | Popular Among Young Professionals
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If you’re looking for a more fast-paced style of living, Peoria has something for you! Downtown Peoria is ideal for young professionals, offering plenty of entertainment and dining options, including the Peoria Civic Center, the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, and Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer. Popular among renters, Downtown Peoria features modern apartment complexes like Persimmon Lofts and Twin Towers Place, both within walking distance of the city’s attractions.
East Bluff | One of the Best Places to Live in Peoria IL for Families
The East Bluff neighborhood in East Peoria offers a quiet, walkable community perfect for families and retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle. While it may not be as lively as some of the other neighborhoods, its residential focus makes it ideal for those who prefer a calm environment. One of the standout features of living in Peoria IL’s East Bluff is its proximity to quality schools, making it a great choice for families with children.
North Valley | Great Peoria Neighborhood for Nature Lovers
North Valley is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Peoria. With easy access to Detweiller Park, one of the largest parks in the area, residents can enjoy hiking trails, picnic spots, and beautiful river views. For those who enjoy golf and social activities, the Mt. Hawley Country Club is nearby, offering a well-maintained golf course and a range of amenities. Most homes in this area are single-family homes.
Peoria Weather & Climate
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What’s the weather like in Peoria? When living in Peoria IL, you’ll experience a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. The Peoria climate is all over the place, with summer highs around 82ºF and winter lows around 24ºF. You’ll want a snow shovel when living in Peoria IL, as the average annual snowfall is 26.3 inches.
Peoria IL Restaurants
When living in Peoria IL, you’ll come across plenty of great restaurants. These are just a few of the best places to eat in Peoria IL.
Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro
When living in Peoria IL, you can’t skip out on Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro. This eclectic eatery serves up unique pizzas, handmade desserts, and local craft beers.
826 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602, (309) 676-0848
Saffron Social
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Stop by Saffron Social for classic American eats like hamburgers, salads, and steak. And don’t forget to try one of their signature cocktails!
187 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602, (309) 740-0434
Connected
Connected is easily one of the best restaurants in Peoria IL. This fine-dining establishment specializes in Italian food, serving up favorites like Ravioli Aurora and Rigatoni Alla Zozzona.
3218 N Dries Ln, Peoria, IL 61604, (309) 686-5925
Things to Do in Peoria IL
When living in Peoria IL, you’ll have no shortage of fun activities to try. These are just a few fun things to do in Peoria IL.
Top Peoria Attractions
- Peoria Zoo: Don’t skip out on the Peoria Zoo when living in Peoria IL. Here, you’ll find over 100 different species of animals and interactive activities.
- The Peoria PlayHouse: If you’re moving to Peoria with children, then make sure you check out this interactive children’s museum.
- Caterpillar Visitors Center: Glimpse into one of the city’s top employers and admire Caterpillar diggers, tractors, trucks, and more.
- Tower Park: Tower Park is one of the best things to do in Peoria IL. Here, you can take an elevator ride 200 feet above ground to catch amazing views of the city.
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Peoria Museums, Entertainment & Arts
- Peoria Civic Center: Aren’t sure what to do in Peoria IL? Check the Civic Center’s schedule to see if there’s a concert or hockey game going on!
- Peoria Riverfront Museum: This art and science museum features a sculpture garden, a large theater, and a planetarium.
- Peoria Holocaust Memorial: Just outside of the Riverfront Museum sits this beautiful memorial.
Peoria Parks & Outdoors
- Forest Park Nature Center: The Illinois Peoria Park District runs this 500-acre nature preserve. The Forest Park Nature Center contains a history museum, trails, and a bird observatory.
- Glen Oak Park: Grab the kiddos and head to this park, which features one of the best playgrounds in the city.
- Giant Oak Park: Giant Oak Park is one of the best things to do in Peoria IL. This 1-acre park features a picnic area centered around a large oak tree with a 100-foot branch span.
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Shopping in Peoria
- The Shoppes at Grand Prairie: The Shoppes at Grand Prairie features dozens of name-brand stores and delicious restaurants.
- Northwoods Mall: You can spend all day at this large indoor shopping mall, featuring stores, fast food, bowling, and bungee trampolines.
Map of Peoria IL Attractions
Sports
Sports are a big part of living in Peoria IL. The city is home to several exciting teams, including the Peoria Chiefs, a Minor League Baseball team that plays at Dozer Park, located downtown. Hockey fans can enjoy watching the Peoria Rivermen, a professional team in the Southern Professional Hockey League. College basketball is also popular, with the Bradley University Braves drawing crowds to Carver Arena.
What Is the Crime Rate in Peoria IL?
Is living in Peoria IL safe? Let’s take a quick look at the Peoria IL crime rate.
- Overall crime rate: 4,327 crimes per 100,000 people (119.6% higher than state average and 86.2% higher than national average)
- Violent crime rate: 1,189 crimes per 100,000 people (313.9% higher than state average and 221.5% higher than national average)
- Property crime rate: 3,138 crimes per 100,000 people (86.5% higher than state average and 60.6% higher than national average)
Although these numbers are on the higher side, living in Peoria IL is very safe. Most of the crime in Peoria is concentrated in just a few areas, while most of the city remains incredibly safe. After moving to Peoria, you will be protected by the Peoria Police Department.
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Jobs in Peoria IL
When living in Peoria IL, you’ll find a strong job market with opportunities in several different industries. According to PayScale, the average salary in Peoria IL is $69,000 per year, making it an affordable place to live while still offering competitive wages.
For those moving to Peoria, health care is a major industry, with two of the largest employers in the area being OSF HealthCare and UnityPoint Health. OSF Healthcare is one of the biggest employers in Peoria, Illinois, providing thousands of jobs to the region.
Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in heavy equipment manufacturing, is headquartered in Peoria and has long been considered one of the top employers in Peoria IL. While Caterpillar has moved some of its offices out of the city in recent years, it remains an influential force for those living in Peoria IL.
Other major employers include Illinois Central College, Advanced Medical Transport, and the City of Peoria. With these employers, you’ll find a variety of roles in sectors like education, public service, and emergency medical transport.
A few of the other best places to work in Peoria IL include:
- Peoria Public Schools
- Bradley University
- Liberty Steel & Wire
- Peoria County
- Citizens Equity First Credit Union
If you’re looking for Peoria IL jobs, then try searching for ‘jobs in Peoria IL’ on Indeed or take a look at the City Job Board.
Peoria Schools
Living in Peoria IL offers access to a range of educational opportunities, from quality public schools to wonderful higher education institutions. The city’s public education system is managed by several school districts, each serving different areas and offering various programs for students.
- Peoria Public Schools (District 150): The largest district, serving much of the city, including Richwoods High School, Peoria High School, and several elementary schools.
- Dunlap Community Unit School District 323: Located in the northern suburbs of Peoria, this district is known for its excellent schools and consistently high performance.
- Limestone Community High School District 310: Serves the southwestern part of the Peoria area, including Bartonville.
In addition to public schools, there are several private Peoria high schools and Peoria elementary schools, such as Peoria Christian School and St. Vincent de Paul School.
When living in Peoria IL, you’ll also have access to several colleges. Bradley University is a prominent private university offering dozens of different undergraduate and graduate programs. Illinois Central College has both Downtown and North campuses. Peoria is also a hub for health care education, with places like Methodist College, OSF St. Francis College of Nursing, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria offering specialized programs.
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After moving to Peoria, you can easily access the Peoria Public Library, which has five different branches around the city.
Is moving to Peoria in your future? Living in Peoria IL offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a low cost of living, great high schools, or wonderful job opportunities, this Central Illinois city has it all! When you’re ready to start your relocation journey, give Federal Companies a call! Our Peoria movers will get you settled into your new home in no time. Give our team a call today at (800) 747-4100 for a free quote today.
