Firstly why East-Peoria, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: East-Peoria
• State: Illinois
• Population: 19,400 people
• East-Peoria’s quick summary would be famous for its lively festivals and access to the Illinois River this city provides a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 600 annually
• While this many move-out: 141 annually
• Net Migration: 459 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 854
• Number of Homeless people: 42

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a family-oriented community and access to amenities attracting families

Perk #1: East-Peoria Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $67,467
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in East-Peoria is $64,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-3467 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & East-Peoria’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 92 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,800
• Property Tax %: 2.31%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: East Peoria
• Top 5 Growing Areas: East-Peoria, Peoria Heights, Washington, West Peoria, and probably could include Pleasant Hills
• Avg. Age of Homes in East-Peoria: 39 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & East-Peoria’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in East-Peoria are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• East-Peoria Job Scene: moderate job market focused on manufacturing and services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech activity related to local manufacturing and services , ,
• East-Peoria Resident’s pay $1,700 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in East-Peoria: 9%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in East-Peoria

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $104 on average per person
• Freeway Access: IL Route 116 connects East Peoria to other locations in the region
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Main Street
• Transportation Score: 23 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in East-Peoria: 14,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for East-Peoria: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 50 of 100
• Local Airport: General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: East-Peoria’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in East-Peoria is best described as enjoys a climate with cold winters and warm summers featuring notable seasonal changes with vibrant colors during spring and fall
• Winter Weather in East-Peoria i’d describe as cold with wet conditions
• Spring Weather in East-Peoria can be described as cool with some rain
• Summer’s in East-Peoria are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in East-Peoria is usually cool with bright weather
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 16 days in summer
• Days in a row in East-Peoria below Freezing: 27
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality typically influenced by industry
• East-Peoria Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by local pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: East-Peoria Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in East-Peoria 1
• While the number of trade schools inside East-Peorias’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the East Peoria Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & East-Peoria Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time East-Peoria only Doctors is about 40
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time East-Peoria only Police Officers is about 60
• Crime Rate Index: 56/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• East-Peoria’s Monthly utility bill average is $175
• East-Peoria’s Monthly Gym Membership: $29
• East-Peoria’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in East-Peoria

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small city with a strong sense of community and local events
• You might enjoy shows at the East Peoria Community Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), East-Peoria  features casual pubs and restaurants focused on community connection and evening togetherness

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of East-Peoria

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local diners and a mix of American fast food
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around East-Peoria
• The Popular Sports Team is East Peoria High School
• Top Level Political Climate in East-Peoria can be described as conservatively leaning community focused on local business
• East-Peoria’s Longer standing religious establishment is East Peoria United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: East-Peoria Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know East-Peoria has 8 Parks?
• Peoria Heights Park is East-Peoria’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is East Peoria Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 4pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: East-Peoria Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in East-Peoria can be described as quiet suburban atmosphere with strong community engagement
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in East-Peoria hiking trails community festivities visiting parks
• The Cities people commute to from East-Peoria are Peoria 10 miles away Washington 12 miles away Morton 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about East-Peoria or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Main Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   East-Peoria’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If East Peoria is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby East-Peoria are Peoria 10 miles away Washington 12 miles away Morton 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 56 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   East-Peoria has 27 days in a row below freezing and 16 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in East-Peoria people have an average (positive or negative) $-3467 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   42 homeless people living in East-Peoria. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservatively leaning community focused on local business could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to East-Peoria.

Retiree & Senior Life in East-Peoria

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax exemptions enhancing financial well-being
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Vistas
• East Peoria Senior Center provides meal programs health resources and various social activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to East-Peoria, Illinois?

If East-Peoria, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around East-Peoria, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!