Firstly why Peoria, Illinois?

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

• City: Peoria
• State: Illinois
• Population: 113,150 people
• Peoria’s quick summary would be Known for its rich industrial history and the iconic Peoria Riverfront Museum.

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: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 350

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a strong healthcare industry and affordable living attracting families

Perk #1: Peoria Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 67%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $51,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Peoria is $51,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral 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 & Peoria’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,876
• Property Tax %: 1.87%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Peoria
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Peoria, East-Peoria, Washington, Morton, and probably could include Tremont
• Avg. Age of Homes in Peoria: 71 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

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 & Peoria’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Peoria are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Peoria Job Scene: stable job market in healthcare and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech community with initiatives in healthcare and local opportunities , ,
• Peoria Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Peoria: 9.75%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 70 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

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 Peoria

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-74 provides key access through Peoria linking it to the south
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening delays on War Memorial Drive
• Transportation Score: 35 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Peoria: 55,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Peoria: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 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: Peoria’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Peoria is best described as has hot summers and cold winters with seasonal changes marked by moderate precipitation spring blooms and colorful autumn leaves
• Winter Weather in Peoria i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Peoria can be described as cool with some rain
• Summer’s in Peoria are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Peoria is usually cool and crisp
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 56 days in summer
• Days in a row in Peoria below Freezing: 21
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality primarily influenced by local traffic
• Peoria Winter Air generally acceptable air quality with some pollution spikes

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: Peoria Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Peoria 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Peorias’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the 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 & Peoria Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Peoria only Doctors is about 90
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Peoria only Police Officers is about 300
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

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

• Peoria’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Peoria’s Monthly Gym Membership: $36
• Peoria’s Water Quality Score: 67

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 Peoria

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: mid-sized city with a rich history and community events
• You might enjoy live events at the Peoria Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Peoria  offers diverse nightlife options with local bars restaurants and live music venues for entertaining evenings

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 Peoria

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes American diners and a variety of ethnic cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Peoria
• The Popular Sports Team is Peoria Chiefs
• Top Level Political Climate in Peoria can be described as politically mixed city with focus on economic development
• Peoria’s Longer standing religious establishment is Peoria First 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: Peoria Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Peoria has 25 Parks?
• Germantown Hills Park is Peoria’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Peoria Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Fishing, hiking, 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: Peoria Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Peoria can be described as moderate urban atmosphere with a strong industrial presence
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Peoria picnicking at parks community events hiking trails
• The Cities people commute to from Peoria are East-Peoria 3 miles away Pekin 14 miles away Morton 11 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 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: evening delays on War Memorial Drive. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Peoria’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Peoria is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Peoria are East-Peoria 3 miles away Pekin 14 miles away Morton 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Peoria has 21 days in a row below freezing and 56 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 Peoria people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   350 homeless people living in Peoria. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city with focus on economic development 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 Peoria.

Retiree & Senior Life in Peoria

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for tax credits focused on reducing property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Grand View Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
• Peoria Senior Center provides diverse programs health resources and social activities for older adults

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 Peoria, Illinois?

If 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 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!