Of Home and Hearth

A STABLE HOUSING MARKET

There’s no place like home when you live in Peoria. With a steady economy, great job opportunities and a wide variety of living accommodations in all price ranges, it’s no wonder we set sales records nearly every year. At a time when most areas of the country are battling substantial declines in real estate, Peoria has maintained a stable market where a home is a solid investment.

Looking for affordable housing? Then head for the Midwest! There has never been a better time to invest in our real estate: the average home sale price in 2006 was $135,789—well within most buyers’ budgets—with plenty of homes from which to choose. In fact, according to Zillow.com, the Peoria-Pekin area is ranked as one of the top five least expensive metropolitan areas in the country.

THE OLD AND THE NEW

Peoria is full of beautiful historic districts in the heart of the city with extravagantly detailed turn-of-the-century homes. One of these homes was designed by world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright; another has been converted into a bed and breakfast, allowing visitors to sample its charm.

As the area grows, gorgeous new homes are popping up all over central Illinois—from custom-designed to move-in ready, a new home is within your reach. A variety of developing subdivisions around Peoria make it easy to put down roots and make your own history.

And if you’re not looking to buy just yet, you have plenty of other choices. From apartments and townhouses to riverfront lofts and condos, the Peoria area offers a variety of housing to suit any lifestyle and income bracket.

A COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY

Peoria’s community alliances are a major part of what makes the city such a great place to put down roots and build a career. Eighty neighborhood associations in five council districts guarantee the perfect niche for everyone, and an enthusiastic community spirit draws residents together to improve the quality of life for all.

The Mayor’s Litter Committee has made great progress in recent years as hundreds of city blocks were adopted and more than 20 neighborhoods held clean-up events. In the last year, neighborhoods have held open forums with local leaders to focus on safety and create neighborhood and business watch groups. To stay connected to its citizens, the City of Peoria launched PeoriaCARES (494-CARE), a telephone hotline which allows anyone with an inquiry, complaint or request to speak with a city representative.

The community also offers a host of ways to volunteer and make a difference. Hundreds of active organizations foster friendship, collaboration and community awareness, including scores of not-for-profit groups and more than 80 places of worship.

RAISING A FAMILY

Midwestern living is attractive for many reasons, but the values and character that come naturally to the Peoria area make it an ideal place to raise a family. When it comes to keeping your children safe and ensuring they receive a quality education and the best in healthcare, we have it covered. We are surrounded by resources within a short radius—saving you time when you need to get around town.

Peoria has the distinct advantage of being mid-sized compared to larger metropolitan areas. We offer the cultural benefits of the big city, yet retain the safety and familiarity that only a smaller region can bring. In Peoria, you can rest easy knowing that your colleagues, neighbors and friends look out for the safety and best interests of your family—just as you do.

Critical to a child’s growth is the best in educational resources. With more than 74 licensed child care centers and 40 preschool programs in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties, there are many options for families with small children. The schools in Peoria and its surrounding communities are numerous and diverse. Take a look—from public and private institutions to an abundance of parochial schools, we think you’ll give us an A+.

Higher education is also a priority in Peoria, with a wide range of public, private, community and specialized colleges and trade schools in the area. A new program—one of only a handful in the nation—is slated to begin this year. Peoria Promise is a guarantee that eligible high school students qualify for a scholarship toward a degree at Illinois Central College. Young Peorians who wish to continue their education after high school can now realize that dream regardless of economic status. For more on education, turn to page 20.

As Illinois’ downstate medical center, healthcare services for children and families are plentiful. Not only does Peoria offer three major hospitals, we are also home to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois—an invaluable and convenient resource for many families. Our hospitals excel in recruiting top specialists and implementing the latest technologies. In addition, numerous community health clinics provide accessible, high-quality healthcare services for the medically underserved, regardless of ability to pay, through collaborative community partnerships.

And how could the Peoria area be family- friendly without offering opportunities to play? When it’s nice enough to be outdoors, you can take advantage of the Park District’s many walking paths and trails, playgrounds, classes and summer camps. Throughout the year, family-oriented entertainment abounds. Peoria Area Community Events plans fun activities each year, from the annual Santa Parade to the Taste of Peoria.

Cultural opportunities for the young flourish—sign your youngster up for a children’s class at The Peoria Art Guild or foreign language classes at Kultural Kids in nearby Morton, where toddlers can learn Spanish or French. A new children’s museum and expanded zoo will soon add to the list of possibilities. PP