Home & Family

Peoria Progress
Midwestern Living
Peoria Progress - Vol II 2008

Known for its “heartland values” and community spirit, the Peoria area is an ideal place to put down roots, build a career and raise a family. Affordable housing, excellent education and healthcare resources, and diverse cultural opportunities abound.

As a mid-sized metropolitan area, Peoria offers the cultural benefits of the big city, with the safety and familiarity that only a smaller region can bring. It’s easy to get around town—no traffic jams to slow your commute. In Peoria, you can rest easy knowing that your neighbors and friends look out for the safety and best interests of your family—just as you do.

STEADY ECONOMY, STABLE HOUSING

As the saying goes, there’s no place like home—especially here in central Illinois. With a steady economy, excellent job opportunities and a variety of living accommodations in all price ranges, it’s no wonder we set sales records nearly every year. At a time when most of the country is 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 sale price of homes is about $135,000—well within most buyers’ budgets— with plenty from which to choose. In fact, according to zillow.com, the Peoria-Pekin area is ranked among the top five least expensive metropolitan areas in the country.

THE OLD & THE NEW

Peoria is full of beautiful historic districts in the heart of the city with extravagantly detailed turn-of-the-century homes. One such home 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 the area make it easy to put down roots and make your own history. From apartments and townhouses to riverfront lofts and condos, the Peoria area offers a variety of housing to suit any lifestyle and income bracket.

When Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis called for a committee to address the problem of litter, the city and its citizens responded! The result is a campaign whose message is displayed throughout the city: “Pride in Peoria is picking up. Put litter in its place.” The Mayor’s Litter Committee focuses on the prevention and clean-up of litter in Peoria by identifying and eliminating its sources. By coordinating the efforts of citizens, schools, churches, neighborhoods, businesses and other groups, the Litter Committee is well on its way to accomplishing its goals.

QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL

The Peoria area is well known for its community spirit and generosity, offering a host of ways to volunteer and make a difference in people’s lives. Hundreds of active organizations foster friendship, collaboration and community awareness, including scores of not-for-profit groups and more than 80 places of worship.

Peoria’s community alliances are a major part of what makes the city such a great place to live. More than 90 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.

In the last year, neighborhoods have held open forums with local leaders to focus on safety issues and create neighborhood watch groups. To stay connected to its citizens, the City of Peoria offers PeoriaCARES (494-CARE), a telephone hotline which allows anyone with an inquiry, complaint or request to speak with a city representative.

The Mayor’s Litter Committee has taken tremendous strides in recent years, sponsoring clean-up events all over town. Volunteers devote time on Saturday mornings to walk the streets and clean up litter.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Kids Play in Peoria
  • Spend the day at the Peoria Zoo.
  • Ride go-karts, dune buggies and bumper boats at Kartville.
  • Pet the llamas and alpacas at EDR Lamas in Spring Bay.
  • Watch Family Flicks at Glen Oak Park every Monday in the summer.
  • Strap on your roller skates at Peoria Palace.
  • Create your own pottery at Fired Up Studios.
  • Have a Mad Science party!
  • Learn how to ride at Bicycle Safety Town.
  • Attend Art & Science in the Woods summer day camp.
  • Celebrate your birthday at O’Brien Field.

The values and character that come naturally to Midwestern living make the region 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.

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 those 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+.

With a wide range of public, private, community and specialized colleges and trade schools, higher education is also a priority. A new program—one of only a handful in the nation—is slated to begin this fall. Peoria Promise is a guarantee that all high school students in the City of Peoria will qualify for a scholarship toward a degree at Illinois Central College.

As Illinois’ downstate medical center, healthcare services for families and children are plentiful. Not only does Peoria offer three major hospitals, it is also home to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois—an invaluable 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? Throughout the year, family-oriented entertainment abounds. Take advantage of the Park District’s many walking paths and trails, playgrounds, classes and summer camps. Peoria Area Community Events organizes fun activities each year, from the annual Santa Parade to the Taste of Peoria. And that’s just a start!

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. An expanded zoo and a new interactive children’s museum will soon add to the list of possibilities. PP