Peoria, IL


20 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Peoria, IL

About Peoria, IL

Peoria, Illinois is a vibrant city located along the Illinois River. It's a hub of culture, art and history, with attractions such as the Peoria Civic Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art. From great shopping to excellent dining options; this city has something for everyone! Peoria is also home to numerous parks, trails and other outdoor activities perfect for nature lovers. With its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community, Peoria is an idyllic place to live or visit – come explore all that it has to offer! Medium-large metro area set in the rivers and rolling hills of the Great Lakes region. Primary industries include healthcare and manufacturing. - Central Illinois, 65 miles east of Galesburg and 100 miles southwest of Chicago..

Location Details

State: Illinois
County: Peoria County
Metro Area: Peoria Metro Area
City: Peoria
Zip Codes: 61604 61614 61615 61603 61605 61606 61602 61625
Cost of Living: -24.4% lower
Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Elevation: 499 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Peoria.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Peoria

The Peoria, IL metro area has a long story, starting all the way back in 1691 when French explorers found it. It's got a big place in the Midwest's growth, especially for river transport and trade. This area was also where many Native American tribes lived, including the Peoria tribe that gave the city its name. Over time, Peoria became important for making things and farming.

Peoria is right along the Illinois River, which means it has lots of different landscapes. There are cities and countryside spots, with lots of hills and farms around. The river makes for fun outdoor stuff like boating and fishing. Weather-wise, it gets pretty hot in the summer and cold in the winter, with a fair amount of rain year-round.

The economy here is strong with a mix of jobs in making things, health care, and schools. Big companies like Caterpillar Inc. are based here, and there are plenty of hospitals and colleges too. This mix helps keep the local economy going.

People in Peoria have different political views, with some leaning conservative and others more liberal. Elections can be pretty close because of this mix. It's good for new folks to understand this and get involved in the community to help make decisions.

Living in Peoria is nice because it offers both city stuff and a small-town feel. There are museums, theaters, and lots of parks for hanging out and playing sports. The city also has fun events and festivals that celebrate its history and culture throughout the year.

For anyone moving to Peoria, it's good to know that it's an affordable place with friendly people. Houses don't cost too much, and the community is welcoming. Getting involved in local groups or activities is a great way to meet people. Just remember to be ready for both hot summers and cold winters. Overall, Peoria is a great place with a lot to offer, from its history and nature to jobs and community life.

Peoria Cost of Living
$$$$

Low home cost, pleasant summers, and excel health resources make Peoria a great place to live.

$130,300
-159.5% lower than avg
$53,568
-28.8% lower than avg
$960 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-49.0% lower than avg
Peoria Crime
56.1 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Peoria, Illinois
$24,840
for a family
$30,400
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Peoria
   Low home cost
High personal crime
   Pleasant summers
Gets muggy and sticky
   Excel health resources
Harsh winters
Reviews for Peoria
    See all (20)

Over 3 years ago

In my opinion Peoria is a great city and for it’s size it has a lot of amenities a big city would have such as a ballpark, civic center, many educational options, great  More

   |    Reply

Crime is rampant and you can't even visit parks anymore without fear of some gang drive-by.  More

   |    Reply

I lived in Peoria for nearly three years for work and I miss it terribly. The Peoria metropolitan area is by far one of the most underrated in the country. I think what  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Peoria

Cost of Living
Compare Peoria, IL
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Peoria, Illinois to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.