Living in Peoria, IL
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Peoria, IL? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Peoria, IL

The Midwestern town of Peoria, IL, set along the Illinois River, attracts those looking for a thriving economy, housing that won’t break the bank (the median home price is $146,629!) and a low cost of living. But living in Peoria doesn’t mean sacrificing quality of life. The city is a manufacturing hub that supports strong sectors such as health care, manufacturing and education. Bradley University enrolls approximately 5,400 students across more than 100 undergraduate programs and 30 graduate programs in five colleges. 

Large companies such as Caterpillar, Inc., OSF HealthCare and Peoria Public Schools have set up shop here, but so have startups across a diverse array of industries, with both networking opportunities and co-working spaces fueling their growth. In fact, some delicious distilleries are coming online that follow in the footsteps of the city’s storied past as a large producer of whiskey at an earlier time. The city of 113,758 is known for its wealth of amenities as well. Those include the Peoria Zoo, the Peoria Riverfront Museum (which includes the Peoria Holocaust Memorial), and the Peoria Civic Center, which hosts sporting events and concerts. In addition, the city is home to one of the oldest orchestras in the country. The strong sense of community – with an undeniable dose of friendliness – carries over to the many community events and activities that take place here.

Top Reasons to Move to Peoria

• Peoria residents get the best of both worlds, thanks to the city’s big-city infrastructure and small-town costs.
• A major hub for medical and engineering innovation, Peoria’s job market is diverse.
• The Illinois River is Peoria’s playground, offering a scenic riverfront, an extensive trail system and even minor league baseball.
• Known for giving more per capita to nonprofits than almost any city of its size, community and philanthropy are at the heart of Peoria.

Peoria is a historic city along the Illinois River in central Illinois, about 165 miles southwest of Chicago, accessible via Interstate 74. General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport is 5 miles west and offers flights to Chicago and Dallas. When you’re ready to roam, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Chicago is roughly 165 miles northeast, where visitors can stroll the Magnificent Mile, visit the Field Museum or catch a Cubs game.
• Springfield sits 70 miles south, home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the Illinois State Capitol and part of Route 66.
• St. Louis, MO, lies 155 miles southwest, where you can marvel at the Gateway Arch, wander the Missouri Botanical Garden or catch a Cardinals game.

Residents enjoy a humid continental climate with four highly distinct seasons, featuring warm, humid summers and freezing, snowy winters. The city is known for its wide seasonal temperature variations, with the majority of the area’s precipitation occurring during the pleasant spring and summer months.

The city has a buzzing startup ecosystem, powered largely by Distillery Labs, which serves as a launching pad for entrepreneurs seeking support, connections and resources. Distillery Labs connects people, ideas and resources so that entrepreneurs and innovators in the area can make advancements. In addition to aiding startups and providing space for them, the facility can also house corporate partners, community organizations and many other stakeholders. 

There are several thriving industries in the Greater Peoria area, including manufacturing, health care and education. Caterpillar, Inc., OSF Health Care and Peoria Public Schools are all major employers in the area.

The cost of living in Peoria is below the national average. The median home value in Peoria is $146,629, and the average household income is $60,353.

Illinois has a state income tax, and residents in Peoria can expect a combined 9.0% sales tax rate in 2026.

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Peoria delivers a cultural punch, mixing art and entertainment with family-friendly fun. The Riverfront Museum and Contemporary Art Center anchor the arts scene, while venues like the Civic Center and Peoria Players Theatre host performances. The symphony – one of the oldest in the country – is a historical gem and provides classical and contemporary performances.

Outside of the arts, there are plenty of ways to have fun. The Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden offer engaging experiences with nature, while the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum and Elevate Trampoline Park cater to kids. History buffs can explore the city through the Peoria Historical Society’s tours and museums, such as the John C. Flanagan House Museum and the Charles Perdew Museum. Community events, from markets to fireworks, unite the city. Favorites include the Peoria RiverFront Market, Red, White & BOOM! Fourth of July festival and the Santa Claus Parade. Public art projects like Big Picture Peoria splash color across the cityscape.

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Peoria’s outdoors delivers adventure from river thrills to scenic trails, catering to nature enthusiasts and those seeking recreational fun. The Illinois River sets the stage for boating and fishing, while Grand View Drive & Park and Luthy Botanical Garden provide tranquil escapes. Residents can explore the Rock Island Trail, a former railway line perfect for hiking and biking, and enjoy dog-friendly spaces such as Vicary Bottoms and Laura Bradley Park.

Sports lovers find golf courses and pickleball courts aplenty. Get in touch with your natural side at Forest Park and Detweiller while stargazers peer from Northmoor Observatory. The riverfront’s walk and water charters offer fresh city views. 

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The culinary scene blends Midwestern comforts with innovative dining and international influences. The city features a range of dining options, from steakhouses and casual eateries to farm-to-table restaurants and international establishments. Local favorites like Jim’s Steakhouse and Hearth serve classic and innovative American cuisine, while Los Cabos Cantina & Grill and Thanh Linh Vietnamese Restaurant offer authentic Mexican and Asian flavors. Local brews flow at Industry Brewing Co., and Rhythm Kitchen combines food and live music. Unique eats at The Queen of Squash offer a fresh twist, and the Food + Wine Festival highlights the city’s evolving palate.

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Peoria Public Schools District is the primary public school provider in the city. Though performance varies from school to school, the district maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio. There are plenty of prestigious private schools to pick from in Peoria, including Peoria Academy. This K-8 school is the only accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) school in the Tri-County Area.

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