Peoria, IL
Why You’ll Love Living in Peoria, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois, has a friendly, welcoming vibe and a strong sense of community. It’s within driving distance of Chicago but offers a significantly lower cost of living. You’ll still enjoy quality-of-life amenities ranging from museums and theaters to a bustling arts scene and plenty of parks and green spaces. Popular outdoor pastimes include boating, fishing and hiking along the Illinois River. Excellent schools and health care facilities appeal to growing families and retirees alike.
Thinking of moving to Peoria, IL? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Peoria, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Peoria, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Peoria, IL, a Best Place to Live in 2024
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 $135,000!) and a low cost of living. Peoria is a manufacturing hub that supports strong sectors such as health care, manufacturing and education. Bradley University instructs some 5,400 students in over 100 undergraduate programs and more than 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 in a diverse array of industries with both networking opportunities and co-working spaces fueling their growth. In fact, there are some delicious distilleries coming online that are following in the footsteps of Peoria’s storied past as a large producer of whiskey in an earlier time period.
The city of 113,000 ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. for its wealth of amenities, too. 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. The strong sense of community – with an undeniable dose of friendliness – carries over to the many community events and activities that take place here.
Peoria, IL Quality of Life LivScore
Peoria, IL Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Amenities
Peoria ranks highest for housing, transportation and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Peoria, IL
There can be harsh winds in the winter, but those breezes are welcome come summertime in Peoria. Most days have some cloud cover throughout the year. The average highs and lows are 84°F and 64°F (summer) and 35°F and 19°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Peoria is 24 inches per year.
The average annual rainfall in Peoria is 38 inches, and summer is usually the wettest season.
Peoria averages 194 sunny days a year.
Catch a minor league baseball game with the Peoria Chiefs. Then, check out the rail trails. Converted railroads make great hiking and biking spots, and the Rock Island Trail goes right through Peoria. Picnic in Tower Park before heading up the tower to get views of the whole city.
Things To Do in Peoria, IL
Bicycle Safety Town is a great place for cyclists of all ages, with one-way streets and no car traffic. In addition, a trip to Luthy Botanical Gardens is a great way to slow down and unwind.
You can hang out with the Siberian tigers at the Peoria Zoo or let your imagination run free at the Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum.
Peoria is known as “The Whiskey City” because its abundant water supply attracted more than 70 distilleries to set up shop in the mid-1800s. By 1890, Peoria distilleries accounted for 40% of all alcohol produced in the United States.
Northwoods Mall, Metro Centre, and The Shoppes at Grand Prairie are among the top hot spots for local shopping among Peoria residents. These three destinations offer all manner of national and regional retailers and plenty of dining options and service businesses.
Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery on Southwest Water Street is a popular Irish taproom that serves all kinds of Irish comfort food, offers seriously great live music, and boasts an extensive drinks menu with plenty of ales, whiskeys and wines.
Peoria Civic Center is the place to be for events, concerts and sporting events, while Peoria Players Theatre might be a better choice for those hoping to indulge in a musical or stage play.
The Bar at Black Band Distillery has a limited happy hour, but the stellar food and cocktails at a discount make it worth scheduling a time to go.
The Local and State Economy in Peoria, IL
Peoria has a diverse economy and several thriving industries, including manufacturing, health care and education. Caterpillar, Inc., OSF health care and Peoria Public Schools are all major employers in the area.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Peoria is 10%.
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax.
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, UnityPoint Health – Methodist | Proctor and the Children’s Hospital of Illinois are all top-tier health care providers available to Peoria residents.
Peoria has several smaller colleges and universities, including Bradley University and Illinois Central College.
Weather in Peoria, IL
Average Temperatures
62 high / 42 low
Average Annual Rainfall
38 in
Average Annual Snowfall
24 in
Quick Facts about Peoria, Illinois
- Median Home Value
- $133,905
- Median Property Tax
- $2,526
- Total Population
- 113,761
- Average Commute
- 15 min
- Median Household Income
- $59,303
- Median Monthly Rent
- $675
Map of Peoria, IL
Peoria, IL: Where to Live Now
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