At the center of Peoria, this community stretches along the Illinois River, providing parks, a museum, a zoo and a host of dining options, all in view of the waterfront. The trendy restaurants and markets popping up on the city’s revitalized riverfront attract homebuyers downtown, as do nearby hospitals, says Mary Davis, a broker with Gallery Homes Real Estate. OSF Healthcare and UnityPoint Health, two of the Peoria area’s three biggest employers, operate medical complexes in the neighborhood. “It’s usually desirable because it’s so close to the medical community,” Davis says. “People are drawn to that.” Downtown Peoria provides the amenities of a city center with its vibrant culture and array of dining options while offering the ample outdoor recreation of a more suburban community.
Downtown Peoria sits right along the scenic Illinois River.
The Peoria Zoo sits within Glen Oak Park and offers free admission for those 65 years and older.
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Events and amenities at RiverFront Park
RiverFront Park is a vast gathering spot and green space along the Illinois River, offering a playground, a farmers market, festival grounds, picnic tables and a network of pathways to explore. This wide open, lush and tree-dotted space provides views of the Illinois River Bridge as it connects the community with East Peoria. When the park isn’t a rest and relaxation hub, it’s alive with activity. It’s where Peoria residents celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in March, toast beers for Oktoberfest, and enjoy Latin American music and food during summertime’s Fiesta en el Rio. Right next door is the Peoria Riverfront Museum, hosting a curated collection of art, history and science exhibits, as well as frequent events. Kids can set out on a Science Treasure Hunt, while adults can taste charcuterie in the planetarium during Wine & Cheese Under the Stars nights. Sports fans only need to walk a few blocks north of the river to Dozer Park to catch the Peoria Chiefs, a minor-league baseball team affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, take on such Midwest League teams as the Lansing Lugnuts and the Beloit Sky Carp.
Just north of RiverFront Park is the Peoria Zoo at Glen Oak Park, home to over 100 species from around the world.
Immerse yourself in the Peoria Riverfront Museum located in Downtown Peoria.
Dozar Park, located in Downtown Peoria, is the home of the Peoria Chiefs.
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the waterfront at Riverfront Park.
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Dinner on the waterfront
Stretching over a mile along the shore is Downtown Peoria’s RiverFront District, featuring an array of dining options from hometown bars to fine dining. For a meal on the water, The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern serves casual pub fare inside a former 1890s railroad depot. For an upscale dining experience, Jim's Steak House on Southwest Jefferson Avenue offers high-end surf and turf with a classy candle-lit ambiance. For apparel, Rambler is one of several boutiques in and around the RiverFront District. For groceries, Haddad's West Peoria Market is located just 1.5 miles west of the neighborhood.
The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern features house-smoked BBQ, craft beers, cocktails, and whisky.
Haddads Market is a family-owned grocery store serving the Peoria area since the 1920's.
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Modern condos and historic bungalows
In the heart of Downtown Peoria, there are several condo buildings within five blocks of either Main Street or the Illinois River. The most prominent are the Twin Towers, tied for the tallest buildings in Peoria at 308 feet each. Prices range from $100,000 to the mid $200,000s. The centralized location is desirable due to the proximity to the riverfront and the hospitals, but units don’t stay on the market long due to intense competition, Davis says.
Within the east and west peripherals of Downtown Peoria, bungalows and minimal traditional homes line the cobbled and paved streets. Mature trees dot the landscape, covering the residential area in a canopy of colorful foliage in the fall. Prices drop with distance from the city center, as homes in these subdivisions tend to go for $30,000 to $100,000. The lower price tags reflect the sizes of the homes, often smaller than 1,500 square feet, and their varying renovation needs.
The Twin Towers feature two and three-bedroom condos in Downtown Peoria.
Homes in Downtown Peoria feature decent sized lots next to parks and greenspace.
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Learning in Downtown Peoria
Peoria School District No. 150 serves the residents of Downtown Peoria. From K to grade 8, students can attend Lincoln School, which received a C-minus from Niche. Lincoln follows the Advancement Via Individual Determination system, teaching methods and curriculum designed to prepare students for college, technical school or their careers. Students can continue their education at Peoria High School, which scored a C on Niche. For those pursuing higher education, Bradley University is a private university in the heart of Downtown Peoria.
The student teacher ratio at Lincoln K-8 School is 14 to 1.
Peoria High School challenges and encourages students to learn.
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Getting around downtown
Downtown Peoria offers a fixed-route bus service through CityLink.
For long-distance travel, General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport is just 6 miles west of the neighborhood.
Residents can travel throughout Peoria using the CityLink bus system.
Peoria International Airport, located 5-miles west of Downtown Peoria, opened in 1932.
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Crime
Downtown Peoria has a CAP index score of 8, higher than the average U.S. score of 4.
Future Developments
The city of Peoria is in the process of developing different master plans that would bring athletics facilities, kayak launches, boardwalks and more to the riverfront. Davis says additional homes are likely to follow. “There’s more to offer downtown than a lot of people think. I think you’ll see it blossom.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Downtown Peoria neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Peoria
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Peoria Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Peoria, Peoria sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Peoria, Peoria over the last 12 months is $61,000, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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HUGE Investment Opportunity! IDOT is purchasing the entire 7 Acres and all homes and buildings for Fair Market Value, once their project of widening Galena Road starts!! This is scheduled to happen at some point in 2025-2027. The current owner is out of state and has a new project in mind, and would like to sell this property now. Current rental income of $2150/month. HUGE Potential for large
This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit boasts great views with floor to glass windows. The Towers offer convenient amenities like underground parking (with an additional fee), onsite restaurants, 24-hour security, and indoor and outdoor common areas. Plus, it's within walking distance of hospitals, the Civic Center, and Dozer Park. Living here, you'll get to enjoy city life with low maintenance.
Civic Center Plaza is within walking distance to all of downtown Peoria's major employers, restaurants, riverfront, and other activity spots. We offer a variety of floorplans and finishes to select from to find the layout and price that matches your needs and style. A multi-level city parking garage offers a private entrance into the building. A fitness room, laundry room on every floor, and a
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
