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:
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On average, homes in Downtown Peoria, Peoria sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Peoria, Peoria over the last 12 months is $57,332, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on a corner double lot with a fenced yard, this vinyl-sided home offers flexibility as a single-family residence or potential duplex with separate entry to the upper level. The main floor features a front entry, bedroom with hardwood floors; previously customized with built-in bed and ceiling track, convenient laundry closet (washer/dryer included), and a spacious living room. The updated
Settle in to this beautifully renovated two-story, where nearly every corner has been updated! Completely new electrical & breaker panel, plumbing (with approximately 90% of all pipes replace), new laminate flooring throughout the main and new carpet upstairs. Enjoy preparing delicious meals in this brand new kitchen with beautiful finishes and all new appliances, as it flows directly into the
Winkler Lofts consist of 28 residential units that have one available parking space. The luxury lofts are a combination of studios and one bedroom apartments which have oversized windows, hickory floors, exposed brick walls and vaulted ceilings that have that coveted industrial feel.
Exclusive Full-Floor Luxury Condo with Breathtaking 360 Views. Stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom condo, occupying the entire 5th floor of a premier downtown Peoria residence. Step into a sprawling open-concept living space bathed in natural light, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the vibrant cityscape. The chef’s kitchen is a masterpiece, complete with high-end custom cabinetry, and
Check out these beautiful Downtown Peoria Apartment homes! Freshly renovated and ready for Move-in! This property has some amazing features starting with the VIEWS from the upper levels, High ceilings, windows that open, Individual HVAC systems, exposed brick and beams,a Fitness Center, Yoga Room, Dog Wash, In Unit Laundry and a Commercial Laundry area for those bulkier items, to name just a few!
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