The scenic Illinois River flows through Peoria's vibrant downtown, where the Spirit of Peoria paddlewheel boat takes visitors on memorable river cruises. Residents enjoy performances at the Peoria Civic Center, which hosts Broadway shows and concerts, while the historic Apollo Theater features live music throughout the year. The Peoria Riverfront serves as a cultural hub with its museum, sculpture garden, and Holocaust Memorial. Outdoor recreation thrives along Grand View Drive, famously dubbed "the world's most beautiful drive" by Theodore Roosevelt, while the Forest Park Nature Center provides extensive hiking trails. The local food scene includes upscale dining at 2 Chez, premium cuts at Alexander's Steakhouse, and innovative American cuisine at Table 19 inside the Marriott Pere Marquette.
The Peoria housing market features diverse options across distinct neighborhoods. Single family homes in Forest Hills command a median price of $216,000, while similar properties in Downtown Peoria have a median price of $69,500. The median price for one bedroom condos throughout Peoria is $80,000, and two bedroom condos typically sell for a median price of $125,500. The overall median home sale price in Peoria is $145,000.
The cost of living in Peoria sits 3.9% below the national average. A family with school age children needs an annual salary of $102,000 to live comfortably, with monthly housing costs around $2,000 and grocery expenses near $1,500. Property taxes in Peoria County stand at 2.24%, while the combined sales tax rate is 8.89%. The public school system includes Thomas Metcalf School, rated A+ by Niche, serving North Peoria. Bradley University maintains a significant presence in the city. Major employers include Caterpillar Inc., OSF Healthcare System, and UnityPoint Health, providing stable employment opportunities for residents.
