Peoria, Il (Chicago, Oak Park, East Peoria: rent, houses, theatre)

[cherryblossom11]

My husband and I may be moving to Peoria at the beginning of next year from Texas. Is this a safe city to live in? How are the schools? I have read a few other forums that said Morton is a good place to live and not far from Peoria. Also, is there much to do in that area? We have a child; so safety, schools, and things to do are important.

[linicx]

Hi Cherryblossom!

You did not mention that age of your child, your housing needs or rent budget. What you will read is general information

Let me begin with some basics. Central IL is very different than TX. You'll find many green area as well as rolling hills, forested cliffs, the oldest park district in the state, and the longest river in the state. You will experience four seasons. Peoria is the oldest and largest community in the Illinois River Valley.

Peoria has four hospitals. The only hospital in the state that treats more children than the Children's Hospital of IL at Peoria (pre-newborn to age 18) is in Chicago. There is also a alternative Holistic community and a natural foods store.

Peoria is an active community that celebrates and embraces most of the cultures and customs known in America. Politically it is left, right, in the middle, or somewhere in between. If you are social, political or religious you will not have any trouble finding your niche. There is probably a dozen grocery stores and as many shopping centers, plus a mall and life style center. You will find familiar names such as Old Navy, Kohl's, Kids R Us, Walmart, Lowe's ect. There is also a store or two with clothing for infants thru adults. as well as infants and children only.

There are 100 or more restaurants that offer every thing from buffet, to fast food, to upscale dining. Kids seem to like Chuck E. Cheese, and Avanti's Ristorante located on N. Rockwell near Northwoods Mall. The food is good and not awfully expensive. Food in Peoria ranges from Vegan to upscale dining, but if you are looking for something like Ruth's Chris Steak House you'll only find it in St. Louis or Chicago. Peoria is probably about 3Hours from either location. Otherwise Peoria has some very nice steak houses.

There are family events all year long that range from the Rubber Ducky Race to the oldest Santa Parade in the nation. You will also find one of the largest night time Christmas Parades and Displays in the nation. For most families, the light display that begins with the 100' wreath, a visit to Santa Clause Lane and viewing all the lighted displays throughout the city is usually enough for parents. Some are free, some are not, but they are larger than life, and many are animated.

Some of these activities may not be yet age appropriate for your child.
Wheels 0' Time Museum.
Free G-rated family movies at Glen Oak Park on Sat. night. Bring your own chairs, blanket, snacks, etc..
Planetarium
Northmoor Observatory.
Peoria Zoo.
Wildlife Prarie State Park. Unique lodging, tours, and food on premise.
Horse drawn carriage ride
Cruise the river on the Spirit of Peoria, an authentic stern paddlewheel boat.
You will find most sports plus minor league baseball.
Lookout Tower, the 187' tower with viewers that overlooks the IL River Valley
Scouts.
Children's Theatre
Fly model planes and kites at Detweiller Park.
Family fitness center with pools for all ages, and more.
Children's Art Fair
Cook-off, car shows, TT Finals, and more
Summer theatre under the tent.
Family events and festivals all summer that usually culminates in Oktoberfest!

Schools: pre-k thru doctorate. Public, private, religious, gifted, Autism, and Special Ed schools in Peoria. What I don't like about K-7 in Peoria is the fact children are moved to a new school every two years. The same applies in East Peoria schools except Robein Elementary K-8. This is a very desirable small school that is hard to get into because of lack of available housing in this school district.

Where to live where children are not moved every two years:
1- Village of Peoria Heights. It is essentially surrounded by the City of Peoria. If living on or near Proaspect, you are no more than 4 stoplights from everything including Children's Hospital, Glen Oak Park and Peoria Zoo.
2- Village of Morton. Located on I-74/474. There are five bridges that cross the IL River at Peoria. Three are within 4 blocks of downtown and CAT headquarters. Upscale white collar community
3- Town of Washington is located on US 24 a few miles east of East Peoria. Upscale white collar
4. Germantown Hills. East of East Peoria IL 116; Metamora, IL Schools.
5. Village of Metamora nice small community east of Germantown Hills.
6. City of Eureka is a few miles east of Washington on US 24. County seat, Top 25 College, and small hospital.
7. Dunlap. Small community about 10 miles ENE of the Peoria City boundary.

Fire and Police for numbers #4, #5, and #7 are provided by their respective County with assistance from volunteers and other units.

Morton is the largest community with about 16,300 residents. It is followed by Washington at !5,100, Peoria Heights at 6,100, and Eureka at 5,300. These are independent communities that do provide Fire, Police and EMT, schools, and city services, to their residents. Emergency services are NOT provided by their respective Counties.

The US Census Bureau 2010 QuickFacts does not include Dunlap or Germantown Hills. I do not know why. It could be an oversight. These two settlements could also be categorized as an Incorporated Place/Community that does not yet have an official status of City, Town or Village, as assigned by the State of Illinois.

All 7 named communities are within 7 -25 miles from Peoria except Peoria Heights which shares three borders with the City of Peoria.

If you do not mind the two year school switch, Peoria has some lovely areas, with good schools, but, travel wise there is no advantage if you live in iether Peoria Heghts.