Confused about Bloomington vs Peoria (Chicago, Springfield: relocation, motel, income)

[rainorsun]

I've read many threads with folks talking about how much they love Bloomington, but it still feels vague and almost ...bland.
I've heard Peoria called more scenic, more progressive/ forward thinking. I'm trying to understand, with relocation looming, why so many seem to praise Bloomington but I can't get solid ideas why, and why anyone would recommend it over Peoria. Also looking into Galesburg, which sounds more interesting. I'm looking for open-minded people (not necessarily college age!) in more RURAL surrounding areas. We don't need constant attractions to keep us busy. Looking for more quiet areas outside any city, but with some special quality, history or uniqueness about the area (Peoria, Bloomington, or Galesburg). Like the Galesburg trains, for ex. Or Peoria's parks..? Something you can feel in the air, almost.

[steve_holt]

I gave one of those vague answers in the other thread, so maybe I'll clarify. I don't want to start a Bloomington vs Peoria conflict.

I think each has its pros and cons. In general, you sum it up correctly. Bloomington has grown much more than Peoria recently. As a result, it is newer and cleaner in general. At the same time, because many of the residents in Bloomington are relatively new to the area, there is not as much local tradition as there is in Peoria. State Farm tends to shuffle people in an out of town, so they don't always take time to attach to such local traditions.

Pros of Bloomington:

The recent growth means much of the town is newer. The roads are wider, with somewhat less congestion. There are newer schools, and less run down areas. Bloomington has better interstate access, so going to Chicago/STL/Indy for the evening is a little easier in B-N than Peoria. There's Amtrak access in Bloomington, if that matters. Also, there are a lot of cultural offerings at the University of Illinois, and that's much closer to Bloomington.

Bloomington is a higher income area in general, to the extent that matters to you. There is lower crime than Peoria, but there has been some recent increases. I find Bloomington more progressive in some ways, at least as far as racial/ethnic issues. Part of that has to do with the general white collar dominance in the town. But there is also strong Christian right wing, so there is some conservativeness as a result (like conservative liquor laws, no adult establishments, etc).

As far as uniqueness, there is plenty in Bloomington. There is no natural beauty such as the Illinois River. One of the best things in Bloomington-Normal is the Constitution Trail. This is a great trail that runs 20 miles through town and continues expansion. There are parts of the trail that are quite beautiful. There are lots of festivals, and the Illinois Shakespeare festival is great every summer. Bloomington is an increasingly diverse community, and there are a number of quality ethnic restaurants. There are also lots of parks, new playgrounds, and Miller Park Zoo makes for a great afternoon trip.

I wouldn't want to live in a smaller town myself. There are some bedroom communities in McLean county, but not too many. There are a lot more small towns surrounding Peoria (partly has to do with issues with Peoria's District 150). So if you are set on living in a small area outside of town, you'll have more to choose from in Peoria. But the Downs area near Bloomington has rolling hills and a good school system. In the end, it depends on what is important to you. In your other thread, you talked a lot about proximity to water and natural beauty. To the extent that's important to you, Peoria and its surrounding areas have much more of that.

[linicx]

B-N and Peoria are as different as a cat and a sailboat. Peoria, I think, is more sprawling while Bloomington is morre compact. When I lived in Bloomington it was a over-grown farm town that shut its doors at 5pm.. The only thing open was restaurants and the drugstore. And the residents where clanninsh. But even then Peoria was different. It was more open minded to new ideas and new cultures.. It still is. Peoria older and it has an Indian history that is 12,000 year old. The first building erected by European settlers was on the Tazewell County side of the river in the 1700s. The Peoria Country Club is the oldest in the areas. The Peoria area has three marinas; two are in Peoria, the other is in Havana; one is private, the others are public. The Peoria Park District owns more than 60 parks - three are at least 10,000 acres each. The PPD also offers courses from A-Z that are taught by by non-teachers.. Peoria has a medical school, two schools for gifted children, a university and a junior college. Peoria has a zoo, botanica, museums, live theater, tehater in the park, band shell, golf, swimming, ice sakting and much more.
Peoria has a riverfront park that is very nice. Peoria Heights has some of the most spectacular views of the river immaginable and some very quaint stores.

Peoria has uptown shopping and downtown dining. Many of the national chain from motels to grocery stores are in Peoria.

Peoria is located in Central Illinois. Within the counties are seven hospitals, four nationally recognized events which includes one of the larrgest night time Christmas parades and displays in the nation, Inidan mounds, nationally acclaimed Indian museum, and the next florida Everglades. We are in the process of reclaimina 14,000 acres. I believe 6,000 are open to the public now.

Peoria as a very diverse religions community. It inculdes Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Fedrealist, Catholic, Ba'hai, AME, and many Christian denominations,

And there aea seven bridges that cross the Illinois River. Wherever you live you can get to work if you wprk in Peoria.

But, when all is said and done, the biggest diff between B-N and Peoria isn't taxes. Peoria is a river town and Bloominton is a farm town. The whole of the central part of the state (border to border) including Galseburg, Peoria, Springfield and B-N is in the heart of the "Illinois Beef and Grain Belt: We're farmers and we feed the world.

The one question that pops up in his forum from time to time is "Why isn;t Bloomington-Norman included in the Peoria Metropolitan area?" The answer isn't as simple as it sounds. Bloomington is 50 miles from Peoria and it is located in Eastern Cenral Illinois.

There area medium and small towns and also villages throughout central Illinois.
I'm retired. I am partial to Havana because it is centrally located between Peoria, Springfield and Bloomington and it is on the river. If you like water, history and naure and not concerned about the rest, this is a good town to live in and it has a good hospital with decent doctors and life flight; we hope you never need it. The town is progressive and poised to grow.

There isn't a lot to say bad about the county becuase it is mostly farming. The small towns are growning. Some of the new businesses are winery and pottery, comedy club. Havana has golf, bowling, swiming, hunting fishings, hiking, campiing,etc.. There is a pump out station in the part, We are surrounded by stare parks and heavily forested areas, and we have one of the three marinas. The City is set to let bids on a new motel, convention center and waterpare. Right now, as I write this ,,the Inland cruise ship (for lack of knowing what to call it) is docked in Havana. The original Indian archaelogical dig is across the river about 10 miles from Havana. It is in the heart of the reclaimation area.

Havana is laid back, quiet, friendly and respecful. And the food is good too,

To really get the feel of these areas, come spend a week in each town and drive around. When you come to Peoria I can show you the Worlds Most Beautiful Drive and a lazy path that follows the course of the river where you and your mate will fall in love all over again. (They say the river valley is magic.)

And if you like to gamble once in a while East Peioria has a casino, but if you like carriage rids at night Peoria has those too.

If you like variety in many areas look to Peoria. If you like politics, look to Springfield. If you like a conservative, small town feel look at B-N.

I don't dislike Bloomington. The things thay did in the last 25 years were already in Peoira a number of years earlier. Regardless of where yoiu move, all metro areas, all small towns in all states have their issues and problems. We are no different. And most of the folks in this forum have the home town spirit.

[rainorsun]

Wow, I really appreciate the detail and care in the responses here. I'm so grateful. I feel as though I have a much better idea of the area now, especially Peoria. We might even take a look at Havana now too. What a generous sharing of knowledge and experience. I hope we can move to the area soon. Now it seems more alive, thank you so much.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by rainorsun

Wow, I really appreciate the detail and care in the responses here. I'm so grateful. I feel as though I have a much better idea of the area now, especially Peoria. We might even take a look at Havana now too. . . ..

Well, it just so happens that if you want to take a little detour and stop in Havana a couple of things will happen. You'll see some beautiful country, and Havana is directly west of Bloomington on US 136 - so its not such a big detour when you know your way around -- and I will give you directions so you cannot get lost.

Logically if you liive west of Illinios, you stop in Galesburg first. If you live east of Illinois you stop in Bloominton first. North or South on I-55 would could chose Havana, Bloomington or Peoria first.

Illinois. Mile after magnificent mile. they ain't kiddin'.