Peoria-walkable urban areas (Chicago, Rockford, Aurora: fit in, house, theater)

[stx12499]

aaa

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by cubsfan1

If you are still in town, and you havent already checked out the northwoods mall area of town, you should. (just south on war memorial drive from grand prarie, or off I-74) The reason i say that isnt because of the mall, but the entire surrounding area is loaded with resturants, coffee houses, and other stuff like that you may find interesting.

No thanks. I drove by all that area and stayed in the Jameson Suites. I can get those chains in anysuburb USA. Even here in Louisville metro there are a good 5 malls like Northwood. I toured nearly all of Peoria, including the south side. I didnt tour much east of the river, except right on the waterfront by embassy suites. everyone I talked to kept touting washington as a nice area, but when I looked at it on a map, it looked like a blip of tiny sprawl and I didnt think it was worth the drive to check out.

My overall impression is, if you like small cities, peoria wouldnt be bad for families. For a young professional, i can tell that it would be pretty bad. peoria heights is small and dead. every shop on prospect was closed by 9 PM. the homes were nice, and i liked the river bluffs. not bad for Illinois which is mostly flat.

downtown is trying, but I went in two bars on the riverfront where I was literally the ONLY person. i walked in and talked to a bored bartender in each one and then left. Overall, downtown peoria is a victim of 1960s era "redevelopment" which essentially was bulldozing large areas of historic buildings in disrepair for parking lots. For that reason, surface parking is the most notable feature of downtown Peoria. There was one strip of bars on main downtown, and the locals agree that this, along with farmington, were the two main bar strips in town. main street looks like it could develop a decent crowd on a saturday night, but on this cold tuesday, I again found two other bars (hydrate and the gin something other other) where I was the ONLY person when I walked in at 1030 PM by this point. I talked to the owner of Hydrate and he said that was the main strip of bars in town. Not bad for a town Peoria's size, but what I couldnt get was why the vibe seemed so "blue collar." Peoria definitely is full of a lot of corner dive bar type places with wooden paneling from the 1970's. these places wouldnt be out of place in the south side of chicago, or even, the south side of Louisville where I currently live, but they are not normally my style. Mushrush seemed like a nice irish pub, 5 people in there, but that can be expected on a Tuesday. The next bar I went to there were literally people smoking at the bar, and kind of stared at me weird when I walked in. Eh, must have been a locals hideout.

From Main, I headed to farmington to check out the "college scene." Bradley is not much of a campus, and Moss Avenue is nice, but not too impresive as far as turn of the centruy historic mansion streetcar "suburbs" go. There were some pretty impressive homes there though. The Bradley campus itself looked like a ghost town. even the Jimmy Johns was closed at 11. I have to admit ive never seen a college campus JJ closed that early. Also, it seemed there was no cars on the road almost anywhere I went at this time of night. Looked like one little strip of restaurants, but they were all closed, along with Starbucks. Farmington had a nice little pool bar called Crusens, which sounds like its the go to bar in town for college kids (even though its in the center of town). There was a nice little crowd of college kids, but the crowd again seemed a little blue collar, for lack of a better term. This is not surprising, as the area looked almost as if it was in the country, down a hill and very dark, and the building itself was a cinderblock looking thing, almost 1960s suburbanish. I went in an met a nice young lady who told me Peoria wasnt too bad if you have good friends and know the right places to go, but that she wouldnt recommend me coming there at my age (27). Again, I do not mean blue collar in a deroragotoary way, but it is not my scene.

Anywho, the next day, I explored most the rest of the city in daylight. Highlights, the airport terminal and area in general was very tiny and very run down. I couldnt believe there was free parking though! That is sure nice. I noticed it looked like they are building a new terminal (which seems direly needed given the looks of the 1950s? era tiny terminal there). 474 passes by some pretty rural areas, and then you get to the lifestyle center mall the Shoppes at Grand Prairie. This is an anywheresUSA type mall that Peorians seemed to be excited about, but this is exactly the type of area I hate (in any city). The south side looked pretty run down universally, but it did not feel dangerous. Lots of boarded up buildings and urban prairie. In fact, some streets that showed on my GPS werenet even there anymore, just fields! Nice architecture in parts though, especially around West Peoria. This is consistent with many Midwest river towns, only on a smaller scale. You can usually find these areas in any Midwest city, so no surprise here. Downtown seems like it has a lot of potential (there are at least a few nice loft condo projects, and the hospital district is very nice for a city Peoria's size. I think developing the block project on water is a big key. Peoria needs cultural venues, and the Civic Center doesnt cut it. Also, the busiest place by far downtown at night was Big Al's Strip Club.

Overall, I doubt I could live in Peoria, but it is nicer than some Midwest towns twice it size, like Dayton, OH. However, if I get the job offfer, as expected, I will come back for a second look on a weekend this time when it's warm. If there is no signs of life on the college campus, few cars at night, early restaurant closings, no people walking, and a lack of any bar that seems more upscale, I will probably pass on Peoria. Oh, forgot to mention the closest thing to an alt weekly Peoria has is the very small RCT. I picked it up, and it lists all the restaurants and bars on one page, had one article about some local music, and was mostly filled otherwise with low quality print ads. Overall, I'd rank this town comprable with its peer towns like Evansville, IN, although less vibrant because of less big money corporations and substantially less college students with no casino. However, Peoria is an ok place, a bit sprawly for a small metro, and I am sure great for families and even recreation on the lakes and rivers. South Bend-Mishawaka, IN is also likely a good comparison, as is Huntington-Ashland WV-KY metro area. Although Lexington, KY is only slightly larger by 100 k in metro, it feels much larger and more cosmopolitan.

Rank MSA population of metro areas of Peoria's peers
133 Peoria, IL MSA IL 00,371,206
134 Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX MSA TX 00,370,008
135 Montgomery, AL MSA AL 00,365,962
136 Trenton-Ewing, NJ MSA Mercer County NJ 00,365,449
137 Anchorage, AK MSA AK 00,362,340
138 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC MSA
139 Tallahassee, FL MSA FL 00,352,319
140 Rockford, IL MSA The Rock River Valley IL 00,352,290
141 Ann Arbor, MI MSA MI 00,350,003
142 Evansville, IN-KY MSA Kentuckiana, Tri-State IN-KY 00,349,717

[linicx]

Illinois is the 6th most populated state. The bars and restaurants had a double whammy. First the state wide non-smoking ban which was followed by the economic downturn. It is very bad when CAT cuts Exec and top level pay and also institutes a hiring freeze at the same time.

So, the clubs that were viable and busy are hanging on by a thread and the museum is at a standstill.

Bloomington - Normal is probably better financially because it is not industralized. Quite possibly you would liike it better and find a job there, Or you might like Champaign even better yet. It has stores and features Peoria does not have.

[linicx]

After reading your critique of Peoria, I really don't think you will ever be happy in Peoria. It's not urbane, it isn't big enough, it has blue collar types, it has a bad reputation, it has urban sprawl, the historical houses don't meet your expectations, the BU campus isn't big enough, the area around the malls is a disapointment, you stayed in the wrong motel, nothing is open past 10:30om, you looked at a map and decided Washington wasn't worth your time to visit. You are right, you won't like Washington any better than any other town around Peoria.

Your lofty expectations are way too high for a gritty small blue collar town with a bad reputation to reach. Don't waste your money or time to return. You'll be happier in an urbane area like Chicago.

I hope you find what you are seeking.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by linicx

After reading your critique of Peoria, I really don't think you will ever be happy in Peoria. It's not urbane, it isn't big enough, it has blue collar types, it has a bad reputation, it has urban sprawl, the historical houses don't meet your expectations, the BU campus isn't big enough, the area around the malls is a disapointment, you stayed in the wrong motel, nothing is open past 10:30om, you looked at a map and decided Washington wasn't worth your time to visit. You are right, you won't like Washington any better than any other town around Peoria.

Your lofty expectations are way too high for a gritty small blue collar town with a bad reputation to reach. Don't waste your money or time to return. You'll be happier in an urbane area like Chicago.

I hope you find what you are seeking.

My critique was as honest as can be. Didnt have ANY expectation for Peoria. If anything, it is not a horrible place, as I said. Although my post has some negative things to say, I also had many positive things to say, given Peoria's size and position among its peer cities. I sense the sarcasm in your post, and I am sorry to offend you, but I posted my honest opinions (and some facts as well).

[Maintainschaos]

Originally Posted by linicx

Illinois is the 6th most populated state.

Illinois is the 5th-most populated state.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by Maintainschaos

Illinois is the 5th-most populated state.

I guess my source is old. thanks.

[linicx]

The problem is, Stx, driving around Peoria doesn't tell you a thing about it. For instance Peoria Heights is not Peoria. And it has always closed early. The only thing that ever stayed open was the one bar in the shopping area. You have to go farther south on Prospect to find anything open past 9pm.

Did you expect something besides farm land around Peoria? Peoria is in the heart of the beef and grain belt. Why do you think Peoria has a stockyard and grain bins on the river?

Peoria does not exit for bars. and there are young professionals there: Caterpillar, banks, lawyers, doctors, dentists, realtors, business owners, restraunt owners, furrier, jeweler and managers to name a few. Just because they don't hang out in bars every night does not mean they don't exist. My son owned three businesses when he was killed; he was 28.

Peoria is not a M-W night town. It never has been. Mon and Tues are normally dead as a doornail at night. Wednesday is not a lot better and Sunday night is a complete wash.

Moss Avenue was never a suburb, and as far as I know there was never a street car on it. They were down town in the business district and probably on main. Bradley is a small campus private universtiy and probably one of the oldest in Illnois. .

I see you found Farmington Hill. Farmington has always been a farm town. You'll find blue collar types in farm towns. The airport has several non-stops daily. That ain't too bad for a small, old airport. Washington on the other hand is not so much a farm town as it is upper middle class. So is Morton.

Do you know Peoria has at least ten mainstreem religions that minister to the area, or that the land where Peoria Heights was built was once home to the Peorias - as sub-tribe of the Algonquin Nation?

I invite you to the south side of Peoria any night, we'll see how safe you feel, if you are a white boy or hispanic. West Peoria is an independent town in the middle of town that built around it.

I don't know wny you are so disparaging of a town that can only grow out. With water to the east and towns on the SE and NW, there is no other place to go. If you don't like 'sprawl" as you contine to call it, you will surely like neat, square, flat Bloomington that is surrounded by cows and cornfields.

Peoria does not have a casino; don't need one. Par-A-Dice is five minutes away.

There area 44 newspapers in Peoria and the surrounding area. You picked up a freebie - and yeah they are printed on cheap paper. There are several weekly papers; but you don't know when they are delivered or where to find them.

Peoria is not your scene. You will rub elbows with a blue collar type every day. And you won't find Clark Street or Mecca, either. You will be miserable and looking for another job within six months. Nothing outside of Chicago or St.Louis is big enough or urbane enough. You need to take the other job offer, you'll be happier.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by linicx

The problem is, Stx, driving around Peoria doesn't tell you a thing about it. For instance Peoria Heights is not Peoria. And it has always closed early. The only thing that ever stayed open was the one bar in the shopping area. You have to go farther south on Prospect to find anything open past 9pm.

Did you expect something besides farm land around Peoria? Peoria is in the heart of the beef and grain belt. Why do you think Peoria has a stockyard and grain bins on the river?

Peoria does not exit for bars. and there are young professionals there: Caterpillar, banks, lawyers, doctors, dentists, realtors, business owners, restraunt owners, furrier, jeweler and managers to name a few. Just because they don't hang out in bars every night does not mean they don't exist. My son owned three businesses when he was killed; he was 28.

Peoria is not a M-W night town. It never has been. Mon and Tues are normally dead as a doornail at night. Wednesday is not a lot better and Sunday night is a complete wash.

Moss Avenue was never a suburb, and as far as I know there was never a street car on it. They were down town in the business district and probably on main. Bradley is a small campus private universtiy and probably one of the oldest in Illnois. .

I see you found Farmington Hill. Farmington has always been a farm town. You'll find blue collar types in farm towns. The airport has several non-stops daily. That ain't too bad for a small, old airport. Washington on the other hand is not so much a farm town as it is upper middle class. So is Morton.

Do you know Peoria has at least ten mainstreem religions that minister to the area, or that the land where Peoria Heights was built was once home to the Peorias - as sub-tribe of the Algonquin Nation?

I invite you to the south side of Peoria any night, we'll see how safe you feel, if you are a white boy or hispanic. West Peoria is an independent town in the middle of town that built around it.

I don't know wny you are so disparaging of a town that can only grow out. With water to the east and towns on the SE and NW, there is no other place to go. If you don't like 'sprawl" as you contine to call it, you will surely like neat, square, flat Bloomington that is surrounded by cows and cornfields.

Peoria does not have a casino; don't need one. Par-A-Dice is five minutes away.

There area 44 newspapers in Peoria and the surrounding area. You picked up a freebie - and yeah they are printed on cheap paper. There are several weekly papers; but you don't know when they are delivered or where to find them.

Peoria is not your scene. You will rub elbows with a blue collar type every day. And you won't find Clark Street or Mecca, either. You will be miserable and looking for another job within six months. Nothing outside of Chicago or St.Louis is big enough or urbane enough. You need to take the other job offer, you'll be happier.

Louisville is plenty big enough and urbane enough. It is also surrounded by sprawl and farms...but I think you TOTALLY missed my point. It is the white collar crowd, the professionals, the diverse restaurants, the museums, the walkable urban areas, etc, that Peoria is missing. And no, the south side of Peoria is NOT dangerous. I would rather sleep by myself on a street in the southside of Peoria than walk in daylight on dangerous streets by Victory Park in West Louisville.

You misread almost my entire post, and I am not sure you get it. If you say I should stay away, then mayb I should.

[linicx]

I didn't miss a thing you were looking for young white professionals in bars. You won't stay in Peoria. It was built on the back of industry and blue collar workers. Peoria is a very diverse community but you don't see it. You did not look for museums. You looked for bars. You did not learn a thing. You saw sprawl, farmland, no nightlife on the two deadest days of the week. What did you expect .. chopped liver?

You are young and have a lot to learn about life and people of all colors. I suspect your journey will be painful. Take your other job offer. Peoria has nothing to offer you.
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