There are so many great things to LOVE about Peoria. Last week at the State of the City Address, Mayor Ardis commented on several highlights from the last year and an encouraging future for Peoria.

As Realtors and Ambassadors for Central Illinois, we couldn't help but get excited to share some of the great things about the community we live in and love. Here is a Top 5 List of Reasons to Love Peoria, IL reflective of the highlights of the State of the City Address. 

1. Peoria Homes are Affordable.

Peoria Ranks #2 in Home Affordability for Midsize Metros.

Source: Nerdwallet

2. Peoria has a Low Cost of Living.

Peoria has the 34th Lowest Cost of Living in the Nation  among all Metro Areas.

Source: Niche

3. Peoria has Top Ranked Schools. 

Dunlap School District is ranked #12 of 408 for Best School District in Illinois. Over 75% of Dunlap students live in the City of Peoria . 

Source: Niche

According to US News Best Colleges, Bradley University is:

#6 in Regional Universities Midwest

#5 in Best Value Schools

#14 in Most Innovative Schools

4. Peoria has a Diverse Workforce. 

Peoria Exports over $7.3 billion yearly, 1 of the Top 50 Exporters in the Country.

Source: United States of America Department of Commerce.

Not only is Peoria high in manufacturing from businesses such as Komatsu and Caterpillar but we also have  a strong service and research sector including: National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, OSF Healthcare, Unity Point Health, ATS, RLI and Maui Jim Sunglasses.

5. Peoria Businesses Invest in their City. 

Here  are just a few examples showcased at the State of the City Address:

• OSF Ministry Headquarters $100 million
• UnityPoint Health relocation and expansion of Methodist College $17 million
• UnityPoint Health renovation of Pekin Hospital $8 million
• UICoM recently welcoming first year med students and upgrades $2.5 million
• Cancer Research Center $12 million
• Ronald McDonald House 22-room facility $8 million
• OSF HealthCare: “Almost Home Kids” facility $8.5 million
• OSF- UICoM Jump Trading Education and Simulation Center $50 million
• UnityPoint investments at Methodist and Proctor campuses $13 million