Peoria Family Living (Chicago, Oak Park, East Peoria: to rent, low crime, how much)

[deckerc2003]

I am applying to a job with Caterpillar in Peoria. I am married with 3 kids and would be moving from MI. Any suggestions on housing? I think I would prefer to rent until we get settled and get to know the area better. My older kids are very active in sports. Would prefer something a little rural not a cookie cutter suburb. Thanks!

[linicx]

Unless you are working downtown, there are 3 or 4 CAT shops in ihe Peoria area: Morton, Mapleton, Mossville, East Peoria, testing, foundry, etc.. Where you live ultimately depends upon where you work, and how much time you want to spend driving on hilly, icy, two-lane county roads.

Peoria area roads are a mix of forested areas, high cliffs and steep hills, There is probably 18 hills in the immediate area, and maybe more. The good news is there are five bridges, an outstanding Children's Hospital and a few surprises.

WE don't have suburbs like Chicago. Peoria has subdivisions. They are not generally too cookie cutter. You need to realize there are only so many floor plans available for any house - and this is why you get the cookie cutter look in a suburb.

If you know the town, or the street location in Peoria where you are going to work, then it is easier to help you.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by deckerc2003

I am applying to a job with Caterpillar in Peoria. I am married with 3 kids and would be moving from MI. Any suggestions on housing? I think I would prefer to rent until we get settled and get to know the area better. My older kids are very active in sports. Would prefer something a little rural not a cookie cutter suburb. Thanks!

Look into the area to the North and North West of Peoria where your kids would be in the Dunlap School District. Top schools in the state, low crime areas and a vast selection of properties in which to choose from. Many CAT white collar people in the area. You would also be close to shopping and within 20 minutes to downtown Peoria, at most 30 minutes if you lived all the way into Dunlap.

[linicx]

You said you are applying to CAT. Once we know where you will work it is easier to help you find a place. .

[deckerc2003]

I will be traveling to all the Cat locations.

[linicx]

We all have personal preferences. Mine are based on driving the roads in all kinds of weather.

Rolling Acres Subdivision: Peoria Schools including Richwoods High School or Catholic high school
Village of Peoria Heights K-12 public or Catholic.
Peoria also offers other religious schools plus Montessori, plus public schools for the Gifted and Autistic Child.

.. the only children's hospital that treats more patients than Children's Hospital in Peoria is in Chicago. OSF Hospital in Peoria is the *only* hospital in Illinois that is affiliated with Easter Seals, Shriners Children's Hospitals and St.Judels mac Research hospitals.

I like Washington K-12, Robein K-8, Metamora K-12, Eureka k-12.

The one thing you and your wife should understand is from border to border is predominantly farm and ranch which tanslates basically to beef and hogs, corn, beans, grains and pumpkins. After this, is the summer fruits and veggies. You'll find a fresh farmer's market in Metro Centre on University South of Glen and before Lake Avenue, and on IL highways too.

PH is closer to the CAT house and Chillicothe than it is to Mapleton or Banner.. E.Peoria, Peoria, Morton and Bartonville is the happy medium. PH is a desireable address, The PD will know your children and to whom they belong. PH is 4 miles to more shopping than your wife will desire on any day - but not nearly enough when your daughters become teenagers. Costco and Target will open new stores in East Peoria. PH is less than 2 miles to the zoo, botanical garden, Amphitheater, free movies, hiking and picnics inside Glen Oak Park. PH is about 5 miles from downtown as the crow flies.

I will send you some information.