Springfield vs. Peoria?

[Maintainschaos]

Originally Posted by midwest1

The deeds were still done in Springfield..it does taint the place. Sure the corruption and incompetence stem largely from Chicago..but Springfield is the unfortunate stage for the fetid shenanigans.

Meh. Lots of unsavory political deals have been reached at all of the state capitals and the nation's capital...People are responsible, not the place.

[BethMac]

Unless you have family or friends here, I would not recommend Peoria. If you do move here, it would be wise to rent and live here for awhile before investing in real estate. It’s just not an area very friendly towards outsiders as most people are locals and already have their social needs met with their family etc.. If you want to move, I’d consider somewhere with more transplants.

[odanny]

Originally Posted by Creo

The Peoria Riverfront Museum lists Peoria as the oldest European settlement in IL, and I just found this:

Peoria is the oldest European settlement in Illinois. In 1691, the French military, under the charge of Henri de Tonti, built a massive fortification called Fort Pimiteoui. Outside the walls of the fort, a French settlement grew among the American Indian villages.

and this about Kaskaskia:

The original settlement (now underwater) was founded in 1703 as a Jesuit mission and developed as a French trading post and a farming community. Initially incorporated as a town by the French in 1725

Just FYI.

Peoria became a state in 1818. The very first county in Illinois is Peoria county, and the second county in Illinois is Cook county. Peoria once had a lot of potential, was a hub for the sale and distribution of alcohol, and was one the of the country's leaders in bicycle racing prior to the 20th century.

Caterpillar and Saint Francis hospital provide the majority of jobs in the region. The town itself has a very blue collar vibe, and white flight across the river or north of Peoria to a tiny town called Dunlap has now made African Americans the majority of students in Peoria High Schools. Peoria also has the notorious distinction of being in the top 10 every year (in the country) of one of the worst places for African Americans to find employment. Just a few years ago it was ranked #1 in the country.

I constantly hear people tell me about their moves out of Peoria at work, complaining about how unsafe it was, but there are plenty of neighborhoods that are safe. There are also plenty of neighborhoods that are not. And the property taxes are absolutely ridiculous.

[damba]

Originally Posted by odanny

And the property taxes are absolutely ridiculous.

Not necessarily, unless you are in one of Peoria’s upscale areas, or Dunlap. I see huge historic homes for 300k with $3500 tax bills. This is very nominal.

Now if your complaint revolves more around what you might get for the taxes in services/public schools/amenities, you have a valid argument for reasons you have hinted at.

[bernerscotty]

If u were going to move near Peoria,which town? Morton,Washington,Germantown hills. We are retired like to hike,go to restaurants,music. Any ideas would be great if you know the area. Thanking you in advance