i'd suggest looking up things like chief's game, cefcu center stage (live music), peoria park district events, and events in peoria heights (search 'happening in the heights'). This is in addition to what others have added. Anything from classroom info, #students who actually want to go there (vs chicago), quality of buildings, etc. the problem is, my hometown is feeling more and more suffocating. i mean this not as an insult, nor a compliment: Peoria is the okayest place in the midwest. It’s relatively safe, full of chain restaurants, and a surprising demographic mix given the areas surrounding peoria. Almost anyone can make due here, no matter your background. the pros and cons of living in peoria, illinois, what living there is like, who lives there, reviews, and city grades for the area.
