Look beyond the skyline materializing from the banks of the Illinois River, flanked by the rolling farmland of Central Illinois and you will be pleasantly surprised by the eclectic features offered to those that come to visit and live in Peoria and its surrounding communities. Home to an emerging nationally recognized medical community second in the Midwest only to Chicago; to the largest mining and construction equipment manufacturing company and to Bradley University, Peoria attracts people from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicity and walks of life.

Culture, sports and entertainment in Central Illinois thrive in Peoria. Downtown Peoria boasts the Civic Center which attracts events ranging from the symphony, to the ballet to Broadway plays and concerts that play in big city venues. We look forward to a planned complex of a museum, IMAX theatre and sports venue in addition to the delightful riverfront and community festivals that occur year round sure to attract people from around the Midwest and boost the Central Illinois economy. Come here and cheer on Peoria’s sports teams in hockey, football and baseball or join the Bradley Braves basketball fans at Carver arena for a Saturday afternoon of fun!

Along with the Midwestern values that “play in Peoria”, our surrounding communities are known for providing a terrific place to raise a family. Public and private schools offer top quality educational opportunities recognized for its excellent test scores and gifted student programs. Plan family activities around the miles of hiking trails; parks and recreational facilities; and Chicago and St. Louis are an easy driving distance for weekend getaways.

You will find in just a short time, the best part of Central Illinois is the people! Always friendly and ready to offer a helping hand to their neighbors, the people make Peoria special. Proud of our community and our big hearts, the people of Central Illinois host the Midwest affiliate for St. Jude. With all of this, it should be no wonder to live, work and raise a family in the Heart of Illinois!