OT: Make Me Move

[Beninator]

I say no. Peoria is a fun town to visit, but I wouldn't live there. Really, it's the sin city of Illinois, with tons of bars, multiple nearby strip clubs, a casino, some good places to eat, and bars open till 4 am, it's as close as you can get to Vegas in Illinois. Always makes for a fun trip, especially for a Bradley game, and I just took a trip down for my bachelor party. But of all my friends from the Chicagoland area who went to Bradley, only 2 decided to stay for jobs. I'm sure a lot of people would say the same about Chicago who are from central and south Illinois. I think it has a lot to do with we're your from and grew up.

Really? --maybe the Peoria of the 1930's though the early 1950's----

[Beninator]

I voted maybe. You have to make the decision that is best for you!

[ph]

I'd say if you are making at least 7.5% more than what you are currently making, it is worth it. I don't know where you are living right now, but the cost of living in Peoria is so low, it is borderline ridiculous. Also, with the housing market being as terrible as it is, now is the time to buy if you are seriously thinking about making a long term stay.

Those two items were serious factors in my decision to stay here out of college (I passed on Chicago, Baltimore, Vegas, and a Denver suburb). That and Bradley Basketball!

-MML

I would say cost of living in Peoria is reasonable (compared to major cities) but not low. There are many areas of the country with lower property costs, and I think property taxes in Peoria are criminally high. Then you add in the gas station collusion.. It could be better then what we have.

But then again, I'm not sure I would move to the Chicago area, even if I were offered 2x my current pay...

[Monmouth_Bradley_Fan]

Peoria losing population? Lol not a true statement, first of all poulation will be up slightly even if less than 1% with the new census. Secondly, look at the massive development of the suburbs (yes they are suburbs) such as Germantown or Metamora, or even Morton. Some of these places are seeing double digit percentage growths. Peoria is and always has been a very interesting place to live, its a small city with a big city feel, which is fueled by the somewhat legit skyline, and decent entertainment that comes through the city. Personally with the upcomming development that is supposed to be hitting the city, (and has been hitting the city since the construction of the new I-74) Peoria, I feel has become an exciting place to live... suburbs will continue to develop, and the metropolitan area (which currently sits at about 360,000) will continue to grow....just my thoughts....

[amckillip]

Peoria losing population? Lol not a true statement, first of all poulation will be up slightly even if less than 1% with the new census. Secondly, look at the massive development of the suburbs (yes they are suburbs) such as Germantown or Metamora, or even Morton. Some of these places are seeing double digit percentage growths. Peoria is and always has been a very interesting place to live, its a small city with a big city feel, which is fueled by the somewhat legit skyline, and decent entertainment that comes through the city. Personally with the upcomming development that is supposed to be hitting the city, (and has been hitting the city since the construction of the new I-74) Peoria, I feel has become an exciting place to live... suburbs will continue to develop, and the metropolitan area (which currently sits at about 360,000) will continue to grow....just my thoughts....

I like Peoria, wanted to stay there. But most of these posters points are valid. At a time when most downtown's are seeing a revitalization Peoria's is seeing very little added, lacks good area's to live, and has little going on at night save a pretty decent bar scene. Additionally a 1% increase in population is actually a relative decline. A 1% increase indicates that people are moving away quicker than people are moving in because population naturally rises quicker than that just due to new births. Like I said, I like Peoria, but it is hardly growing, or at the same standard of lifestyle as similarly sized cities. (See Des Moines which was comparable to Peoria not too long ago)

[Future Walk-On]

The city population has dropped greatly since the 70's when Caterpillar was booming (around 20,000). The metropolitan area I don't know.

[peoriaspitfire]

Just do it... And... are you bringing her with you to the P?

I think I??™ll bring my avatar with me!

Really, it's the sin city of Illinois, with tons of bars, multiple nearby strip clubs, a casino, some good places to eat, and bars open till 4 am, it's as close as you can get to Vegas in Illinois.

Wow. This might be the swing vote that convinces me to make the move!

Just talk to the ticket people- there are always good lower bowl seats that are available every year.

I??™m getting lower bowl if available. I like to stand and cheer, so my apologies in advance if you end up sitting behind me this year.

There are many areas of the country with lower property costs, and I think property taxes in Peoria are criminally high.

This is depressingly true. My same house if it were in Peoria would have taxes more than double what I pay here. However, I do have to pay a ridiculous 2% tax just for working in downtown Cincinnati...even though I live about 20 miles North.

Here's a thought, how about Bloomington-Normal?

I seriously thought about this??¦and still might consider it in the future. I'm also currently looking at Dunlap, Morton and Washington, but I'm leaning towards Peoria for the convenience factor, as I believe my son will attend Peoria Notre Dame.

[amckillip]

I think I??™ll bring my avatar with me!



Wow. This might be the swing vote that convinces me to make the move!



I??™m getting lower bowl if available. I like to stand and cheer, so my apologies in advance if you end up sitting behind me this year.



This is depressingly true. My same house if it were in Peoria would have taxes more than double what I pay here. However, I do have to pay a ridiculous 2% tax just for working in downtown Cincinnati...even though I live about 20 miles North.



I seriously thought about this??¦and still might consider it in the future. I'm also currently looking at Dunlap, Morton and Washington, but I'm leaning towards Peoria for the convenience factor, as I believe my son will attend Peoria Notre Dame.

Washington is a quick commute to PND. I like Morton but would advise against it - NO LIQUOR SALES. It's brutal man.

[thefish7]

I moved from P-town to Washington last year, it's been a bit of a change of pace and slight decrease in convenience but with one notable exception (Grand Prairie shopping center and Rave theater) it's fine to get anywhere in Peoria-- and actually a bit easier than my condo was for a few places. Decent town with costs that aren't too high yet... I'd recommend it if you're looking for the quieter community but still access to the city angle over say, Dunlap or Morton.

[Braves4Life]

I voted "maybe" because the allure of Bradley basketball season tickets is just too great.

[Disturbed]

Washington is a quick commute to PND. I like Morton but would advise against it - NO LIQUOR SALES. It's brutal man.

I can think of at least two liquor stores in Morton, and I know they now sell liquor at Kroger. Also, restaurants serve liquor in Morton.

[jeffsu]

Washington is a quick commute to PND. I like Morton but would advise against it - NO LIQUOR SALES. It's brutal man.

Liquor sales actually are fine... they have some time restrictions, but they don't ever interfere with times when I've gone to get something.

Morton's a great spot... though anything between here and Peoria is a good bet (EP included)