Born, raised and attended college in IL. Then worked in the IL delegation in Congress for 15+ years-- Peoria is affectionately known as the armpit of the state.

Thanks, all. I mentioned the weather because Wikipedia characterized it as "hot, humid summers" and "cold, snowy winters" -- the worst of all possible worlds!

A recruiter contacted me about a job at CAT that would be a perfect fit. Coincidentally, my husband and I recently have been discussing whether we should "find some small city" to move to. I'm not sure that Peoria is quite what we had in mind -- but maybe it would be okay. I mean we're not going to find a cheaper, smaller city that is as or more cosmopolitan than DC right?

Finally, that thread is bizarre. But it does prompt me to ask, for anyone who might know, how the public schools are. As long as they are *okay,* that is fine with me, since (based on personal experience) I really think the most important factor for success is parental involvement and expectations.

Goooooooooooo Bradley!

I went to college there, so I was there for 4 years. There are some beautiful older homes. I don't know anything about the public school system, but there were always families everywhere.

Ultimately what I hated the most about it was the dependance on CAT and how REMOTE it is. It really really is the middle of nowhere.

I have a friend who lives there. Don't expect the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the DC area. I think he likes it, and although it does have a university in the city, it doesn't seem to be a university town. He goes to Champagne - Urbana to get that type of atmosphere. He is single now and has found it hard to find people to date. Everyone is married, and so many people are conservative. He used to go to the Unitarian Church, just to meet people more closely aligned with his beliefs, even though he was not particularly interested in religion.

You should read this thread:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/171605.page

There are actual Peorians posting in it.

You mean with Caterpillar. Yes, when Cat does layoffs, it effects the whole town.

My college roommate lives there and loves it. (although she is a Midwest native!). She says people are nice and down to earth, her daycare is reasonable cost and excellent. She bought her house at the height of the market and it is twice as big as mine and half the cost... They do have family/friends in Chicago so go there about once a month. I think everyone is affiliated with John Deere in some way

Thoughts on Peoria? I think the weather alone might be a dealbreaker, but I'm interested in opinions on schools, people, general quality of life.