📍 About PIA & Peoria
Peoria International Airport (PIA) is a Class C facility in central Illinois offering a relaxed yet professional working environment. The Peoria region provides a comfortable cost of living, short commutes, and a friendly Midwestern lifestyle.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Young Couples
- Downtown Peoria – Urban apartments, dining, riverfront events
- West Peoria – Quiet residential, close to downtown
- Peoria Heights – Walkable, trendy restaurants and shops
Best for Families
- Dunlap – Excellent schools, new homes, suburban feel
- Morton – Safe, family-friendly, strong community
- Washington – Great schools and parks
- Germantown Hills – Small-town charm with short commute
🚗 Commute Times to PIA
- 5–15 min: West Peoria, Downtown, Bartonville
- 15–30 min: Dunlap, Peoria Heights, Morton
- 30–45 min: Washington, Germantown Hills, East Peoria
🎓 Top School Districts
- Dunlap CUSD 323 – Highly rated, A-level public schools
- Morton CUSD 709 – Known for academics and extracurriculars
- Washington Schools – Great high school & athletics programs
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌳 Outdoor & Nature
- Grand View Drive: Scenic overlook with trails
- Forest Park Nature Center: Hiking, wildlife, birdwatching
- Peoria Riverfront: Biking, jogging, concerts, farmers markets
🎭 Arts & Entertainment
- Peoria Civic Center: Concerts, hockey, Broadway tours
- Riverfront Museum: Planetarium, exhibitions, and IMAX theater
- Dining: Explore farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries
✈️ Nearby Airports
- PIA: On-site — served by major regional and national airlines
- BMI – Bloomington-Normal: ~1 hour — alternate commercial airport
- SPI – Springfield, IL: ~1.5 hours
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Lowest Crime: Dunlap, Morton, Washington, Germantown Hills
- City: Central Peoria has a mix — check neighborhood by neighborhood
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price ~$160,000–$250,000
- Rent: 1BR apartment ~$800–$1,200/month
- Utilities: ~$150–$200/month
- Groceries: Affordable — near or below national average
- Gas: ~$3.40/gallon
- Taxes: Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Peoria Heights: Trendy area with shopping and nightlife
- Dunlap: Quiet, family-focused, great schools
- Morton: Clean, peaceful suburb with festivals
- Washington: Family-oriented with parks and activities
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold and snowy — temps in the 20s–30s
- Spring: Mild, rainy, flowers bloom
- Summer: Warm to hot with humidity
- Fall: Crisp air, colorful foliage, festivals
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- CityLink: Public bus system in Peoria area
- Driving: Most residents own cars — easy commutes with light traffic
- Highways: Access via I-74, Route 24, Route 6
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- OSF Saint Francis Medical Center: Level I trauma and major regional hospital
- UnityPoint Health: Clinics and hospitals throughout region
- Prompt Care: Multiple urgent care centers citywide
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Events: Peoria Riverfront Market, Oktoberfest, Art Festival
- Community: Strong local pride, church groups, rec leagues
- Volunteering: Zoo, schools, hospitals, parks department
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Local Favorites: The Blue Duck, Obed & Isaac’s, Avanti’s, One World Cafe
- Craft Beer: Bearded Owl Brewing, Industry Brewing
- Ethnic Eats: Thai Tyme, Jerusalem Restaurant, Thanh Linh
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Moderate pace — great place to build a foundation
- Shifts: Schedule includes early, swing, and mids — plan housing accordingly
- Commute: Many controllers live within 10–25 minutes of the tower
📦 Moving Tips
- Winter Prep: Snow shovel, salt, snow tires recommended
- Best time to move: May–July for housing options
- Truck rentals: U-Haul & Penske available locally
❓ FAQs
- Is Peoria affordable?
Yes — one of the most affordable metro areas in the Midwest - Is the area family-friendly?
Absolutely — suburbs like Dunlap and Morton are ideal - How’s the commute?
Easy — light traffic and fast highway access