North Peoria - Peoria, IL

Established in 1691, Peoria has the distinction of being the oldest European settlement in the state. The city’s name comes from the Peoria Native American tribe who once lived in the area. The village incorporated in the early 1800s, and flour milling and alcohol distillation provided for early industries. The Caterpillar machine manufacturer remains the largest employer in the area.

The city also serves as the home to Bradley University and The Peoria Riverfront Museum, which houses a great permanent collection of fine art and regularly hosts traveling exhibits. A giant-screen theater and dome planetarium also attracts visitors to the museum. The Peoria Civic Center provides a home to the Peoria Symphony and their seasonal musical performances. The Peoria Cabaret Theatre, located in the Broadway Lounge, brings in locals wishing to see top-notch improv comedy.

No one particular spot for dining and nightlife graces the North area, but the neighborhood does lie in close proximity to downtown and the Restaurant Row section of Peoria Heights. These areas require just a bit of travel to access, but plenty of choices also lie closer to home.

At Khoury's Cuisine in the North area, locals indulge in a bursting gyro and fries big enough to power you through long days. Khoury's menu features classic Greek and Mediterranean dishes such as baba ghanoush and crispy falafel, with American sides such as fried cheese balls and mushrooms. Fans of Mediterranean food can also head to Kabab G, a Lebanese restaurant serving up grilled kababs, creamy hummus and a superb chicken shawarma.

For a gastropub experience, The Publik House nestled in Restaurant Row features great English and American pub food and plenty of choices for pints. With a variety of sandwiches, including the pork belly hoagie and the seared tuna, The Publik House ensures customers always leave happy and full.

Located just south of the Kellogg Golf Course, The Pour House provides a place for a beer and a bite while watching the Bears or any Illinois sports team. To catch a live rock show, residents head south to Crusens where daily drink specials, a basic bar menu and a beer garden keep them coming back for more.

Most residents travel to and from the North area by car, but biking and walking also make great ways to get around the neighborhood though care should always be taken in higher traffic areas. While bike lanes don’t really exist in the city, access to the Rock Island Trail can be found in downtown Peoria. This trail of crushed stone and asphalt allows for bike and hiking trips of almost 40 miles.

Parking can be found for free in residential neighborhoods, but attention should be paid to any parking signs that may restrict use during certain times of the day or week. CityLink provides transportation throughout the area as part of the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District. Over 20 bus routes cover the city, with several options for travel in and around the North neighborhood. Uber ride sharing hasn't become available in Peoria, however, several options for cab service exist. Calling for service gets the best results.

Interstate 74 passes through the city to the south of the neighborhood, providing residents the opportunity for travel southeast to Bloomington or to connect with I-155 for travel to Springfield.

The North area features several free public parks, including Charter Oak Park. With 120 acres, Charter Oak Park allows for many activities, from pond fishing to shooting hoops and playing tennis. Playground equipment keeps children occupied and the sheltered picnic area and hiking trails provide fun for the whole family. For golf enthusiasts, the Peoria Park District runs seven public courses in the area as well as a Golf Learning Center for beginners. The park district also runs programs for kids throughout the year. The park district's Proctor Center houses the African American Hall of Fame Museum and many arts, crafts and learning programs for kids.

For outdoor summer fun, the Illinois Blues Festival provides visitors the chance to see great live music one weekend every September at Riverfront Festival Park.

For a good place to exercise pets, residents in the North neighborhood head across the river to Morton Dog Park. This dog park features two enclosures to accommodate both large and small animals. Beautiful scenery and plenty of picnic tables mean pet owners enjoy the park just as much as their dogs.

The cost of living in the North neighborhood falls in line with the city as a whole, below the national average. A bottle of domestic beer at a local bar costs about $3, with an import costing around $4. Gas prices fall almost 8 percent below the national average. A one-bedroom apartment rents for about $630 per month. A trip to downtown Peoria on a CityLink bus costs $1 for adults and $.50 for children and the disabled. Seniors, 65 and over, ride for free.

For a shopping mall experience, residents in the North neighborhood of Peoria don't need to travel far. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie provide a good mix of retail options with department stores, such as Marshalls, and boutiques, including Apricot Lane.

For a locally owned boutique, locals head to Pink Sugar Boutique, which provides plenty of sweet deals on both upscale and affordable women's clothing and accessories. Book lovers appreciate the great deals on the used books they find at The Book Nook, and musicians, both established and aspiring, find everything they need at Music Makers music store. Instruments, amps and accessories aren't all the store provides; guitar repair and lessons can be found here as well.

Riverfront Farmer's Market, located on the banks of the Illinois River, gives residents options for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers grown in the area. The open-air market commences every Saturday morning from late May to September and also features arts, crafts and great music. Options for grocery shopping in the North neighborhood include bigger chain stores, such as Kroger and Hy-Vee, but Schnucks also provides great deals on cheese, bakery items, meat, seafood, medicine and other everyday household goods. As a health food grocery store, Naturally Yours provides an alternative for health-conscious residents who prefer more natural and organic foods.