Peoria is a beautiful Illinois city that sits on the Illinois River. The city is very friendly, with a thriving LGBTQ community, plenty of natural beauty, and much to see and do for visitors and residents alike. Those who choose to move to Peoria will find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Peoria's History
Peoria has a long and rich history. In fact, it was the first European settlement in the state of Illinois, and one of the earliest in the Midwest. The French and British occupied the area for several centuries until the first American settlers begin farming there around 1819. The area grew quickly and experienced a great economic and population boom because of its abundance of fertile land and natural resources, and access to the Illinois River. Since its founding, the area has grown steadily. Today, it remains a beautiful river city full of diversity, friendly people, plenty of opportunities, and much to see and do.
A Few Fun Facts About Peoria
Read more fun facts about Peoria here.
Peoria’s LGBTQ Community
Peoria is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Peoria is the area’s closest local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Peoria Proud is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting and promoting equality and diversity throughout the greater Peoria area. The group tries to unify the community through advocacy, social outreach, and education.
What's the Weather Like in Peoria?
In the summer, temperatures in July typically reach to around 86°F, while winters can be cold and snowy with temperatures dropping two around 16°F in January. Spring and fall are typically mild and pleasant times to be outside, with spring promising beautiful flowers and fall bringing brightly colored leaves. Peoria receives an average of 38 inches of rain per year, and about 23 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Peoria
The River City Pride Festival is an “annual expression of self-expression, community, and LGBTQ+ equality,” and is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area each year. This annual celebration draws thousands of participants each year, and includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Steamboat Days Festival is by far one of the most popular events in Peoria each year. This festival honors Peoria's heritage as a riverfront city and combines a carnival, delicious food and drinks, excellent musical entertainment, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
The Best Neighborhoods in Peoria
Unlike some other cities, Peoria doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Instead, the LGBTQ community in Peoria is sprinkled throughout the city, which simply means that there are many wonderful places to choose from. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Peoria LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. Generally, homes throughout the city are fairly affordable, although there are a wide variety of home styles in varying price ranges available. The current median list price of homes for sale in Peoria is around $120,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Corn Stock Theatre is a unique Peoria arts tradition. Each summer, this theatre company puts on excellent musicals, contemporary plays, and dramas in its huge outdoor tent. It’s been a Peoria tradition since 1954, and you don’t want to miss the chance to enjoy a show for yourself!
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts
The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is a community theater located in historic Old Town Peoria. The performing theatre group TheaterWorks puts on more than 200 events here each year for audiences of all ages.
Parks and Recreation
Peoria’s Grand View Drive is stunningly beautiful. This two-and-a-half-mile scenic road travels through parks and beautiful historic mansions, with gorgeous views of the Illinois River and surrounding valley. Taking a drive or riding a bike down the drive on a beautiful day is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the Peoria area.
This large natural preserve consists of gorgeous woodlands and prairie grasses. It offers several beautiful trails, plenty of wildlife, and excellent hiking and biking opportunities for all, as well as a playground, picnic tables, and more.
Peoria Nightlife
Sparky's Bar and Grill Ringside
Sparky’s Bar and Grill Ringside is a popular, LGBTQ-friendly bar and grill offering great burgers, friendly crowds, and plenty of fun. The bar frequently offers karaoke, dancing, and drag shows. It’s a great place to stop on a night out in Peoria.
Blondie's is a fun, friendly nightspot known for its strong drinks, lively crowds, great music, trivia nights, and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy a night out. It's definitely a must-try spot to put on your list!
Contact a Peoria Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Peoria, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Peoria, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Peoria gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
