Let the numbers do the talking.
Chicago, IL vs Peoria, IL
Chicago, IL vs Peoria, IL: What the data shows
Chicago, IL is in Chicago, IL while Peoria, IL is in Peoria, IL — both in the same state. On home prices, Peoria, IL is the more affordable option at $235,500 median — $86,100 less than Chicago, IL's $321,600. WYLT rates Chicago, IL as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Peoria, IL as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Chicago, IL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Peoria, IL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Chicago, IL has Low flood risk and Peoria, IL has Low flood risk.
Chicago, IL is the more walkable neighborhood. Chicago, IL scores 60/100 (somewhat walkable) versus Peoria, IL's 15/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Chicago, IL rates 6.8/10 and Peoria, IL rates 6.8/10.
| Category | Chicago, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $322K | $236K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $826 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $67K ✓ Higher income | $20K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 60/100 ✓ More walkable | 15/100 |
| Transit Score | 62/100 ✓ Better transit | 10/100 |
| Bike Score | 60/100 ✓ More bikeable | 18/100 |
| Commute | 10 min ✓ Shorter commute | 197 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.8/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Best for | Young professionalsFood loversTransit users | low‑income rentersretireesstudents |
Bottom line
If you need proximity to downtown, decent walkability, and are willing to accept higher crime, Chicago’s neighborhood is the better choice. Peoria offers lower prices but limited walkability, transit, and job access, making it less suitable for families or commuters. Overall, Chicago is the more viable option for most buyers.
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