The history. It's amazing to learn how this town grew. I like the old homes around town, the cemeteries (especially Springdale) and the stories about the individuals who built this city.
The opportunity for education. Daycare, preschools, Bright Futures, private schools, public schools, colleges, medical schools, and opportunities for so many other hobbies and career paths..art, music, cooking classes.
The libraries and the opportunity to get your hands on anything you need to educate yourself or read for leisure.
Secondhand shopping and garage sales.. Recycling, repurposing and reusing.
Farmers markets and produce stands in and around Peoria. Spring to late fall offers a huge bounty.
The pride in sports on all levels and in all sports. Everyone rallying for 'the home team,' no matter who that may be.
The Park District.. Love it! So many parks and programs to take advantage of and from which to learn.
The Illinois River roads and banks. I enjoy them in every season and from Peoria, and all the cities along the river near Peoria. The sun rising and setting from both sides is pretty amazing!
The diversity. It teaches us so much. It brings culture and awareness right to us and our kids. The traditions, religions, food!!, work ethic... We can all learn from others. Peoria.com is proof of the diversity in character and beliefs.
And I like that I can easily get to Peoria from 74 or most back roads in 15 minutes. I can also get to most surrounding towns in 15-20 from 74/474/6/24/8/29...
And 12 is technically not Peoria. 
