Washington Post - The strange summer land rush in Peoria’s dying south end

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/i ... al-estate/

That was the saddest, most aggravating story.

The only folks making money (or with any sense) in that story were the bulk-sellers.

^ agree, frustrating sad story to read about people across the country who used their savings and really bought into its too true to believe via the bulk sellers and their website(s).

The one bright spot in the story was the young couple from Peoria itself who find a home, a job and hopefully in time & maybe some support can get their house into a state of good repair.   Probably a separate story in itself and how you could possibly rebuild with local population and resources.  However,  it is pretty obvious from the story that the population is not there to rebuild back to what it was several decades.     

What is Peoria like? Similar to Springfield? 

Someday, when I'm bored enough, I'll make the drive up there and check it out. 

Peoria appears more significant then Springfield.  The core is more dense, and the terrain is more diverse due to the Illinois river.  I actually like Peoria.  The view driving in from I-74 is pretty cool.  They recently built a new airport and I think they have the healthiest of all central Illinois cities.  A small zoo, some decent museums and minor leagues sports.  They also get concerts at the civic center (I mean some national tours, of course not like Chicago and this larger cities). The city has really tried to work hard.  This story is pretty sad for the south side - but most of the growth is north.

East Peoria, a separate municipality across the river, removed a lot of empty industry and created quite a lot of retail and dining that is downtown adjacent.  Grandview drive has amazing overlooks of the Illinois River as it widens to form Peoria Lake / Upper Peoria Lake.

^Agreed completely.  Visited a few years ago and really enjoyed the Riverfront Museum, Caterpillar Visitors' Center, and entertainment they had all along the riverfront.  If you do go, I highly recommend the Spirit of Peoria evening Moonlight cruise. Great way to end a fun filled day by seeing the skyline at night on the water.

^Took a day trip to Peoria with my girlfriend and the dog yesterday. My takeaway from observation and conversation we had at lunch on a patio with some locals is that Caterpillar moving a lot of it's operations to Chicago took a hit on the downtown area. We drove up Grandview Drive and got some great views of the Illinois River/Peoria Lake. Peoria Heights had some nice little shops/restaurants. Though on Sunday afternoon quite a few were closed. Good little brewery there with axe throwing and cool Halloween decorations--Industry Brewing.