Location Like many of the world’s most notable and historic cities, Peoria is located on a beautiful river. For thousands of years, people have been drawn to this valley with its fertile land, flowing river, towering bluffs and magnificent vistas. “We have seen nothing like this in all our travels,” wrote Father Marquette in 1673 as he passed through the region, which is now our city. We are blessed here with natural beauty, culture and the arts, enterprising people, growing businesses and magnificent historic neighborhoods and homes. Map of Renaissance Park Map of Region Peoria has been recognized for the following: • Peoria is a three-time All American City winner and has been a finalist four times in this National Civic League competition. • Forbes Magazine ranks Peoria 47 out of 150 metro areas (better than Chicago) for our low cost of doing business. • Sperling’s ranks Peoria 51 out of 331 metro areas on the 2005 Best Places to Live Index. • Inc. Magazine ranks Peoria 33 out of 274 population centers on its Most Balanced Economy & Growth List. • Princeton Review and Forbes Magazine place Bradley University in Peoria on their list of the Top 25 Most Entrepreneurial Campuses.