1. Peorians Always Hail To The Chiefs
The Chiefs may be minor league, but you’d never know it considering the love their fans show. Every game they show up in droves to cheer on their hometown team and maybe even snap a photo with the world’s cutest mascot, Homer the dalmatian.
2. Everyone In Peoria Wants To Be Your New Best Friend
Peoria is often ranked one of the Top 10 Best Mannered Cities in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This isn’t big-city living, where people will rush past you down the street without a “hello.”
Peorians are much more likely to strike up a conversation and see what your plans are for the weekend. And if you’re in need, they may even have a cup of sugar for you. Honest.
3. Folks In Peoria Live Their Lives Around The River
Whether it’s taking in the sights on the Spirit of Peoria, dining with a view of simply taking a leisurely stroll, Peorians have been making memories on the Illinois River for generations. Jazz music and a beer festival are only two of the events residents enjoy waterside to take advantage of their city’s best natural resource.
4. Peorians Love Their “Big Small Town”
Peorians have plenty of activities and events going on year-round, but they also know the names of all their neighbors.
Chicago and St. Louis are both within easy road trip distance, but for the most part locals have everything they need within the city limits.
5. People In Peoria Are Obsessed With St. Nick
The parade might take place closer to Thanksgiving, but locals of all ages know that the Santa Claus Parade means Christmas is near.
Sure, there are plenty of parades across the county that celebrate the guy in the red suit, but Peoria can claim that theirs is the oldest – it’s been happening since 1887, after all.
6. Every Peorian Knows Someone Who Works At CAT
Ask a native Peorian what a cat is, and they’re more likely to spout off about big, yellow machinery than the meowing, Internet-stealing furry guys. That’s because Caterpillar, better known as CAT, has called Peoria home since 1910.
If a Peorian or a close family member hasn’t worked there themselves, chances are they know a handful of people who have.
7. Peoria Folks Know Whether Or Not It Will Play In Peoria
This is a question every Peorian knows. The phrase “will it play in Peoria?” has long meant, “will people in an average American city like this?”
Locals are used to musicians and politicians visiting to see what the average American thinks of an idea they’ll soon take to the rest of the country. So basically Peorians get all the spoilers first. And they like it that way.
8. Peorians Believe Heaven Will Look Like Grand View Drive
Every local has soaked in the colors of fall from a bench on Grand View Drive at some point in their lives. because it’s impossible not to just stop and stare. And sure, maybe they’re biased, but consider this: In 1910 President Theodore Roosevelt called it “the world’s most beautiful drive.” So Peoria folks know what they’re talking about when they sing its praises. And as if the view’s not enough for them, there are majestic, historic homes lining the drive, too.
9. No One In Peoria Would Ever Live Anywhere Else
Just because they don’t have everything a big city like Chicago has doesn’t mean they would ever want to live elsewhere. And with the best minor league team around, a Christmas parade for the history books and the chance to hear next month’s top musician before everyone else, who could blame them?
No wonder everyone is so friendly. They live in a place that’s impossible not to love.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think of Peoria in the comments below! 
