- County
- Tazewell County
- Zip code
- 61571
- To downtown Peoria
- 16–20 min via US-24
- Typical home values
- ~$220K–$250K
- School district
- Washington SD 52 → CHS 308
Washington is the east-side community that families discover and then stay in. About 10 miles from Peoria via US-24, it pairs one of the region's strongest school systems with established subdivisions, a lively community center, and housing stock that is more modern than you might expect.
In November 2013 an EF4 tornado tore through town, and the rebuild that followed reshaped Washington's character. Today many neighborhoods are newer, wider, and better planned than before, and the town is widely admired for how it came back.
What is Washington known for?
Washington is known for resilience and amenities. The post-2013 rebuild brought newer streets and homes, and Five Points Washington, a community wellness and performing arts center, became the social heart of town, with pools, fitness, and a 1,100-plus-seat theater that hosts touring acts.
The retail strip along Peoria Street handles daily shopping, while local spots like Kep's Sports Bar & Grill and Mariachi give Washington its own dining scene.
Washington schools: why District 308 draws families
Washington Community High School (District 308) has a strong academic reputation, with AP offerings and a solid national ranking, and it is fed by Washington's highly regarded elementary district covering grades K through 8.
One high school serving the whole town gives Washington the classic everyone-knows-each-other school experience, and the district is one of the three names families weigh most often in this region.
How long is the commute from Washington to Peoria?
Washington is about 10 miles from Peoria, roughly 16 to 20 minutes along US-24 into the east side of the city. It is an easy drive for Caterpillar, the hospitals, and downtown, and CityLink bus service connects the two towns.
East Peoria and the Levee District shopping are about 10 to 15 minutes away, so Washington families get a quiet home base with every regional amenity close enough to actually use.
What kind of homes sell in Washington, and what do they cost?
You will mostly see ranch and two-story homes in established subdivisions built from the 1990s on, with a large share of newer construction from the post-2013 rebuild. Lots tend to be generous, and several newer areas sit right against parks, the dog park, and walking trails.
Typical home values run roughly $220,000 to $250,000 at the median, with bigger and newer homes above that. Washington delivers strong schools and community amenities at a noticeably lower price than the Dunlap side of town.
Things to do in Washington
Five Points Washington is the anchor: fitness, pools, and concerts under one roof. The park district adds Harry LaHood Park, Meadow Valley Park with its dog park, and riverfront trail access nearby.
Plaza Lanes keeps the bowling scene going, local restaurants round out the dining, and Peoria's bigger entertainment options are a 20-minute drive. For families, Washington is close to everything without feeling swallowed by the suburbs.
Your Move Matters
Why work with a local agent in Washington?
A guide can tell you about a town, but the number that matters for your move comes from current listings and closed sales. That is exactly what I bring to every conversation: real comps, honest comparisons, and no pressure.
I am Teri Shepherd, a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Premier Realty, licensed in Illinois (475.135244) and serving Peoria and Central Illinois for more than 10 years. Call or text me at 309-361-4592, or send a note through the contact page, and we will figure out which community fits your list.
Your Move Matters
Let us plan the move together with clarity and confidence.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling a longtime family property, or weighing an investment, the first conversation costs nothing and changes everything.