Neighborhood Spotlight: Peoria, AZ

Rated among the 50 best places to live in the United States and the best place to live in Arizona by Money Magazine, Peoria has certainly captured the hearts and minds of those who call it home. With great schools, a strong economy, an affordable cost of living, and an array of amenities, it’s easy to see why Peoria is at the top of the list.

Peoria at a glance

Peoria, Arizona, is located in Maricopa and Yavapai counties and is a major suburb of Phoenix. With a population of approximately 170,000, Peoria is the sixth-largest city in the state in area and the ninth-largest in population. It’s adjacent to both Glendale and Surprise.

Peoria real estate

One of the reasons that Peoria is such an attractive place to live is because it’s housing is so affordable. The median home price in Peoria is approximately $297,000. Housing development has surged in Peoria, especially in the area to the north where more high-end homes have been built. Luxury buyers will get more for their money in Peoria as opposed to other suburbs of Phoenix such as Scottsdale.

Peoria history

The modern history of Peoria dates back to the 1880s when the first settlers established residency, hailing from Peoria, Illinois. When a new road was laid out in 1887 connecting Peoria to nearby villages, it became the main route from Phoenix to Vulture Mine. In 1897 the settlers filed their plot map with Maricopa County and named their settlement after their hometown. In 1906, Central School was constructed which was used for 70 years. Today it houses the Peoria Museum. The city was incorporated in 1954 and by the 1970s began to experience a population boom. Today, Peoria is home to more than 170,000 and continues to grow and prosper.

Peoria amenities

Peoria is a golfer’s dream and there are five golf courses located in the city including Blackstone Country Club, Peoria Pines Golf Club, Quintero Golf & Country Club, Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, and Westbrook Village Golf Club. This is definitely the place to perfect your swing! But that’s not the only sport with a strong following in Peoria. The city is also home to the Peoria Sports Complex, which is the winter home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. Baseball fans will enjoy being able to take in their exciting spring training games.

The city of Peoria is also known for its annual events and festivals that are fun for the whole family. This includes the All-American Festival on Independence Day, Old World Oktoberfest, the Halloween Monster Bash, and the Old Town Holiday Festival & Gingerbread House Competition, among others. Other fun activities for kids include ice-skating at AZ Ice, SkyZone Trampoline Park, Peoria Splash Pads, and Rio Vista Skatepark.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Lake Pleasant, a scenic desert oasis surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. Here you can enjoy kayaking, camping, scuba diving, fishing, stargazing, and even hunting for scorpions! There are also many places to pursue outdoor interests including horseback riding, hiking, biking, and gliding.

Old Town Peoria is a great place for both residents and visitors. It’s home to the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts and great places to eat and shop, and also features many examples of public art. The P83 Entertainment District is another exciting destination where you’ll find wonderful bars, restaurants, and shopping.

Peoria schools

Most students in Peoria are served by the Peoria Unified School District. However, small portions of the city are also served by the Deer Valley Unified School District, the Nadaburg Unified School District, and the Wickenburg Unified School District. Many of the schools in Peoria have received A+ ratings on Niche including BASIS Peoria, Basis Peoria Primary School, and Legacy Traditional School – Peoria.

Explore Peoria today

Are you ready to find out why Money Magazine has given Peoria such high marks? Then view available properties in Peoria and schedule your private showing today!