Peoria Arizona Future | Present | Past

Peoria-Arizona

Peoria Arizona Future \ Present \ Past

Peoria Arizona is located about 14 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. It was initially established as an agricultural community; however, since its incorporation in 1954, Peoria has become a rapidly-growing, modern-day city offering a high quality of living in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. In recent years, the greater Phoenix area has become one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S. There are now more than 160,000 people living in Peoria and single family homes are going quick! The city is a growing destination for those looking for warmer weather during the cold winter months. Peoria offers the ambiance of a small historic town with the convenience of nearby activities you’d expect from any major U.S. city.

PEORIA AZ THE FUTURE

Peoria’s future vision includes nearly complete construction of the new 127,000 square-foot West Valley Primary and Specialty Care Center, which will provide a new state-of-the-art medical facility. North Peoria is perfect for those who like to live an active lifestyle.

There is also a new 120-acre park under construction that is designed to host several other outdoor options.  According to current city projections, city officials are working diligently to keep up with the fast pace of growth, which is expected to increase residency by another 100,000 people to the city of some 172,000 by 2040. The proposed future lists “six key pillars” that would guide City Council decisions in the future: 

  • Healthy neighborhoods. This plan calls for building a mix of housing options throughout the city, increasing access to health care and healthy food options, and making neighborhoods more accessible for walking, biking, and public transit.
  • Arts, culture, and recreational enrichment. This plan calls for promoting historic preservation, increasing outreach at city libraries, and investing in amenities such as the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.
  • Economic prosperity. This focuses on acquiring land for workforce housing and businesses and improving the connection between the workforce and education.
  • Superior public services. This focus will bolster public services and make sure they can withstand growth and dips in the economy.
  • Smart growth. This promotes connectivity between public transit and walking or biking paths and reduces congestion and dependence on cars. 
  • Integrated transportation. This aims to improve walkways, shaded paths, cycling routes, public transit options, and safety for drivers.

PEORIA AZ THE PRESENT

Peoria is drawing in new residents from all over the country, and there are numerous reasons why. People are choosing to call Peoria home not only for its great lifestyle but for its booming economy.

The city prides itself on having a thriving business climate that continually attracts new businesses and jobs thanks to its proximity to Phoenix. Whether you’re looking for a career in the service industry or for something a bit more high-tech, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Peoria and surround Phoenix. The Phoenix west valley area is one of the fastest-growing areas, and Peoria benefits from this trend.

Even though it is one of the fastest-growing areas of the Phoenix area, housing prices and property values are still looking good. The Peoria real estate market is very diverse and offers something for everyone. There are high-value homes in the area, including some in private gated communities and houses available for first-time home buyers.

 If you are in the market for a new home, you will find many new home options in Peoria. The city is known as a family-friendly and promoting healthy living community for all ages. Senior residential communities are the pride of the city! The public schools in the area are among the top-rated in the region.

PEORIA AZ SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:

Several special events and festivals occur in Peoria throughout the calendar year, so there’s never a dull moment!

All-American Festival. The annual All-American Festival is a Fourth of July event at the Peoria Sports Complex. It features a Kids Zone, a Water Zone play area, a cornhole tournament (throwing 16-ounce bags of corn kernels), eating contests, live entertainment, food and drinks, and fireworks. This year’s eating competitions will feature tater tots, slushy drinks, and foot-long hot dogs.

Halloween Monster Bash. Also held at the Peoria Sports Complex, the Halloween Monster Bash typically occurs the Saturday before Halloween. It’s a great event for kids, grandkids, and families.

Old Town Holiday Festival. The Peoria Old Town Holiday Festival is held on the first Friday of December in the city’s Old Town district. Activities include Santa Claus visits, a choral competition, live music and entertainment, a craft market, a gingerbread house competition, and about 20 tons of “real” snow.

Peoria Sports. The city of Peoria also has a few main sporting attractions such as spring training baseball. The Peoria Sports Complex is the training venue for two Major League Baseball teams, allowing attendees to get up close and personal with some of their favorite MLB stars.

Quintero Golf Club. Arizona is known as a must-visit for golf enthusiasts, and it doesn’t get much better than the Quintero Golf Club, designed by famed golf architect Rees Jones. If was voted “Best Public Course” for 2016 by both Golfweek and Golf Digest, and commonly listed among the best public courses in the U.S. There are also several other excellent golf courses such as Blackstone Country Club, Peoria Pines Golf Club, Trilogy Golf Club, The Vistas Course, and Westbrook Village Golf Club

Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy the best in local community theatre operated by TheatreWorks.

West Valley Art Museum. The museum specializes more in global art and traditions, including costumes from more than 60 countries worldwide. The museum also often features local artists and photographers, and it offers art workshops throughout the year.

Arizona Broadway Theatre. It is a Broadway-style theater perfect for taking in a play or musical. Performances have included “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” “Saturday Night Fever.

It also presents classics such as “Man of La Mancha,” “South Pacific,” “Hair,” and “Mary Poppins.”

Arrowhead Fountains 18. This 18-screen Harkins Theatre movie facility features the latest movies and boasts a giant 3D projection screen, comfortable rocking seats, an extensive snack bar, and stadium seating.

AZ Ice Rink. It may be located in the desert, but why not? This indoor ice-skating arena is available year-round and offers special events. It even provides free skating lessons on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

Rollerplex Roller Skating Rink. If you want to remember the “old days” and feel like a kid again at this roller-skating facility features open skating, as well as roller hockey and roller derby.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park. This vast park surrounding Lake Pleasant has a 10,000-acre reservoir created by the Waddell Dam. The lake is excellent for water sports, such as jet-skiing, scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, and windsurfing. The lake is also a popular fishing destination, hiking and mountain biking.

Hot air balloon rides. Peoria will give you access to some of the more thrilling hot air balloon views around.

It’s a great way to see the Sonoran Desert landscape from a distance and an even better way to spend a romantic afternoon.

Kid’s and Grandkid’s Friendly Activities

If you’re out to have fun with the family, some attractions will be fun for both you and the kids.

Sky Zone Peoria. Sky Zone is a trampoline park that offers unique activities such as freestyle jumping, “sky-slam” trampoline basketball, ultimate dodge ball, and a foam pit to dive into. There is also an after-dark “Glow” session that features black lights, lasers, and music. 

Pump It Up. Designed for younger kids, Pump It Up is an indoor playground featuring inflatable high-bounce houses, games, and slides that will keep the kids and grandkids busy for hours. It’s also great for hosting birthday parties.

Wigwam Stables at Cowtown. Have you’ve ever dreamed of being a cowboy? The stables are located on the outskirts of Peoria; Cowtown’s Wigwam Stables will help you and your families feel as if you were back in the good old days. You will be guided by trail bosses dressed in authentic 1880s costumes. You can even book for a simulated Arizona shoot-out! Watch old-time blacksmiths at work, join a hayride, or even try your hand at some gold panning.

Restaurants in every category imaginable!

Peoria has no shortage of dining options, no matter your taste or budget. Here are some favorites:

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. As its name suggests, this upscale restaurant has earned its reputation for both excellent steak and an extensive wine list with 100 different wines you can order by the glass.

Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou. Peoria is a long way from Kansas City, but you can get the flavor of that city’s BBQ.

Waldo’s Tacos. This being Arizona and the Southwest, there’s no shortage of tasty options for Mexican food. 

Best Pizza in Town

Giordano’s has the best Chicago-style pizza in Phoenix and the surrounding area, maybe everywhere this side of Chicago.

WEATHER:

Peoria, Arizona, gets 10 inches of rain, on average, per year, basically about 32 days where you might see a few drops. On average, there are 299 sunny days per year in Peoria. Summer high is usually in July around a dry 1050, with the winter low averaging 430

MEDICAL CARE:

Peoria, Arizona, is quickly becoming a location for world-renowned care. In 2018, construction began on a new state-of-the-art $70 million multi-specialty health center. The facility celebrated its grand opening in early 2021. There were two more medical centers, which opened in Peoria in 2017. HonorHealth completed construction of a $10 million facility totaling 25,000 square feet, bringing primary care physicians, specialists, and other services together under one roof.

Cigna Medical Group also opened a new two-story, 60,000 square foot facility offering family and internal medicine, a pharmacy, laboratory, and urgent care into one convenient facility.

STATISTICS:

Peoria has a significant population considering it’s considered a municipality of Phoenix, containing 175,234 residents. The median age is 39.2, which is a little higher than the median age of 38 for the state of Arizona, with a median household income of $63,025.

CRIME RATE:

Safety is a priority for families in Peoria, which is one of the most important reasons it’s the best place to live in Arizona. The crime rate in Peoria is low, and many neighborhoods have an active Neighborhood Watch program. Peoria’s level of safety can easily be compared to that of a small town.

Peoria has the distinction of being voted one of the top cities to live in, work, and play and one of the four Arizona cities that rank among America’s 25 safest municipalities.

Quality homes for sale in Peoria, AZ, are a good value!

  In August 2021, Peoria home prices were up 25.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $433K. On average, homes in Peoria sell after 22 days on the market compared to 34 days last year. There are about 9,000 homes in senior communities in Peoria. With the population aging, it is one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S., for senior living is in Metro Phoenix. This area will continue to be home to a significant retirement community and a growing demand for high-end senior living. Peoria is easily one of the best places in Arizona to live for seniors and young people alike. The Phoenix Metropolitan area was recently ranked 17th in the top 100 places to retire by U.S. News & World Report, up from 34th the previous year.


Peoria Arizona 55+ and Resort Style Communities

Blackstone Country Club in Peoria, AZ is a superior, private, guard-gated country club set within the 7,100-acre master-planned community of Vistancia. The country club offers a natural Sonoran desert setting within a spectacular mountain and golf course backdrop. The 18-hole award-winning golf course was designed by Jim Engh, a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. The name “Blackstone” comes from the volcanic rock that is indigenous to the desert of Arizona.

Trilogy at Vistancia Peoria, Arizona is a 5-star premier resort-style community for 55+ active adults who want to enjoy their lifestyle to the utmost! Trilogy literally reinvented how to bring exciting lifestyle features to residents. Utilizing the latest technology designed for ease of use has launched a calendar full of incredible state-of-the-art “Livestream” events, classes, and fun things to learn. You can join any of several virtual events with the click of a mouse or a tap on your mobile device, and you won’t need the assistance of the grandkids!

Ventana Lakes is a 55+ active adult lake community located in scenic Peoria, Arizona, close to Freeway 101. There are 1,701mostely single-family homes and some attached homes. The attached homes are single-level duplex or four-plex residences. They range from 991 to 1,287 square feet and feature two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached garage. The single-family homes offer single-story living and low-maintenance exteriors. They range from 1,232 to 2,030 square feet and, most homes have two to four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached garage.

Westbrook Village in Peoria is an established active 55+ adult community offering a perfect blend of large community (3,910 homes) amenities, beautiful homes, and a convenient location. Residents especially like its proximity to 101 Loop, which provides convenient access to several Phoenix area significant attractions. It is built close to the original Sun City. However, many retirees who like the location of Sun City desire more newly constructed homes with the latest amenities. Most low-maintenance homes and condos range from approximately 1,000 to 2,578 square feet. Many single-family homes feature two to three bedrooms and an attached two or three-car garage.

PEORIA AZ THE PAST

Peoria, Arizona, came to be when William J. Murphy, a former Union Army officer, worked as head of construction on the Arizona Canal. Upon the canal’s completion in 1885, Murphy saw the potential for agriculture in the area and returned to Peoria, Illinois, where he recruited four families to move out west in November 1886. The official plat map was filed with the County Recorder on March 27, 1897, naming the settlement after their hometown. Peoria sits in the Salt River Valley and extends into the foothills of the mountains to the north. 

Peoria AZ 55+ Community Specialist

Arizona's 55+ Retirement Community Specialist.

Jarl Kubat, a seasoned Arizona real estate expert affiliated with West USA Realty, he offers over two decades of experience in the niche market of Arizona 55 Plus Retirement Communities, Golf Communities, and Country Club Resort-style properties across Phoenix. Feel free to reach out to him at 480-710-6326