Your EZ Search Guide to Moving to Peoria, AZ

Want a piece of desert life with the comforts of living in a major metropolitan area? Situated in a slice of the Phoenix-Scottsdale corridor, Peoria is an Arizona suburb that features a little bit of everything: nightlife, shopping, dog-friendly walking, golf, and water sports. Plus, it all comes with those 300 days of sunshine and dry desert weather that makes being outside so enjoyable.

If you’re considering moving to Peoria, AZ, there’s a lot you want to know. Can you find a job? How easy is it to find a place to live? And then there’s just general learning about the area—what to do, who to meet, where to go. In this guide to moving to Peoria, AZ, we’ll tackle everything you need to know about Peoria to start your Arizona life on the right foot.

About Peoria, AZ

Peoria is situated in the counties of Maricopa and Yavapai in Arizona. Featuring a population of over 190,000 according to 2020 Census data, it’s got a nice mix of small-town suburban charm with access to the fabulous amenities of the greater Phoenix area. And given its location in the northern reaches of the famous Sonoran Desert, it provides nature lovers with the access to nature you can’t always get when living directly downtown.

Peoria is near many locations with robust job markets, like Glendale to the southeast. In some areas in Peoria, it’s only a half-hour drive to downtown Phoenix, as well. This gives Peoria access to a large metropolitan center with a bustling economy.

Phoenix is one of the largest cities by population in the US, which means the area is rife with opportunity. Yet Peoria makes for a great place to raise a family or kick off a career.

Population Growth

In the 2000 Census, Peoria had just over 100,000 people. At just under 200,000 residents today, its population nearly doubled in just twenty years. Recently, growth has tapered off somewhat. From 2000-2010, growth was 42%, while the next decade saw growth of 24%. 

While it’s people are still moving to Peoria, there’s less likely to be rapid growth that will utterly change the Peoria landscape over the next few years. That can be a comfort if you need a stable environment to raise a family.

Even more recent numbers have suggested the growth is still tapering off, with Peoria’s government noting a population increase of 18.7% from 2016 through 2021. In that same period, however, there’s been a 23% increase in housing units, meaning there are plenty of places to move in. 

Additionally, it’s got a bustling commercial economy, as the number of businesses increased 12.8% during that time.

Cost of Living 

According to LivingCost.org, a family of four can expect to spend an average of $5,611 monthly in Peoria, while one person can get by on $2,125, rent included. That puts the cost of living in Peoria as “1,061st out of 2,202” in the United States and 18th out of 34 cities examined in Arizona.

The US Census reports that the median household income in Peoria is $81,017. This margin between the median income and the cost of living shows that Peoria can be a great place to find access to quality, high-paying jobs while enjoying a relatively low cost of living.

Job Market

According to City of Peoria Economic Development, healthcare has a strong presence in the area, making it one of the most common jobs around. Peoria Economic Development reports the top industries are advanced manufacturing, computer data centers, health care, and semiconductors—making it a great place to work if you have highly technical skills.

Looking at the top individual employers shows 2,711 people working for the Peoria Unified School District, followed by the City of Peoria government and Walmart/Sam’s Club, which has four locations throughout the area. 

But how many people are looking for work even with high-quality jobs available? The unemployment rate was down as low as 2.7% early in 2023 and has since risen to 3.8%. This is on par with similar data in the national unemployment rate.

Transportation

Rail isn’t a major way of moving around Peoria, but you’ll find plenty of options for bussing in the area thanks to the Valley Metro service, which connects all the Phoenix suburbs. That can be a significant help for anyone who wants to get to Peoria to begin a new job but doesn’t yet have private transportation available.

The Peoria Transit Division offers a “Dial-a-Ride” service for all Peoria residents, with curb-to-curb service for people with disabilities. 

Peoria also features POGO, or Peoria On the Go, services. This circular bus route runs only Friday-Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm. POGO allows residents to hop on and visit one of the popular local destinations on the circuit. For instance, it hits the Four Corners area’s P83 shopping and entertainment district at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Road.

Education

The Peoria Unified School District operates 34 elementary (K-8) schools, seven high schools, and one non-traditional high school. The district has a long history, having been founded in 1889. It has since served the Peoria community as it’s grown. There are currently about 36,000 students in the school district. 

Real Estate

The Phoenix metro area is a popular area for single-family homes, which isn’t surprising given the regulations restricting multi-family housing in the area. So, while you can find townhomes and condos throughout the region, remember that these development restrictions funnel people more toward single-family homes, as noted in our Peoria, AZ, real estate profile.

As of July 2023, Peoria had 22 condos or townhomes for sale, a tiny amount compared to the 329 listed single-family homes. Areas like Westbrook Village, Foxwood, and Sun Air Estates are your best bets for finding condos.

But let’s talk a little bit about the context of real estate in Peoria. The Peoria district is a long slice running north to south between Sun City and Glendale, cutting out a small sliver of the Phoenix/Glendale metropolitan area. 

In the north, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a major point of interest. Vistancia is a neighborhood with a golf course and country club, separated from the rest of the area by the Agua Fria River. 

Climate

In a word, hot. It’s Arizona, the land of the famous “dry heat.” The Sonoran Desert makes Peoria’s trails and parks a comfortable place to hike in the winter, though the summer months can get sizzling. According to WeatherSpark, temperatures in Peoria reach a low of 43F and a high of 106F throughout a typical year.

Things To Do in Peoria, AZ

Given that Peoria is generally family-friendly, you’ll find all sorts of activities for all ages once you are moved in. You can head out to an MLB ballgame at the Peoria Sports Complex, for example. Or you can, believe it or not, visit AZ Ice for an ice skating experience in the middle of the desert. The Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park to get out the energy on those days that are not ideal for being outside.

Dining

Mexican and southwestern food are the stars of the Peoria culinary scene. Featuring all sorts of authentic local Mexican restaurants like Abuelo’s, you’ll have no trouble keeping things spicy if you like a little heat. Barbecue and Texas roadhouse-style cuisine are also area favorites.

Golf

Arizona is a popular golf destination, mainly because of the constant sun, even in winter. The Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia is an upscale option to the north. At the same time, the Lakes Course at Westbrook Village Golf Club features excellent views of water, sloping hills, and the big Arizona sky.

Water Sports

Lake Pleasant in the north features multiple water sports activities. Rent recreational water equipment like Jet Skis and paddle boards from the marinas if you feel like cooling off. Lake Pleasant is a popular destination for boat cruises, and its shores are protected by a regional park, which makes for a relaxing atmosphere not far from the city.

Dog Friendly

Peoria is generally pet-friendly, especially with several dog parks like the Alta Vista Park and the Paloma Community Park. As with most places, there are a few rules and regulations to take your dogs outside to these parks to ensure the pets remain under control and everyone has a good time. For instance, most local parks and trails prohibit dogs once the temperatures climb above 90F. 

Attractions

Perhaps the top attraction in the Peoria region is Lake Pleasant Regional Park, which acts as an oasis in the desert. It’s great for bird watchers, as you can sometimes spot Bald Eagles in the area. With plenty of hiking trails, swimming opportunities, picnicking areas, and even scuba diving, it’s got enough for anyone who wants a relaxing day by the lake or a more adventurous afternoon.

Shopping

There’s plenty of shopping available in Peoria. Park West is a popular open-air marketplace featuring dining, movies, and, of course, upscale shops. You can currently find Bath & Body Works, Candle Chemistry, and Amor Collective among shops there. The Lake Pleasant Towne Center is another outdoor shopping center option if you’re on the north side of the area. Its retailers include The Home Depot, Kohl’s, and ULTA Beauty.

Art and Culture

The Arizona Broadway Theater is a major attraction featuring a year-round professional theater company constantly putting on shows. You can also find other activities at the Peoria Center for Performing Arts, where music, theater, and other live events take center stage.

Sports and Sports Teams

Attend a local ball game with the Peoria Javelinas, a team with Major League Baseball affiliations in five franchises. Peoria is also near Phoenix, with several major professional league teams: the Suns in the NBA, the Cardinals in the NFL, and the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB.

Make your move to Peoria!

If the Phoenix metro is on your radar, making a move to Peoria now may be the best time to join this growing city. Peoria will give you plenty of access to that beautiful western outdoors and one of the best reservoirs in the area. It’s also got fantastic proximity to the job markets in Glendale and Phoenix, making it possible to find attractive careers in a thriving economic hub. In short, it promises a high quality of life.