10 Things to Know Before Moving to Peoria, AZ

Want to relocate to Phoenix but can’t imagine yourself living in a major metropolis? If so, you’d enjoy life in Peoria, Arizona. Peoria, like the rest of the suburbs around Phoenix, is expanding and changing as the city expands. The lack of sprawling suburbs is more than made up for by excellent schools, a thriving economy, and exciting events for kids of all ages throughout the year.

Peoria lies between Glendale and Sun City to the northeast of downtown Phoenix and extends all the way to the southern shore of Lake Pleasant. If you’re a fan of big league baseball, you’ve probably heard of Peoria, as that’s where they have spring training every year at the 145-acre Peoria Sports Center.

Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Peoria, AZ!

1. Work in the education, civil service or military sector

Both Phoenix and Peoria’s employment rates have been on the rise in recent years, which is a good sign for the local economies of both cities.

The Peoria Unified School District is one of the city’s largest employers, with more than 3,400 people on its payroll. The city of Peoria also employs more than 1,000 people, making it one of the city’s top employers.

Luke Air Force Base, American Express, Discover Card, and the USAA are a few of the other prominent employers in the area.

2. Enjoy 299 sunny days a year

Peoria is a testament to the pleasant, bright climate that the state enjoys. The city receives only 9 inches of rain on average each year, which is significantly less than the national average of 39 inches.

Peoria experiences, on average, 299 days of bright sunshine every year, making it one of the sunniest cities in the United States.

3. Play golf at Quintero Golf Club

Do you enjoy the game of golf? If so, then moving to Peoria, Illinois, should be an absolute priority. Peoria and its neighboring surroundings provide numerous golf courses, a popular pastime during the scorching summer months.

Peoria is home to six different golf courses. Within a radius of 20 miles from Peoria, there are a total of 94 additional golf courses, including 11 private courses, 3 PL courses, 7 municipal courses, and 72 public courses.

Among the city’s golf courses, the Quintero Golf Club is among the most well-known. Golf Digest named it a top course in the country in 2017 and again in 2019.

4. The city is served by two school districts

The Peoria Unified School District and the Deer Valley Unified District are the two school systems that serve the city of Peoria. Both of these school districts typically receive higher ratings than the state average when compared to other school districts throughout the state, which is one reason why Peoria is such a wonderful area to raise a family.

The state gives favorable ratings to an impressive 26 of the city’s 38 educational institutions, making the city’s overall academic reputation very strong.

5. A cost of living index of 114

When compared to the national average, Peoria’s cost of living is 14% higher. The city’s median home price is $479,000, which is also higher than the national average of $428,000.

The annual cost of living for a single person in Peoria is $37,902, and that includes everything from housing to food to child care to transportation to health care to taxes.

6. Live in notable neighborhoods like Fletcher Heights, Vistancia, or Peoria Pines

Knowing what you’re looking for in a residential area is the first step in finding your ideal neighborhood in Peoria, and there are many fantastic options to choose from.

There are several neighborhoods with homeowners associations that are well-maintained and have residents who take pride in the neighborhood’s appearance, such as Fletcher Heights, Vistancia, Dove Valley Ranch, Parkridge, and The Meadows.

Old Town Peoria and Varney are two historic communities worth exploring if you value history over modern conveniences and architecture. Many of the homes in these areas were built in the 1940s.

Several other communities, including Blackstone at Vistancia, Peoria Pines, and Quintero Golf Club, are located in close proximity to stunning golf courses, making them ideal locations for practicing your swing during the state’s seemingly endless summer.

7. Visit The West Wing Mountain Preserve or Rio Vista Park

When it comes to entertainment, Peoria is a city that doesn’t disappoint.

The West Wing Mountain Preserve, located on the northern edge of town, rewards hikers with stunning views of the entire valley.

Rio Vista Park, near the geographic center of the city, features a skate park, a splash pad for youngsters, an amphitheater, and a lake with fountains and gazebos.

The New River Trail is a 16.5-mile paved path that welcomes walkers, joggers, and cyclists who are eager to put in some serious miles.

8. Watch soccer or visit the Heard Museum

There are a number of professional sports teams based in Peoria. The Arizona United Soccer Club, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Arizona Coyotes are just a few of the state’s top professional sports teams.

Additionally, Peoria is home to the West Valley Art Museum and the Heard Museum, so there’s more to do there than just watch sports.

9. There are fewer insects

Arizona is known for its presence of insects and bugs, which often constitute a nuisance to the residents. Fortunately, bugs are fewer in Peoria than they are in many other cities in the state, so if you are moving from somewhere else in Arizona, you will feel more at ease right away.

Chiggers, gnats, and flies also almost completely disappear.

10. A safe city to live in

When compared to the rest of the country, the crime rate in Peoria is quite low. Statistics show that Peoria has a far lower violent crime rate than the rest of the country, at 16. The average property crime rate of 32 is also lower than the national average of 35.4. 

Overall, the crime rate in Peoria is far lower than the national average, making it a very safe place to live.

In Conclusion

Peoria is a city with a lot to offer. There’s the fantastic weather, a thriving job market, a high-standard school system, and recreational opportunities, among others. However, the city also has a high cost of living.