Peoria, AZ homebuyer’s guide
Voted #1 by Ranking Arizona, Peoria feels like paradise under a canopy of sunshine.
MS
Melissa Rae Sanger
Author
SM
Sharon Meyer, Local Authority
Reviewer
6/1/2022 · 7 min read
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Established in 1886 as a modest Mormon farming community, modern-day Peoria enjoys a booming economy, family-friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and glorious weather. With all that Peoria has to offer, It's easy to understand why Money Magazine ranked Peoria as the best place to live in Arizona in 2018.
Peoria’s an explorer’s paradise. Whether you want to take a day trip to visit the mountains in Sedona (which will take nearly 2 hours by car) or the Grand Canyon (which is about a 3.5-hour drive), or spend the day hiking on spectacular trails in your own backyard, adventure awaits within a 250-mile radius. This truly is the place to be for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Houses for sale in Peoria, Arizona
Look & Feel
Arizona Broadway Theater, Peoria, AZ
Source: Phx Stages
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, Peoria, AZ
Source: Visit Peoria
Honey Hive Farms, Peoria, AZ
Source: Honey Hive Farms
P83 District, Peoria, AZ
Source: Peoria Economic Development
West Valley Art Museum, Peoria, AZ
Source: Familio
Lake Pleasant, Peoria, AZ
Source: Visit Peoria
Paloma Community Park, Peoria, AZ
Source: Visit Peoria
The housing market
$479k
Median Home Price
$270
Median Price per Sq. Ft
1,089
Average Monthly Home Sales
The housing market is extremely competitive
Homes are in high demand in this beautiful desert town, sitting at a median 27 days on the market as compared to the national figure of 61 days. It’s common for sellers to receive four offers and most sell for the asking price. Property is very desirable in this thriving community.
Property value is on the rise
Much like the temperature, property value in this rapidly expanding town is hot, hot, hot, having increased by 30% from 2021 to 2022. Experts predict that this trend will continue in the Valley area due to low supply and high demand.
Cost of Living
$949
Housing Median Rent
64.3%
Rent Affordability Index
Slightly higher housing expenses balanced by slightly lower living expenses
Housing expenses in Peoria are 8% higher than the national average which is offset by lower living expenses. Groceries cost 3% lower than the national average, utility prices are 4% lower than the national average, and transportation is 8% lower than the national average.
The job market
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
$106k
Average Salary per Year
The average hourly salary in Peoria is $17.42 per hour, or $29,038 annually.
Popular among Certified Nurse Assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses
The most popular professions in Peoria are Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Cashier, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNAs earn $17.51 per hour on average, and LPNs average $27.43 hourly. Other leading industries include manufacturing.
Public Transportation
Services offered in Peoria
🚍
Bus: POGO
🔋
EV Charging: ChargeHub
🚊
Light Rail: Valley Metro Rail
⛴
Ferry: Lake Pleasant Cruises
Dial-A-Ride offers independence
Disabled and elderly individuals enjoy this shared ride service, which provides transportation within the city of Peoria and also stops at a few select medical locations in Sun City and Glendale. All vehicles are air conditioned, have wheelchair accessibility, and offer curb-to-curb service.
Peoria has a slightly higher than average commute time
Commuting in Peoria takes 28.1 minutes on average as compared to the national average of 26.4 minutes. That is due, in part, to over 80% of the population driving alone, while just under 10% carpool and only 0.6% use public transportation. (This doesn’t account for the 6.8% of people who work from home.)
Roadways cover 1,559 miles
Surprisingly, more than 1,559 miles of roadway cover this unique town. Many roads change names as they cross town, which can sometimes cause confusion, especially among visitors.
Demographics
189,352
Population
38.9
Median Age
108,737
Family Median Income
Population is on the rise
According to 2022 data, the current population of Peoria is 187,055, making it the 9th largest city in Arizona and the 137th largest city in the United States. This town, which lies in Maricopa and Yavapai counties, continues to increase at a rate of 2.02% annually.
Crime & safety
Peoria’s crime rate is notably higher than the national average, averaging 34.7 crimes per one thousand residents. (The national average is about .47 per thousand.) Crime rate is determined by either a violent crime or a property crime.
Neighborhood guide
A major suburb of Phoenix, Peoria is drawing in new residents from all over the country with a newfound identity focused more on resort and leisure living and less on traditional residential development. Here’s a collection of some fantastic neighborhoods in this sunshine-draped town.
Ventana Lakes—An active retirement community
Comprised mainly of single-family homes, this active 55+ community features nine well-stocked lakes, waterfalls, walking trails, and is surrounded by several golf courses. In addition to fishing, hiking, and golf, residents can enjoy aerobics classes at the fitness center, a relaxing visit to the sauna and steam room, a quiet afternoon at the library, and can even meet neighbors for a friendly game of billiards. Other highlights include four swimming pools and volleyball and tennis courts.
The Meadows—A vibrant community
A place where friendship and a sense of community flourish, this close knit neighborhood boasts beautifully maintained homes with a relaxed, quaint feeling. Featuring spectacular common areas, inviting amenities, winding trails, charming neighborhood parks, and close proximity to the 101 freeway in Northwest Peoria, this community is an extraordinary place to live.
Old Town—Focus on arts and culture
The place to be for locals and visitors alike, this historic community is packed with fabulous things to do. In February 2022, Old Town home prices were up 31.8% compared to last year in this popular neighborhood, where the demand for homes is significant. Old Town is a hub for arts and culture, featuring the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, the Community Center, and a beautiful collection of public art pieces on display, and is also home to dozens of cafes and restaurants, shopping, and parks.
Fletcher Heights—Highly sought-after
This highly sought-after community used to be a farm before being sold to a developer in the late 1900s. Now, this desirable neighborhood consists of 2,000 single-family homes nestled in a safe, family centric environment. With the schools within walking distance, a friendly atmosphere that includes a tot lot, walking paths including access to the City of Peoria New River Trail system, and benches for resting or chatting with neighbors throughout, it’s clear why families thrive in this neighborhood.
The Village at Vistancia—A multi-generational family community
One of the most desirable neighborhoods in Peoria, The Village at Vistancia has it all! Situated amidst the remarkable landscape of the Sonoran Desert, natural beauty surrounds this upscale community that provides residents with first-class amenities, engaging programs, and excellent schools. Experience an active lifestyle in the neighborhood recreation centers, including the 15,000 square foot Mountain Vista Club which features three pools, basketball courts, tennis courts, and even an indoor game lawn, and The Foothills Center, a six-acre facility complete with a six-lane lap pool, children's playground, and picnic area.
3 things to know before buying a home in Peoria, according to locals
1. Fantastic for active families
Here you will find a safe, close-knit community that offers tons of youth programs, excellent schools, and neighborhood activities making Peoria an ideal place to raise a family.
2. There’s no shortage of sunshine
You certainly won’t need your umbrella in this town with “350 days of sunshine” per year according to one Quora reviewer. Just remember your sunscreen when spending time outdoors as Peoria has a high to moderate UV index almost every day.
3. Peoria is a city that is constantly changing and growing
What began as an agricultural community has developed into a bustling town abounding with modern-day amenities, entertainment, and housing developments all nestled in the glory of the Sonoran Desert.
The top 4 things to do in Peoria
1. Get walking (or running or riding) on the New River Trail
This remarkable 15.4-mile trail follows the route of New River. This paved path is perfect for biking, trail running, and walking and is open year-round. One of the neatest features is the undercrossings that offer safe passage under every road along the trail.
2. Enjoy a show at Arizona Broadway Theatre
Support from the community sustains this exceptional theater where patrons experience professional musical productions, concerts, murder mysteries, and so much more. Recognized as the “Best Playhouse” of the Valley by PHOENIX Magazine in 2010, Arizona Broadway Theatre offers two different types of tickets including “dinner and show” tickets for those who want a full dining and theatrical experience, and “performance only” tickets based on availability.
3. Catch a game at the Peoria Sports Complex
Get ready for the season at the Peoria Sports Complex, the home stadium of both the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners who utilize the facility year-round. The complex has a main baseball stadium and 12 practice fields, and is one of six facilities where fans can watch Arizona Fall League games. The stadium hosts a plethora of other events as well, including concerts, food festivals, youth tournaments, and even weddings.
4. Connect with nature at Lake Pleasant Regional Park
The cornerstone of the park is Lake Pleasant, a reservoir that brings water from the Lower Colorado River into central and southern Arizona. Spanning 23,000 acres of breathtaking desert landscape, visitors can take in the natural beauty while mountain biking or hiking the many trails. For those who enjoy camping, the park offers sites for both RV and tent camping.
Continue exploring the Phoenix area
MS
Melissa is a freelance writer, copy editor, and licensed veterinary technician. In addition to Opendoor, her work has been published in betterpet, Rover, PawTracks, and Blissmark. She has three beautiful daughters, three rescue dogs, and a delightful starling. In her spare time, she loves to sew, garden, and create healthy vegetarian recipes.
SM
Sharon Meyer is the writer/editor of Phoenix on the Cheap. As a veteran educator, sharing accurate, timely, and meaningful connections to community events and attractions with families on a budget is her passion. Sharon is also a freelance writer who’s covered topics ranging from antiques and collectables to shopping and travel. Sharon and her family have called the Valley of the Sun home for 34 years and currently live in the Paradise Valley Village neighborhood.
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