Looking for a place that gives you big city perks without the big city headaches? Let me tell you about Peoria, Arizona – a spot that’s been quietly winning over families and professionals for decades.
More Space, Less Stress
Here’s something that’ll grab your attention: Peoria is the sixth-largest city in Arizona by land area. That means you’re getting plenty of room to breathe while still being close to everything Phoenix has to offer. With a population of 190,985 people as of the 2020 census, you’ll find that sweet spot between small-town feel and urban convenience.
You know what’s really cool about this place? It sits right in the Salt River Valley and stretches into the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Picture this: you wake up to desert views that gradually transform into mountain landscapes as you look north. The elevation averages around 1,122 feet above sea level, giving you that perfect Arizona climate without feeling like you’re living on a pancake-flat plain.
A Story Worth Telling
Peoria’s got character, and it starts with its name. The word “Peoria” comes from a Miami-Illinois word meaning “prairie fire” – pretty fitting for a desert city, right? The town was started by folks from Peoria, Illinois, who decided Arizona’s weather beat those brutal Midwest winters. Smart choice, if you ask me.
Back in 1886, the first settlers, Albert and Elizabeth Straw, set up shop here. By 1897, the official town site was platted by Joseph B. Greenhut and Deloss S. Brown, two men who had the foresight to claim four sections of land through the Desert Lands Act. These weren’t just dreamers – they were people who saw potential in wide-open spaces.
Spring Training and So Much More
Sports fans, listen up: Peoria is the spring training home for both the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. They share the Peoria Sports Complex, which means you can catch major league baseball right in your backyard during those perfect Arizona spring months. Try finding that kind of entertainment in your average suburb.
But it’s not just about baseball. The city’s location puts you within easy reach of hiking trails in the nearby foothills, where the landscape shifts from typical Sonoran Desert terrain to more varied mountain topography. Weekend adventure? Check.
The Numbers That Matter
Let’s talk reality for a minute. The cost of living in Peoria sits at 103.8% of the national average – basically right on target with what you’d expect to pay elsewhere in America. That’s pretty remarkable when you consider you’re getting Arizona sunshine, mountain views, and proximity to a major metropolitan area.
The demographics tell an interesting story, too. About 69% of residents identify as white, 20% as Hispanic or Latino, and the remaining 11% represent various other backgrounds. The median age is 39.5 years, which suggests this is a place where working professionals and families feel at home. Plus, 55% of households are married couples, indicating the kind of stable community environment many people are looking for.
Here’s something that might surprise you: 91.5% of residents are native-born Americans, and of the foreign-born population, nearly 60% have become naturalized citizens. This speaks to a community where people choose to put down roots and stay.
Your Arizona Adventure Starts Here
Peoria gives you the best of both worlds – the space and pace of a smaller city with easy access to Phoenix’s job market, airports, and cultural attractions. You’re looking at a place where your kids can ride bikes in safe neighborhoods, where you can actually afford a house with a yard, and where “traffic jam” doesn’t automatically add an hour to your commute.
The city’s history shows it was built by people who weren’t afraid to take chances on something better. Maybe it’s time you did the same.
Source: 247wallst.com
Header Image Source: tripadvisor.com
