Peoria was named after Peoria, IL and is now larger than its namesake. It is the fourth-largest city in land mass in Arizona covering 170 square miles due to recent annexation. Peoria is located in two counties, Maricopa and Yavapai. It is bordered by Glendale, Phoenix, Sun City and Lake Pleasant. The population has grown to over 150,000 today.
The city of Peoria's Visitor Guide boasts of "
meticulously planned neighborhoods, high caliber schools and an enviable standard of living". The stated mission of the Peoria Planning and Community Development Department is to promote and preserve the integrity and safety of neighborhoods. A drive through some older neighborhoods reflects the department is upholding its mission. The neighborhoods around Old Town Peoria are a great example of Peoria's Neighborhood Pride Program in action. These neighborhoods are some of the oldest in Peoria, and for years were showing their age. Now, due in part to this program, these older homes are undergoing a facelift and coming to life again.
This is an example of city planning that sets it apart from others, as it shows they care about the quality of life and vitality of the entire city, not just its newer communities that generate higher revenue. These neighborhoods present interesting opportunities for first time home buyers, to find affordable houses that with just a little work can be transformed into homes their owners can be truly proud of. When an entire neighborhood sets about to revitalize itself, an interesting thing happens; neighbors are drawn closer as a result of their common goals and a sense of community spirit is rekindled.
That alternative is not for everyone, and that is actually a good thing in a city like Peoria, where beautifully planned newer communities are in greater supply. Should you prefer to live in a master-planned community with parks, playgrounds, basketball courts, and community pools, Peoria offers a variety of neighborhoods to choose from located all over the city.
Residents of Peoria have plenty to do around town. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy Spring Training with the San Diego Padres or the Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex. Visitors can go to the Challenger Space Center, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute. It displays high quality exhibits that showcase the "
mysteries and wonder of space, the science of the universe in which we live."
The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts offers an exciting opportunity to indulge in the more refined form of entertainment of the theater. Dinner and a movie are a nice choice for an evening out also; and with hundreds of restaurants to choose from, you are sure to find something pleasing to your palate. Coupled with the city's 10 movie theater complexes and one is sure to be conveniently located. Arrowhead Town Center Regional Mall is a great place to meet your friends and shop 'til you drop!
If you want to engage in more physical forms of entertainment, you can drive to Lake Pleasant and do some skiing, or hit the RollerPlex and play some roller hockey, golf at Trilogy Vistancia, they were rated 5 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest. If a hike is what you are looking for, simply head out on one of Peoria's many hiking trails. With so much to offer, Peoria's slogan really sums it all up, "
a great place to live, work, shop and play."
The average sales price for a single family home or condo in February 2010 was $172,046. This information is gleaned from MLS data, and while deemed reliable, is not guaranteed.
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