With so many quaint towns, picturesque cities and changing terrains across the great state of Arizona, it might be tough to decide where to call home. For those that want to be near a large city and all the perks that come with access to cultural events, good restaurants and shopping, and a large International airport, the suburbs of Phoenix may make the most sense.
Peoria is a medium-sized suburb of Phoenix and while it’s not a big city there is no shortage of things to do and life to enjoy. We love this city because of its close proximity to Phoenix but its small town, relaxing feel. In 2008, Money Magazine even listed Peoria in the Top 100 Places to Live.
With over 150,000 residents, Peoria is far from a bustling city, but there is no shortage of natural beauty. For the nature lovers, Lake Pleasant and the mountains to the North provide not only beautiful scenery but an abundance of outdoor activities. Some of Peoria’s mountains include Sunrise Mountain, White Peak, Cholla Mountain and Twin Buttes. For those looking to spend their winters participating in mountain sports and their summers hiking scenic trails, look no further than Peoria.
If you’re thinking of making Peoria home you’ll have no problem finding a place to live. Lake Pleasant Heights is a master development planned for Northern Peoria at the foothills of the Hieroglyphic Mountain Range and southwest of Lake Pleasant. Just adjacent to Lake Pleasant is a 7,100-acre master-planned neighborhood, Vistancia. There will be no shortage of home-buying options if you’re looking for a future in Peoria.
If you’re wondering what there is to do in Peoria when you make the big move, there are plenty of art and cultural events as well as sports and nature activities. Peoria has an abundance of art galleries, historical museums, libraries, the symphony and other unique attractions such as the Challenger Space Center.
For the sports fanatic in your family, Peoria is home to spring training for the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. You’re also a hop, skip and a jump away from Phoenix where you can watch the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, or NASCAR at the Phoenix International Raceway. If you’re not much of a team player, there are hundreds of golf courses to choose from in the area, and “golf weather” year round for anyone that doesn’t like to sit winters out from the links.
Peoria’s location near Lake Pleasant will satisfy any avid boater, as it is the largest lake in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. With over 10,000 acres of water surface and 116 miles of shoreline, power boating or water skiing are just a few of the water sport options on Lake Pleasant. If fishing is your passion, Lake Pleasant has several species of fish ready to challenge your skills.
Peoria is also home to three public universities, nationally recognized outlet centers and boutiques, excellent healthcare and hospitals, and food from cultures across the world. Whether you’re starting a family or spending your golden years amongst the good weather and nature, Peoria is a great place to plant some roots.