Are you considering a move to the Phoenix metro area? If you’re drawn to scenic desert views, growing communities, and a lifestyle that balances comfort with convenience, moving to Peoria, AZ, might be the right fit. With a strong local economy, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor space, Peoria has become one of Arizona’s most desirable cities for buyers looking to plant roots.
Here’s everything you need to know before making Peoria your new home.
Why So Many Are Moving to Peoria, AZ
Peoria offers something that’s becoming harder to find—room to grow without sacrificing quality of life. Located about 30 minutes northwest of Downtown Phoenix, it’s close enough to the action yet far enough to enjoy peace, space, and tight-knit neighborhoods. The city has evolved from a quiet suburb into a vibrant destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Part of Peoria’s appeal is its smart growth. The northern corridor, particularly near Lake Pleasant and Vistancia, has seen an influx of thoughtfully planned communities, while the southern part of the city remains rooted in tradition with established homes, mature trees, and long-time residents. Whether you're looking for a modern build in a master-planned neighborhood or a home with history and charm, Peoria has a place for you.
Part of Peoria’s appeal is its smart growth. The northern corridor, particularly near Lake Pleasant and Vistancia, has seen an influx of thoughtfully planned communities, while the southern part of the city remains rooted in tradition with established homes, mature trees, and long-time residents. Whether you're looking for a modern build in a master-planned neighborhood or a home with history and charm, Peoria has a place for you.
Real Estate Market: What Buyers Can Expect
The real estate landscape in Peoria is diverse and active. Median home prices hover in the $500s, but that number varies depending on neighborhood and features. In northern Peoria, communities like Trilogy at Vistancia and WestWing Mountain offer newer construction, high-end amenities, and homes with mountain views. These areas tend to attract buyers looking for resort-style living, larger lots, and newer infrastructure.
Closer to central Peoria, you’ll find more affordable single-family homes and long-established neighborhoods—many with no HOA and mature landscaping. It’s an attractive option for those who want to customize or renovate.
For anyone moving to Peoria, the value is clear: compared to East Valley suburbs like Scottsdale or Gilbert, buyers get more square footage and land for their money, without giving up access to quality schools and local amenities.
Closer to central Peoria, you’ll find more affordable single-family homes and long-established neighborhoods—many with no HOA and mature landscaping. It’s an attractive option for those who want to customize or renovate.
For anyone moving to Peoria, the value is clear: compared to East Valley suburbs like Scottsdale or Gilbert, buyers get more square footage and land for their money, without giving up access to quality schools and local amenities.
Schools and Education
Families are often drawn to Peoria for its strong public schools. The Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) is one of Arizona’s top-performing districts, with a range of programs in STEM, the arts, and athletics. Schools like Liberty High School and Sunrise Mountain High School routinely rank well for academics and extracurriculars.
In addition to traditional public schools, Peoria offers several respected charter options, including BASIS Peoria and Peoria Accelerated High School. There’s also growing interest in private and parochial schools in the area, giving parents multiple educational paths.
For higher education and continuing studies, residents have access to Glendale Community College, Arizona State University’s West Campus, and multiple trade and technical schools—all within a 20-minute drive.
In addition to traditional public schools, Peoria offers several respected charter options, including BASIS Peoria and Peoria Accelerated High School. There’s also growing interest in private and parochial schools in the area, giving parents multiple educational paths.
For higher education and continuing studies, residents have access to Glendale Community College, Arizona State University’s West Campus, and multiple trade and technical schools—all within a 20-minute drive.
Outdoor Lifestyle and Recreation
One of the biggest perks of moving to Peoria, AZ is the lifestyle. This is a city built for enjoying the outdoors, with over 35 neighborhood parks, 60 miles of trails, and thousands of acres of preserved desert space nearby. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, just north of the city, offers boating, camping, paddleboarding, and sunset views that rival any Arizona postcard.
For hikers and mountain bikers, Sunrise Mountain, WestWing Mountain, and the New River Trail System provide a variety of terrain, from family-friendly loops to rugged climbs. Many of Peoria’s newer communities are built around greenbelts, trails, and playgrounds, making it easy to stay active without leaving your neighborhood.
And with more than 300 days of sunshine each year, there’s no off-season when it comes to enjoying the outdoors here.
For hikers and mountain bikers, Sunrise Mountain, WestWing Mountain, and the New River Trail System provide a variety of terrain, from family-friendly loops to rugged climbs. Many of Peoria’s newer communities are built around greenbelts, trails, and playgrounds, making it easy to stay active without leaving your neighborhood.
And with more than 300 days of sunshine each year, there’s no off-season when it comes to enjoying the outdoors here.
Shopping, Dining, and Daily Conveniences
Living in Peoria means having everyday conveniences close by. The P83 Entertainment District is a local favorite for catching a movie, grabbing dinner, or attending spring training at the Peoria Sports Complex—home to the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.
Need to run errands or do some serious shopping? Park West and Arrowhead Towne Center offer national brands and boutique finds, while smaller centers like Peoria Crossing handle grocery runs, home goods, and casual dining. For foodies, Peoria’s restaurant scene has grown significantly in recent years. Spots like The Sicilian Butcher, Fabio On Fire, and Revolu Modern Taqueria offer creative, chef-driven menus with a local following.
While Phoenix and Scottsdale are just a short drive away, many Peoria residents find everything they need right here at home.
Need to run errands or do some serious shopping? Park West and Arrowhead Towne Center offer national brands and boutique finds, while smaller centers like Peoria Crossing handle grocery runs, home goods, and casual dining. For foodies, Peoria’s restaurant scene has grown significantly in recent years. Spots like The Sicilian Butcher, Fabio On Fire, and Revolu Modern Taqueria offer creative, chef-driven menus with a local following.
While Phoenix and Scottsdale are just a short drive away, many Peoria residents find everything they need right here at home.
Career and Commuting
Peoria is ideally positioned for commuters, with quick access to Loop 101 and Loop 303. This makes it easy to reach nearby employment hubs in Glendale, Surprise, and Phoenix. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, construction, or working remotely, Peoria supports a wide range of career paths.
Major area employers include HonorHealth, Amkor Technology (campus coming soon), Peoria Unified School District, and regional healthcare providers. The city is also investing in future job growth through its Innovation Alliance Zone, which focuses on attracting high-tech and healthcare businesses.
If you’re moving to Peoria for work—or bringing your work with you—you’ll find solid infrastructure and a supportive community ready to welcome you.
Major area employers include HonorHealth, Amkor Technology (campus coming soon), Peoria Unified School District, and regional healthcare providers. The city is also investing in future job growth through its Innovation Alliance Zone, which focuses on attracting high-tech and healthcare businesses.
If you’re moving to Peoria for work—or bringing your work with you—you’ll find solid infrastructure and a supportive community ready to welcome you.
Community and Culture
At its core, Peoria is a city with a strong sense of community. From family-friendly block parties to cultural festivals and farmers markets, there’s always something happening that brings neighbors together.
The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts showcases local theater, music, and comedy, while seasonal events like the All-American Festival and Peoria Arts & Cultural Festival fill the calendar with things to do. For those interested in community involvement, local clubs and recreational leagues offer plenty of ways to connect.
It’s the kind of place where you can walk your dog and see familiar faces, where kids ride their bikes to the park, and where you can feel rooted in just a few short months.
The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts showcases local theater, music, and comedy, while seasonal events like the All-American Festival and Peoria Arts & Cultural Festival fill the calendar with things to do. For those interested in community involvement, local clubs and recreational leagues offer plenty of ways to connect.
It’s the kind of place where you can walk your dog and see familiar faces, where kids ride their bikes to the park, and where you can feel rooted in just a few short months.
Find Your Next Home with John Rowan
From its scenic desert backdrop to its family-focused neighborhoods, Peoria offers a lifestyle that continues to attract homebuyers from across the state—and across the country. If you're looking for space, value, and community, it's easy to see why so many are choosing to make the move.
If you're ready to explore the real estate opportunities in Peoria, let a local expert guide the way. John Rowan combines local market knowledge with personalized service to help you find the perfect property, whether it’s your first house or your forever home. Contact him today to start your journey toward moving with confidence and clarity.
If you're ready to explore the real estate opportunities in Peoria, let a local expert guide the way. John Rowan combines local market knowledge with personalized service to help you find the perfect property, whether it’s your first house or your forever home. Contact him today to start your journey toward moving with confidence and clarity.
