Metropolitan, upscale and outdoorsy city in the West Valley
Set about 14 miles northwest of Phoenix, the city of Peoria city offers natural beauty and an array of entertainment options. “Peoria is the most metropolitan and high-end area in the West Valley,” says Aaron Carlson, a Realtor with Weichert, Realtors-Home Pro Realty, who has over 10 years of experience. Originally a 19th-century railroad town, Peoria boomed in the late 20th century as the Phoenix metro area began to sprawl; today, the city's home to more than 190,000 people. Advanced manufacturing and healthcare are major industries here, and top employers include Valleywise Health, TYR Tactical and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
Peoria is locally known for being more outdoorsy than neighboring cities, including Phoenix. “It’s near Lake Pleasant — that’s a big draw. A lot of people like staying home with their families and going outdoors,” Carlson says. Southern Peoria features most of the city’s commercial districts, attractions and residential neighborhoods, while northern Peoria is mostly an open stretch of the Sonoran Desert.
Residents in Mesquite are never too far from shopping destinations.
Arrowhead Mall is the premier shopping destination for Mesquite residents.
Lake Pleasant, near Mesquite, offers a spacious lake perfect for boating.
Camping near Lake Pleasant is a quick and attractive getaway for Mesquite residents.
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Over 30 local parks to explore
“Nature is a big part of the culture here,” says Nicholas Monaco, Realtor with West USA Realty and Peoria local. Peoria has 30 city parks, and the largest is 85-acre Paloma Community Park, with a lighted dog park, a splash pad and sports like pickleball and baseball. At the 52-acre Rio Vista Community Park, locals may play racquetball, hit the gym or take group fitness classes at the park’s rec center.
There are several public pools open in the summer, but Lake Pleasant is the local go-to for a dip. Set within the 23,000-acre Lake Pleasant Regional Park, the lake is a desert oasis, where locals may go boating, scuba diving or fishing for largemouth bass and catfish. The park itself is popular for camping and hiking, offering dirt-packed hiking trails for all skill levels. The city also has several golf courses, but the Blackstone Country Club’s private 18-hole course is ranked among Arizona's best for its well-maintained greens and scenic views.
Paloma Community Park is a peaceful oasis with a lake for fishing enthusiasts.
As a 55+ community, Trilogy in Vistancia caters to active adults.
CrossFit Incendia brings together fitness-minded residents in North Peoria.
Enjoy a perfect day on the green at Trilogy Golf Club in Peoria.
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Spring training at the Peoria Sports Complex
From February through March, the Peoria Sports Complex is the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, attracting tens of thousands of baseball fans. During the rest of the year, the complex is a major venue for local and touring events, including the Vans Warped Tour in the summer. Seasonal celebrations at the complex include the Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration, the July 4th All-American Festival and the Halloween Monster Bash, which features a costume parade, trick-or-treating and lots of carnival food and games. The Peoria Center for the Arts is the local hub for arts and entertainment, featuring a year-round schedule of performances and concerts, as well as workshops in topics like tap dance, monologue prep and comedy.
Shopping districts and Old Town Peoria
Commercial plazas with grocery stores, retailers and fast-food restaurants are found throughout the city, especially around Route 101. Set outdoors and lined with palm trees, the Park West district is a one-stop-shop for date night restaurants, family entertainment and department store shopping. Nearby, Old Town Peoria offers a handful of locally owned businesses, including coffee shops and clothing boutiques; this historic area is dotted with Spanish Mission and Gothic Revival buildings from the early 20th century. The P83 Entertainment District offers a large variety of eateries, from boba tea and all-you-can-eat sushi to fancy steakhouses and authentic Mexican cuisine; in 2023, three new restaurants were added here, and there are plans for more in the next few years.
Find affordable groceries at Fry’s Food in Mesquite.
Safeway in Vistancia helps keep your kitchen fully stocked.
Arrowhead Mall is the premier shopping destination for Mesquite residents.
Relax and unwind at Cross Eyed Cricket in Vistancia.
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Single-family homes built from the late 20th century through today
The average home price in Peoria is $600,000, compared to $470,000 in Glendale and $630,000 in Phoenix. “There’s a lot of beautiful homes with mountain views,” Carlson says. Most homes here were built between the late 20th century and today, typically set in master-planned, sidewalk-lined communities. “There are some non-HOA, custom-home neighborhoods, but for the most part, the city’s been developed by builders,” Carlson says.
Most homes in Peoria are 20th- and 21st-century new traditional Spanish-style homes with clay-tiled roofs, but late 20th-century ranch-style homes are also common. In northern Peoria, 21st-century custom homes often have special features like heated spas or pools, roughly 1-acre lots, and gated entrances. “Everybody builds these nice houses with nice backyards and has a permanent staycation," Carlson says. "Peoria is the epitome of that.”
The Vistancia neighborhood is one of a handful that offer shared amenities like pools and tennis courts, and also includes Trilogy at Vistancia, a sought-after 55-plus community. “It’s probably the nicest retirement community in all of Arizona,” Carlson says. “The clubhouse is over 55,000 square feet. There’s an Olympic-sized swimming pool, three championship golf courses and a restaurant with an amazing menu. It’s awesome, honestly.”
Embrace the charm of Vistancia’s Spanish-inspired homes featuring tiled roofs.
Mesquite residents often choose drought-resistant yards.
There are many Spanish-style homes in Mesquite.
Modern architecture defines some of the newer neighborhoods in North Peoria.
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Getting around Peoria
Peoria is crossed by four major highways: Routes 60, 101, 303 and 74. “You use your car to get around here, and traffic is always a bit of a beast,” Carlson says. Route 60 leads 14 miles to the heart of Phoenix; during rush hour, this drive takes 30 to 50 minutes. Route 101 leads 24 miles to Scottsdale and 30 miles to Mesa. Valley Metro buses stop in Peoria, and local streets are generally bikeable and pedestrian friendly. Abrazo Peoria Emergency Center is located within the city, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 18 miles away.
Peoria Unified School District receives high marks
The Peoria Unified School District serves about 36,500 students and receives an overall A rating from Niche. At the B-rated Santa Fe Elementary, students in kindergarten through Grade 8 may enroll in the Spanish Immersion program, where their days are split evenly between Spanish and English-language instruction. High schools in the district offer dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Glendale Community College. There are also several private schools in the city, including Cross of Glory Lutheran School and Primrose School of Arrowhead, which have not yet been rated by Niche or Great Schools.
Play football or join in other sports at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale.
Hillcrest Middle School in Peoria has received an A rating from Niche.
Liberty High School in Peoria receives an A- rating from Niche.
Apache Elementary School in Peoria receives an A- rating from Niche.
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Crime and environmental factors
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the number of violent and property-related crimes reported in Peoria decreased by 25% between 2013 and 2023. The community gets involved with the Peoria Police Department through programs like Citizens’ Police Academy, where locals learn the ins and outs of day-to-day police operations over a 10-week course.
Extreme heat and wildfires are ongoing environmental concerns in Peoria. Temperatures regularly top 100 degrees from June through August, so air-conditioned days inside and trips to local splash pads are standard summer protocol. In 2024, a brush fire caught flame near 75th and Grand Avenues; no property damage or injuries were reported. There are eight fire stations in Peoria, and locals may sign up for emergency alerts on the city’s website.
Written By
Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
John Williams
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ed Drummond,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Peoria, AZ sell after 117 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Peoria, AZ over the last 12 months is $530,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Seller invites strong offers. This 2,645 sqft single-level home built in 2023 (shows like a model home) on the outskirts of Vistancia delivers purposeful design with refined comfort. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 flex spaces, and a 3-car tandem garage, the split floorplan balances privacy and connection. The open kitchen anchors the expansive great room with seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
WOW. Welcome to this STUNNING , recently updated home that combines modern elegance with comfort! Seller offering 1yr FREE home warranty to the buyer!! AC units only 3yrs old. Tankless water heater ONLY 1yr old. As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the fresh, neutral paint and beautiful new flooring throughout downstairs. The spacious layout features a welcoming living area enhanced by
Welcome to this wonderful Libertas model, offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus a versatile den with an attached Murphy bed & built-in desk, perfect for guests or a home office. With 1,867 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space & 10-foot ceilings, this home feels open, bright, and welcoming.Enjoy plantation shutters throughout, tile flooring in the main living areas, & upgraded Berber
Welcome home to this beautifully updated residence in the sought-after Casa Del Sol community! Step inside to discover fresh interior paint, new flooring, and an inviting open-concept layout perfect for entertaining. The kitchen features ample cabinet space, matching appliances, and a convenient breakfast bar overlooking the spacious living area. Enjoy ceiling fans, a dedicated laundry room with
Absolutely stunning remodeled 2 bedroom 1 bath mfg home. When you step in you feel like you are in a brand new home. Large living room adjacent the updated kitchen and diningarea. The built in wine rack/coffee bar is a show stopper. With 24 can lights throughout and a ceiling fan in kitchen.All appliances convey. Both bedrooms are good size, with amplestorage including a lit linen
LOOKING for ALL the BEAUTY and AMENITIES of the HIGHLY DESIRABLE VISTANCIA COMMUNITY, but want to be TUCKED AWAY on a QUIET CUL-DE-SAC STREET with NO BACK YARD NEIGHBORS, then we have A FANTASTIC HOME FOR YOU*From the FRONT YARD CURB APPEAL throughout the home and out to your BACK YARD with COVERED PATIO and VIEW OF LOVELY DESERT LANDSCAPE, you will APPRECIATE THE LOVE and CARE seller has
Beautifully upgraded home featuring wood-look tile flooring, WiFi switches and new carpet in bedrooms. Gourmet kitchen with pendant lighting, upgraded granite counters, pull-out drawers, gas cooktop, stainless appliances, see-through glass cabinets, double ovens, island storage & walk-in pantry. Laundry with sink & water softener. Primary bath with soaking tub & granite counters. Low-maintenance
Well maintained and move in ready three bedroom, two bathroom home in Spring Ranch. This 1445 Sq Ft home is well laid out with a large eat-in kitchen with new Quartz countertops and plenty of counter space. LVP flooring installed in 2025 and Pella Windows/Patio door installed in 2025 ($30K). Updated ReBath shower in primary bathroom installed in 2024. Sparkling heated pool is the jewel of the
Your dream home is finally within reach! Furniture is negotiable with the sale, and our preferred loan officer is offering a 1-0 buydown for the year on the interest rate. This stunning corner lot home features a 4-car garage, RV gate, tasteful pavers, a stone facade, and a desert landscape. The great room offers high ceilings, recessed lighting, and wood-look flooring. The chef's kitchen boasts
Peaceful Peoria home now available! Beautifully upgraded property backing to a community greenbelt/park with mountain views! Enjoy an open-concept layout featuring a bright white kitchen with stainless appliances, designer tile backsplash, oversized island with breakfast bar, & stylish pendant lighting. Spacious great room & dining area flow perfectly for entertaining. Upstairs loft adds flexible
ON LEASED LAND: Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath split floor plan. Open concept front room and kitchen. Laminate flooring , tile and carpet. All appliances convey including washer and dryer. 2 Spacious storage sheds and a screened in porch. Large carport. Ac replaced 2024, new hot water heater. Jadestone is a gated active community. Community has pickleball courts, pool, spa, lots of activities.
Welcome to your own slice of desert paradise in the coveted Cibola Vista community! This single-level beauty combines energy efficiency, comfort, and functionality--all wrapped in a setting that feels like home the moment you walk in. Step inside and you'll notice the airy, open layout where natural light pours in through large windows, highlighting the modern finishes and thoughtful upgrades.
Beautifully maintained Flora floorplan in the award-winning Trilogy at Vistancia, a premier 55+ resort community. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,635 sq ft of comfortable single-level living with an open great room layout. The kitchen features granite countertops, a center island, and rich ebony cabinetry. Enjoy outdoor living with a welcoming pavered front courtyard and a pavered backyard
ON LEASED LAND: Dont miss out on this absolutely stunning complete remodel. 2 bedroom 2 bath split floor plan. Both bedrooms have their own bath and walk in closets. Bathrooms have a stunning walk in shower. Kitchen has been fully updated with brand new cabinets, stunning granite counter tops, roomy kitchen island, tons of storage. Separate laundry inside. Storage shed with electrical inside.
Experience elevated living in this stunning 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a dedicated full office, perfectly situated on a premium lot with sweeping city views and no rear neighbors below to obstruct the scenery. The open concept design seamlessly connects the chef's kitchen and expansive living area, creating an ideal space for entertaining and everyday luxury. The kitchen features elegant
Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood where nearby shopping, schools, and parks are just a few of the many benefits of calling Artisan Park home. Here you'll find a friendly and professional management team that is willing to go the extra mile. In addition, we offer 24 hour emergency maintenance. The unit comes with full size, in-home washer and dryer. Enjoy hours outdoors and take
Welcome home to The Franklin. We provide the perfect place to relax and entertain. Come home to your spacious layout and convenience of in-unit washer & dryer and private patio & Take advantage of our great community amenities. Squeeze a workout in with our fitness center, or take a dip in one of our two refreshing swimming pools. Our inviting clubhouse features a coffee & tea bar, as well as our
UNFURNISHED, 12-mo Minimum. Great single-level home ready for you! This desirable split floor plan offers privacy with bedrooms on opposite sides of the home and an open den/dining area that flows into the kitchen and gathering room, creating an ideal layout for everyday living and entertaining. Interior features include two-tone paint, wood-look tile flooring throughout the main areas with
This gorgeous, highly upgraded Maracay home is a must-see! Throughout this home, you'll see high-end finishes, including nickel faucets and hardware, and upgraded tile. The kitchen features slab granite counters, GE stainless steel appliances, a 5-burner gas range, maple cabinets, and a dining nook. The HVAC offers a 2-zone dampered cooling system. In the primary suite, you'll find a beautiful
Offered for lease & purchase. Seller is willing to do lease-to-purchase for a qualified applicant. 55+, adults only community.Welcome to this wonderful Libertas model, offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus a versatile den with an attached Murphy bed & built-in desk, perfect for guests or a home office. With 1,867 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space & 10-foot ceilings, this home
Welcome to this charming 3 bed 2 bath home in a great location close to the Grand Ave and the 101, shopping, dining, and a quick stroll to the community park.This home features a split layout and beautiful upgrades. The kitchen showcases Quartz countertops, tiled backsplash, brass finish fixtures, breakfast bar, and all appliances included. The backyard offers a covered patio and a huge side yard
North/South exposure in a peaceful neighborhood with many new amenities. This furnished home offers a bright, open great room and a convenient half bath on the main level. The spacious owner's suite includes a large walk-in closet plus separate tub and shower. Two additional bedrooms sit across from the upstairs loft perfect for a play area or home office with the laundry room located on the same
Brand new, never-lived-in home in the sought-after Aloravita community, nestled against the scenic Peoria mountains with stunning views. This popular Tamarron floorplan offers 4 bedrooms plus a study, 3 full baths, a 2-car garage, and a private backyard with newly installed turf. Designer finishes include white cabinetry, quartz kitchen countertops, wood-look tile throughout main living areas,
Situated in a gated community, this lovely townhouse is located on a quiet cul-de-sac lot and offers low-maintenance living with an easy-care yard and a two-car garage. The main level features an open great room concept with a dining area, breakfast bar, and well-appointed kitchen—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs, you'll find a spacious primary suite complete with a walk-in
Fantastic rental opportunity! Adorable 3-bedroom home in a desirable corner lot! Inside, you'll find inviting living spaces with wood-look flooring, abundant natural light, and a soothing palette. The impeccable kitchen is ready for your culinary adventures, equipped with cabinets adorned with crown molding, tile backsplash, granite countertops, built-in essentials & an island with a breakfast
A beautiful community in the vibrant city of Peoria, Arizona. With the convenience of Interstate 60 and Highway 101 nearby, your daily commute will be a breeze. Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene, indulge in retail therapy, and delight in various entertainment options. We offer relaxation and convenience, from a playground for the little ones, or shimmering swimming pools. Our picnic
Ready to take your lifestyle to the next level? This Sun City 55+ unit features everything you look for in a place to make your home. Find yourself embracing features that have been tailored to meet your needs. This community is designed to be the hub of work and play. Imagine yourself diving into a local lifestyle that surrounds you with feelings of exploration, adventure, and relaxation.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
