Firstly why Peoria, Arizona?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Peoria
• State: Arizona
• Population: 183,552 people
• Peoria’s quick summary would be Recognized for its vibrant arts district and the Peoria Sports Complex, home to the San Diego Padres during spring training.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 7,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features affordable living and access to recreational activities appealing to families

Perk #1: Peoria Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Native American
• The median income is (and growing)  $80,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Peoria is $67,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-13000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Peoria’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 88 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,549
• Property Tax %: 1.08%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Peoria
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Peoria, Vistancia, Pine-View, Westbrook-Village, and probably could include Lake-Pleasant
• Avg. Age of Homes in Peoria: 22 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Peoria’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Peoria are  Retail, Healthcare, and Education
• Peoria Job Scene: steady job market with retail and healthcare opportunities
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech scene focused on healthcare and local services , ,
• Peoria Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Peoria: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 40 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Peoria

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 60 connects Peoria to Phoenix and surrounding areas
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening delays on Bell Road
• Transportation Score: 50 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Peoria: 160,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 7 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Peoria: azdot.gov/motor-vehicles
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Phoenix Goodyear

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Peoria’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Peoria is best described as experiences hot summers with temperatures above 100°F and mild winters with occasional cold spells
• Winter Weather in Peoria i’d describe as mild and sunny
• Spring Weather in Peoria can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Peoria are mostly very hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Peoria is usually warm and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 66 days in summer
• Days in a row in Peoria below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 9 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by local industry and traffic
• Peoria Winter Air generally good occasional worsening during high traffic times

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Peoria Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Peoria 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Peorias’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Peoria Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Peoria Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Peoria only Doctors is about 50
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Peoria only Police Officers is about 200
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Peoria’s Monthly utility bill average is $115
• Peoria’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Peoria’s Water Quality Score: 69

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Peoria

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: community-focused area with parks and family activities
• You might enjoy live shows at the Peoria Center for the Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Peoria  offers a relaxed nightlife with trendy bars and family-friendly dinner spots for local residents

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Peoria

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features American cuisine pizza places and local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Peoria
• The Popular Sports Team is Peoria Panthers
• Top Level Political Climate in Peoria can be described as conservatively leaning suburb focused on family-friendly policies
• Peoria’s Longer standing religious establishment is Peoria Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Peoria Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Peoria has 45 Parks?
• Peoria Sports Complex is Peoria’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Peoria Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Water sports, hiking, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Peoria Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Peoria can be described as rapidly growing suburban area with family-oriented activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Peoria playing sports in parks visiting local museums hiking trails
• The Cities people commute to from Peoria are Phoenix 14 miles away Glendale 12 miles away Surprise 17 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Peoria or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening delays on Bell Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Peoria’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Peoria is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Peoria are Phoenix 14 miles away Glendale 12 miles away Surprise 17 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Peoria has 0 days in a row below freezing and 66 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Peoria people have an average (positive or negative) $-13000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Peoria. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservatively leaning suburb focused on family-friendly policies could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Peoria.

Retiree & Senior Life in Peoria

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for income tax breaks aimed at retirement income
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Peoria
• Peoria Community Center features programs for seniors health workshops and fitness activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Peoria, Arizona?

If Peoria, Arizona ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Peoria, Arizona, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!