Peoria AZ

Peoria, AZ – A vibrant desert city with a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions, and a touch of Southwestern charm. Whether you're exploring scenic trails, catching a spring training game, or enjoying the local food scene, Peoria offers something for everyone.

• Population: ~197,000
• Weather: Hot summers, mild winters (40-105°F); mostly sunny year-round.
• Places To Visit: Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Peoria Sports Complex, Pioneer Community Park, Challenger Space Center, Old Town Peoria.
• Top Activities: Boating and fishing at Lake Pleasant, hiking in the Sonoran Desert, watching MLB spring training, golfing at top courses, exploring local farmers’ markets.
• Famous Food: Sonoran-style tacos, classic Arizona BBQ, authentic Mexican cuisine, and craft brews from local breweries.

Peoria, AZ, is a rapidly growing city with a strong economy driven by healthcare, education, retail, and technology. The city offers diverse job opportunities for professionals in various fields. Below are some of the top jobs in Peoria.

Peoria, AZ has plenty of awesome spots where students can unwind, enjoy downtime, and have some memorable fun. If you're looking for outdoor adventures, good food, or chill hangouts, there's something for everyone.

Park West – A vibrant outdoor shopping and dining area perfect for grabbing food, hanging with friends, and catching a movie at the state-of-the-art Harkins Theater. Plus, there's often live music and events happening here, ideal for relaxing after class.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park – Want to unwind outdoors? Lake Pleasant is the place. Swim, kayak, relax on the beach, or hike out on the scenic trails—whatever suits your mood. It's the perfect escape from campus life to recharge.

Rio Vista Community Park – With skate parks, sports fields, picnic areas, and miles of biking paths, this park is a favorite local hangout. Meet up with friends to play basketball or volleyball or to share a picnic beneath the shaded areas.

Arrowhead Towne Center – Ideal for shopping trips and casual hangouts, this mall offers various stores, tasty food spots, and regular community events. It's a solid spot to spend an afternoon or catch up with classmates.

Peoria Artisan Brewery – Cool atmosphere, great craft beers (for students 21 and over), and amazing food make this spot an excellent choice for hanging out and winding down after exams. Chill on their patio, enjoy tasty bites, and relax.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park – Perfect for a fun break from studying, Sky Zone offers wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and amazing foam pits. Gather your friends and bounce away your stress in an energetic environment.

Peoria provides a great combination of chill activities and exciting spots to keep student life engaging and fun. Check these places out, and you're sure to discover your new favorite hangout!

Peoria, AZ, is home to several outstanding public and private colleges and universities, offering a wide range of academic and technical programs.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Peoria

Arizona State University – West Campus – Located near Peoria, this branch of ASU offers strong programs in business, education, and health sciences, with a focus on research and innovation.

Glendale Community College – A well-regarded two-year college that provides a variety of associate degrees and certificate programs, including business, healthcare, and technology.

Estrella Mountain Community College – Part of the Maricopa Community Colleges system, this college offers competitive programs in cybersecurity, healthcare, and business.

Paradise Valley Community College – A top-rated community college that provides strong programs in computer science, performing arts, and life sciences.

Rio Salado College – Known for its flexible learning options, Rio Salado offers online degrees and certifications in education, healthcare, and business administration.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Peoria

Trine University – Peoria Campus – A respected private university offering programs in business, engineering, and leadership studies.

Ottawa University – Arizona – A private Christian university with strong programs in education, business, and psychology, providing flexible learning options for students.

Midwestern University – Glendale – A top medical and healthcare-focused university offering degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and dental medicine.

Arizona Christian University – A well-known private university offering faith-based academic programs in education, business, and theology.

Grand Canyon University – Though based in Phoenix, GCU provides accessible programs to Peoria residents, with a strong emphasis on business, healthcare, and engineering.

Peoria, AZ, is home to several outstanding high schools, offering excellent academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college preparation opportunities.

Top Public High Schools in Peoria, AZ

• Basis Peoria – A highly ranked charter school with a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum and strong college prep programs.
• Liberty High School – Known for its advanced placement courses, excellent athletics, and college readiness programs.
• Sunrise Mountain High School – Offers a strong academic program, arts, and athletics, plus various extracurricular activities.
• Peoria High School – One of the oldest schools in the district, providing a mix of academic excellence and career-oriented programs.
• Raymond S. Kellis High School – Offers diverse academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and performing arts.

Top Private High Schools in Peoria, AZ

• Southwest Christian School – A faith-based school with strong academics and a focus on character development.
• Joy Christian School – Offers a balanced curriculum with an emphasis on college prep and Christian values.
• Cactus Christian Academy – Known for small class sizes and customized learning experiences.
• Freedom Christian Academy – Provides a faith-centered education with academic rigor and extracurricular opportunities.
• Trinity Lutheran School – A private Christian school with strong academics and community engagement.

Peoria, Arizona, is a vibrant city known for its connection to professional sports, especially during spring training when Major League Baseball (MLB) teams arrive for preseason action.

⚾ Baseball – San Diego Padres & Seattle Mariners (MLB Spring Training)

• San Diego Padres – The Padres use Peoria Sports Complex as their spring training home. Founded in 1969, the team has made multiple playoff appearances and reached the World Series twice (1984, 1998). They have featured stars such as Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman, and Fernando Tatís Jr..
• Seattle Mariners – The Mariners also host their spring training at Peoria Sports Complex. Established in 1977, the team has had notable players like Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, and Félix Hernández. They made their first playoff appearance in 1995 and had a record-breaking 116-win season in 2001.

🏈 Football – Arizona Cardinals (NFL – Nearby in Glendale)

• Arizona Cardinals – While based in Glendale, just a short drive from Peoria, the Cardinals represent the region in the National Football League (NFL). The team was founded in 1898, making it one of the oldest franchises in professional football. They won the NFL Championship in 1947 and appeared in Super Bowl XLIII (2009). The franchise has featured star players like Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson, and Kyler Murray.

🏀 Basketball – Phoenix Suns (NBA – Nearby in Phoenix)

• Phoenix Suns – The Suns, based in downtown Phoenix, are the state's NBA team. Founded in 1968, they have reached the NBA Finals three times (1976, 1993, 2021) and have been home to legendary players such as Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, and Devin Booker. The team remains a strong contender in the Western Conference.

🏒 Hockey – Arizona Coyotes (NHL – Nearby in Tempe)

• Arizona Coyotes – The Coyotes play in the National Hockey League (NHL) and are based in Tempe, close to Peoria. Originally the Winnipeg Jets before relocating to Arizona in 1996, the Coyotes have built a growing fan base. They made the Western Conference Finals in 2012 and have had key players like Shane Doan and Clayton Keller.

⚽ Soccer – Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship – Nearby in Phoenix)

• Phoenix Rising FC – Representing Arizona in professional soccer, Phoenix Rising FC competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of American soccer. The team has won multiple Western Conference titles and has had international stars like Didier Drogba play for them.

While Peoria itself does not have a major professional sports team, its proximity to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area gives sports fans access to top-tier teams across various leagues.

Peoria, AZ, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful desert scenery, outdoor adventures, and rich history. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are some fun facts about Peoria:

1. Named After Peoria, Illinois – The city was named by settlers from Peoria, Illinois, who moved west in the late 1800s.
2. Lake Pleasant Paradise – Peoria is home to Lake Pleasant Regional Park, one of the largest lakes in Arizona, perfect for boating, fishing, and camping.
3. Spring Training Hotspot – Every spring, MLB teams, including the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, come to Peoria’s Sports Complex for baseball training.
4. A Growing City – Peoria has been one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona due to its great quality of life and job opportunities.
5. Desert Beauty – The city boasts stunning views of the Sonoran Desert, with plenty of hiking trails and scenic spots to explore.
6. Home to Historic Old Town – Peoria’s Old Town district is filled with charming historic buildings, restaurants, and shops that capture the city’s past.
7. Officially an "All-America City" – Peoria was named an All-America City in 2008, a prestigious award recognizing strong community engagement and innovation.
8. An Outdoor Lover’s Dream – With more than 30 parks and countless trails, Peoria is a great place for biking, hiking, and enjoying nature.
9. A Thriving Arts Scene – Peoria is home to the Arizona Broadway Theatre, which offers Broadway-style productions and live performances year-round.
10. Scorching Summers – Peoria’s temperatures regularly reach over 110°F in the summer, making it one of the hottest places in the country!