Peoria, Arizona
A rapidly growing northwestern suburb of Phoenix known for outdoor recreation, spring training baseball, and a blend of suburban comfort with desert landscapes.
Peoria is a growing suburban city located in the northwest Phoenix metropolitan area, straddling Maricopa and Yavapai counties. With a population of approximately 175,000 residents, Peoria has transformed from a small agricultural community to one of Arizona's fastest-growing cities. The city offers a blend of established neighborhoods and new master-planned communities, with a range of housing options from affordable family homes to luxury residences.
Founded in 1886 by settlers from Peoria, Illinois, the city was originally an agricultural community specializing in citrus farming. The completion of the Arizona Canal in the 1880s and later the Waddell Dam (forming Lake Pleasant) in 1927 were pivotal to the area's development. Peoria remained predominantly rural until the post-World War II suburban expansion of Phoenix. Significant growth began in the 1980s and accelerated in the 1990s and 2000s as the city annexed large tracts of land to the north, expanding from a small area in the southern part of the current city to its present size, spanning more than 179 square miles.
Today's Peoria combines suburban convenience with access to natural beauty. The southern portions of the city feature established neighborhoods with mature landscapes, while northern Peoria showcases newer developments set against dramatic desert terrain and mountain views. The city is known for recreational opportunities at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, one of Arizona's largest lakes, and as the spring training home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres at the Peoria Sports Complex. Peoria's Old Town area has undergone revitalization efforts to preserve its historic character while adding modern amenities. With strong schools, numerous parks, and a strategic location with easy access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation, Peoria continues to attract residents seeking a high quality of life in the Valley of the Sun.
City Information
Climate & Travel
Photos
Major Attractions
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Lake Pleasant Regional Park encompasses over 23,000 acres surrounding a 10,000-acre reservoir, making it one of the largest water recreation areas in Arizona. Located in north Peoria, the park offers a dramatic desert landscape of saguaro-studded hills and rugged mountains surrounding clear blue waters. Recreational activities include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, with species including largemouth and striped bass, bluegill, and crappie. Boat rentals and marina services are available at Pleasant Harbor Marina, while the 10-lane boat ramp ensures easy lake access. The park features over 150 developed campsites and numerous picnic areas. Hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the desert terrain, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, wild burros, javelinas, and desert tortoises. The Discovery Center provides educational exhibits about the lake's history and ecosystem.
Location: 41835 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342
Features: 10,000-acre lake, boating, fishing, camping, hiking trails, marina, wildlife viewing
Peoria Sports Complex
The Peoria Sports Complex holds the distinction of being the first shared Major League Baseball spring training facility in the country, serving as the spring home for both the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres since 1994. This 145-acre complex includes a 12,000-seat main stadium and 12 practice fields, creating a baseball fan's paradise during the Cactus League spring training season (February-March). Beyond spring training, the facility hosts year-round events including amateur baseball tournaments, concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. The adjacent Peoria Stadium Plaza features restaurants and entertainment options. During spring training, fans can enjoy an intimate baseball experience with opportunities to see players up close, attend practice sessions on the back fields, and collect autographs. The complex has undergone several renovations to enhance the fan experience while maintaining its reputation as one of the premier facilities in the Cactus League.
Location: 16101 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382
Features: Spring training stadium, practice fields, batting cages, restaurants, event venue
Old Town Peoria
Old Town Peoria represents the historic heart of the city, centered around the original settlement established in the 1880s. This compact area along Grand Avenue and Washington Street features some of Peoria's oldest buildings and has been the focus of revitalization efforts to create a vibrant, walkable district. Historic landmarks include the Peoria Central School Museum, housed in a 1906 schoolhouse that showcases the area's history through artifacts and photographs. The district is home to Centennial Plaza, a community gathering space that hosts events including the Second Sundays concert series and seasonal festivals. Recent development has brought new restaurants, public art installations, and mixed-use projects to complement the area's historic character. The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, operated by Theater Works, presents a variety of theatrical productions in a modern facility. The nearby Osuna Park provides green space with a playground and splash pad. Old Town serves as the administrative center for the city, with City Hall, the main library, and other municipal buildings located in the area.
Location: Downtown Peoria, centered around 83rd Avenue and Washington Street
Features: Historic buildings, Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, Centennial Plaza, restaurants, public art
Arizona Broadway Theatre
The Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) is a professional dinner theater that has become one of the premier cultural venues in the West Valley since opening in 2005. This 38,000-square-foot facility combines Broadway-quality productions with fine dining in an elegant setting. The theater features a 470-seat house with tiered seating that ensures excellent views from every table. Professional actors, often with Broadway and national tour experience, perform in six to eight full-scale musical productions each season, with shows ranging from classic musicals to contemporary Broadway hits. The dinner service includes multi-course meals prepared by an in-house culinary team, with service designed to complement the theatrical experience. Beyond mainstage productions, ABT offers a concert series, children's theater programs, educational workshops, and special events. The theater has received numerous ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence and has become a cultural centerpiece for Peoria and the surrounding communities, attracting more than 100,000 patrons annually.
Location: 7701 W Paradise Ln, Peoria, AZ 85382
Features: Professional musical theater, dinner service, concerts, educational programs
Rio Vista Recreation Center and Park
Rio Vista Recreation Center and Park is a 52-acre multi-use recreational facility that serves as a community hub for Peoria residents. The crown jewel of the park is the Rio Vista Recreation Center, a 52,000-square-foot facility featuring a full gymnasium, indoor track, fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, group exercise rooms, and a rock climbing wall. The aquatic complex includes both a competition pool and a recreation pool with water slides and play features. Surrounding the recreation center, the park offers extensive outdoor amenities including athletic fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, tennis and basketball courts, and a skate park designed for various skill levels. Families enjoy the playground facilities and picnic areas with ramadas. The park incorporates the Rio Vista Community Bridge, spanning the Agua Fria River and connecting to a regional trail system with paths for walking, jogging, and cycling. Throughout the year, Rio Vista hosts community events, sports tournaments, and recreational programs for all ages, making it one of Peoria's most popular gathering places.
Location: 8866-8970 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381
Features: Recreation center, aquatic complex, sports fields, skate park, playground, walking trails
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Peoria is from October to April, when the weather is most pleasant with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18-29°C).
February and March are particularly popular times to visit due to Cactus League Spring Training at the Peoria Sports Complex, where baseball fans can watch the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres prepare for the MLB season. This period offers ideal weather for outdoor activities but also brings higher hotel rates and more visitors.
Fall (October-November) features warm days, cool evenings, and events like the Peoria Fall Festival. This season offers excellent conditions for hiking, mountain biking, and water activities at Lake Pleasant.
Winter (December-February) is mild with daytime temperatures typically in the 60s-70s°F (15-25°C), making it popular with seasonal visitors escaping colder northern climates. December brings holiday events like the Old Town Holiday Lights festivities.
Spring (March-April) offers beautiful desert wildflowers, comfortable temperatures, and outdoor events. This is also prime time for water sports as Lake Pleasant reaches its highest water levels from winter rains.
Summer (May-September) brings very hot conditions with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C) and occasionally reaching 115°F (46°C). If visiting during summer, plan water activities at Lake Pleasant, focus on indoor attractions during midday, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Summer offers lower hotel rates, fewer tourists, and special events like July 4th fireworks at Lake Pleasant.
Peoria, like most Phoenix suburbs, is primarily designed for car travel. Here are the transportation options for navigating the city:
- Rental Car: Having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring Peoria and the surrounding areas. This is the recommended option for visitors, especially considering Peoria's large geographic size (179 square miles) and the distance between major attractions like Lake Pleasant and the Peoria Sports Complex.
- Rideshare and Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate in Peoria, providing convenient point-to-point transportation. Traditional taxi services are also available but are typically more expensive and may have longer wait times.
- Valley Metro Bus: Peoria is served by limited Valley Metro bus routes, primarily along major arterial streets in the southern part of the city. Service is not comprehensive and frequencies are typically lower than in central Phoenix.
- Bicycle: Peoria has been expanding its network of bike lanes and multi-use paths, particularly in newer developments. The New River Trail and Rio Vista Community Bridge offer car-free cycling routes. However, the city's large size and hot summer temperatures limit cycling as a practical transportation option for most visitors.
- Walking: Old Town Peoria and the area around Peoria Sports Complex/P83 Entertainment District have some walkable sections, but distances between most attractions are substantial. The suburban nature of Peoria makes walking impractical for travel between different areas of the city.
For visitors planning to explore multiple areas of Peoria, especially Lake Pleasant Regional Park or attractions in northern Peoria, a rental car is strongly recommended. Those focusing solely on the Old Town area or attending spring training games might manage with rideshare services for nearby attractions.
Peoria encompasses several distinct areas and neighborhoods spread across its expansive territory:
- Old Town Peoria: The historic heart of the city centered around 83rd Avenue and Grand Avenue, featuring some of Peoria's oldest buildings, city administrative offices, and the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. This area has been the focus of revitalization efforts.
- P83 Entertainment District: Located near 83rd Avenue and Bell Road, this commercial corridor includes the Peoria Sports Complex, Arizona Broadway Theatre, shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels. It's particularly lively during spring training season.
- South Peoria: The oldest residential section of the city, primarily developed from the 1950s through the 1980s. Features established neighborhoods with mature landscaping, schools, and community parks like Rio Vista Recreation Center.
- Arrowhead: Upscale area in central Peoria near the Arrowhead Towne Center mall (technically in neighboring Glendale). Features the Arrowhead Lakes community with artificial lakes and the area around Arrowhead Country Club.
- Fletcher Heights: Master-planned community in northwest Peoria featuring family-oriented neighborhoods with parks, schools, and community amenities.
- Vistancia: Premium master-planned community in north Peoria covering 7,100 acres and divided into three villages: Blackstone, The Village, and Trilogy (an age-restricted community). Features golf courses, community centers, and desert-sensitive design.
- Lake Pleasant Area: The northernmost section of Peoria surrounding Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Includes developing residential areas like Sonoran Mountain Ranch and recreational lands with stunning desert landscapes.
- West Wing Mountain: Growing area in northern Peoria featuring newer housing developments with mountain views and desert surroundings.
- Westwing: Master-planned community in north Peoria known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and proximity to desert recreational areas.
For visitors, the P83 Entertainment District offers the highest concentration of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, particularly during spring training season. Old Town Peoria provides historical context and cultural venues, while Lake Pleasant offers outstanding outdoor recreation in a spectacular desert setting.
Peoria is known for exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, taking advantage of both constructed facilities and natural desert landscapes:
- Water Recreation: Lake Pleasant Regional Park is the center of water activities in Peoria, offering:
- Boating (motorized and non-motorized)
- Fishing for bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish
- Swimming at designated beaches
- Kayaking and paddleboarding (rentals available)
- Sailing and water skiing
- SCUBA diving at depths up to 90 feet
- Hiking and Mountain Biking: The Peoria area offers numerous trails, including:
- Lake Pleasant Pipeline Canyon Trail (moderate, 2 miles)
- Sunrise Mountain Trail (moderate, 4 miles)
- New River Trail (easy, 17 miles paved)
- Calderwood Butte Trail (moderate, 1.6 miles)
- West Wing Mountain trails (various difficulties)
- Desert Camping: Options include developed campgrounds at Lake Pleasant with RV hookups and amenities, or more primitive camping in designated areas with desert views.
- Wildlife Viewing: Lake Pleasant and surrounding desert areas host diverse wildlife including bald eagles, wild burros, javelinas, coyotes, and numerous bird species.
- Golf: Peoria features several golf courses including:
- Blackstone Country Club (private)
- Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia (public)
- Westbrook Village Golf Club (public)
- Sports and Recreation: The city maintains numerous parks with facilities for:
- Baseball and softball (multiple fields at sports complexes)
- Soccer and football
- Tennis and basketball
- Skateboarding at Rio Vista Skate Park
- Off-Road Adventures: The desert terrain north of Lake Pleasant offers opportunities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) exploration on designated routes and trails.
- Horseback Riding: Several stables in and around Peoria offer trail rides through desert landscapes.
When enjoying outdoor activities in Peoria, it's essential to prepare for desert conditions by carrying adequate water, wearing sun protection, and being aware of wildlife. During summer months (May-September), plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening hours to avoid dangerous heat. Winter and spring are ideal seasons for most outdoor pursuits in the area.
Major Neighborhoods and Areas
Old Town Peoria
Historic district with cultural venues and municipal buildings
P83 Entertainment District
Sports complex, theaters, dining, and shopping
Lake Pleasant Area
Regional park with lake recreation and desert landscapes
Vistancia
Premium master-planned community with three distinct villages
Arrowhead
Upscale area with Arrowhead Lakes and country club
Fletcher Heights
Family-oriented master-planned community in northwest Peoria
South Peoria
Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping
West Wing Mountain
Growing area with newer homes and mountain views
Trilogy at Vistancia
Age-restricted (55+) community with golf and resort amenities