Why North Peoria is One of the Best Places to Live in Arizona

If you’re looking for the best place to live in Arizona, you can start in the city that Vistancia calls home: Peoria. Located just outside of Phoenix, it’s got a little bit of everything. In fact, most people won’t have to look too hard to find a reason to fall in love with Peoria.

Here’s 7 reasons why North Peoria is one of the best places to live in Arizona

Peoria is drawing in new residents from all over the country. Take a look at the seven reasons why more people are choosing to call Peoria home.

1. The booming economy

Peoria continues to have a thriving economy and thanks to its proximity to Phoenix, Peoria continues to attract new businesses and new jobs. Whether you’re looking for a job in the service industry or for something a bit more high-tech, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Peoria and the surround Phoenix area.

New businesses coming to North Peoria

There are quite a few new businesses coming soon to North Peoria. From new retail developments on Happy Valley Rd (that feature retail locations and a specialty grocery store) to new proposed restaurant concepts including Deem Proper, S & V Urban Italian, Avenida Modern Mexican and more. Peoria is continuing to experiencing population growth which will continue to attract new business to the area.

2. The North Peoria real estate market is continuing to grow

The Phoenix west valley is growing by leaps and bounds, and a lot of that growth is happening in Peoria including the North Peoria area. As one of the fastest growing areas of the Phoenix area, housing prices and property values are still looking to trend upward this year.

Peoria AZ real estate trends

The Peoria AZ real estate market is very diverse and offers something for everyone. There are high-value homes in the area including some in private gated communities, but also homes available for those starting out as first-time home buyers. The real draw, though, are master planned communities. Vistancia, recently rated the #1 master planned community in Arizona, provides their residents one-of-a kind amenities, community events, and so much life, in one place.

New homes in Peoria AZ

If you are in the market for a new home, you will find plenty of new home options in Peoria AZ. The Vistancia community offers a diverse selection of new homes from seven award-winning homebuilders. The Vistancia community offers three distinctive new home communities. The Village at Vistancia, a family-friendly multi-generational community; Blackstone at Vistancia, a gated luxury golf course community featuring the only private golf course in the Northwest Valley – Blackstone Country Club; and Trilogy at Vistancia, an active adult resort community.

3. The communities are family-friendly and promote healthy living

There are a number of excellent communities in North Peoria that are great for families and those who want to live healthy lifestyles. Communities like Vistancia are safe, family-friendly, and offer residents a chance to make lasting, meaningful connections.

Local moms support groups

Residents of Vistancia have access to a variety of great mothers’ support groups. These groups meet together to help each other out, doing everything from arranging playdates to giving moms a little time to themselves. One of which is the Vistancia MOMs Club, which stands for Moms Offering Moms Support. The Vistancia MOMs Club is made up of around 60 moms from the community who not only offer support to one another but meet for playdates and various group activities.

Safe neighborhoods

Safety is a priority for families in North Peoria, which is one of the many other reasons it’s the best place to live in Arizona. The crime rate in the North Peoria area is low and many neighborhoods even have a Neighborhood Watch program. In communities like Vistancia, there is a strong sense of community were neighbors look out for one another, which adds to the feeling of securing. Despite the proximity to a big city, Peoria’s level of safety can easily be compared to that of a small town.

Top rated public schools

The public schools in the area are among the highest-rated in the region. Schools like Lake Pleasant Elementary and Vistancia Elementary boast very competitive academic ratings, with great after-school programs that help to provide a great deal of enrichment for students. These schools are all located conveniently within the Vistancia community.

Award winning and innovative charter schools

If you’re looking for something a little different than the traditional public school system, you might also want to look at Peoria’s top-rated, award-winning charter schools. Most of these schools don’t require parents to pay tuition, but they do offer students unique educational opportunities. From schools that provide a great STEM focus to those that allow for an accelerated course study, many parents find charter schools to be a rewarding educational option for their children.

Local health and wellness options

Peoria also boasts a host of health and wellness options that are sure to keep residents healthy and happy. From great medical practices to stores like Sprouts Farmers Markets and Nektar and more, the city really does have everything you need for a healthy lifestyle. In addition,  you will find plenty of businesses in the area to help you meet your fitness goals such as fitness clubs like Mountainside Fitness, Orange Theory fitness and even yoga studios such as Barre3.

4. Local parks and recreation options that are perfect for active lifestyles

North Peoria is perfect for those who like to live an active lifestyle. In addition to the new 120 acre park that is under construction, Peoria is also host to a number of other outdoor options. Whether you want to spend a day at Lake Pleasant or you’re looking to spend your early mornings on the hiking trails in the Sonoran Desert, you will find what you need here. Peoria remains the best place to live in Arizona for those who want to spend a little more time being closer to nature.

Lake Pleasant

If you love the outdoors, you’ll love Lake Pleasant Regional Park which is located in the North Peoria area. The 23,362 acre park offers a wide variety of fun filled activities for Peoria residents including camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

While many have a great time in the water enjoying everything from swimming to riding jet-skis, many people love the great hiking trail system that allows you to both take in the sights of the surrounding area and push your endurance to the limits. There are also plenty of campsites and picnic areas for those looking to relax near the shore. There are two marinas at Lake Pleasant; Pleasant Harbor Marina and Scorpion Bay Marina. Both offer full marina services such as lake side dining, boat rentals and boat storage options.

Trails and hiking

Peoria is home to, or in proximity to, an abundance of hiking trails. In fact, these trails are among the many reasons why the community is considered one of the most active-lifestyle friendly communities in America. You’ll find trails of all shapes and sizes here, ranging from novice to expert levels. These trails help to show you some of the best sights and sounds that nature has to offer, all while giving you a nice little physical challenge.

Safe, clean parks and community centers

Peoria is home to a number of family-friendly parks and community centers, perfect for those who want to exercise and enjoy time outside. Whether you’re looking for a nice walking trail or fitness classes, you’ll find them here. The Vistancia community, in particular, has some great facilities available to residents such as the Mountain Vista Club and the Foothills Center; perfect not only for those who are looking to get in shape but also for those who want to spend an afternoon in the pool.

Peoria AZ dog parks

There are several great dog parks in the area, as well. Your dogs can go off-leash and have a run at Alta Vista Park, or have a little more restrained fun at the Parkridge or Scotland dog parks. All of these parks have the space dogs need to get exercise, while still providing enough security to ensure that your dog will be safe. If you’re looking to get exercise with your four-legged friend, checking out one of these parks might be the best way to do so. Residents of the Vistancia community can enjoy the 3.5 mile Discovery Trail, a paved walking, hiking and biking trail that is perfect for taking your dog on long walks on a leash. Peoria is a dog-friendly community, so new spaces for dogs are likely to be built in the future as well.

5. Peoria AZ attractions

Of course, you’ll want to do more in North Peoria than just taking in the sights or spending a day on the water. The area has grown significantly in the last few decades, gaining the kind of attractions that any major metropolitan center would be happy to host. Residents of the area are not only close to amazing shopping and dining opportunities at Arrowhead Towne Center and P83 Entertainment District, but there are also one-of-a-kind sports facilities such as the nearby State Farm Stadium and Peoria Sports Complex. The city and surrounding area also offers amazing recreational opportunities for golfers, off roaders, bird watchers, mountain bikers and so much more!

Peoria Sports Complex

If you love baseball, the Peoria Sports Complex will be a must-visit location for you every spring. The Peoria Sports Complex spring training location is shared by two MLB teams, so you’ll get a chance to see both the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners get ready for their next season. The complex itself hosts events all year round including concerts and food festivals, so there is always a reason to visit.

Hot air balloon rides

One of the true joys of living in the Southwest is a getting a chance to go out in a hot air balloon. One of the few areas in the country where the wind and landscape both really cooperate enough to make the hobby a possibility, Peoria will give you access to some of the more thrilling hot air balloon views around. It’s a great way to see the Sonoran Desert landscape from a distance, and an even better way to spend a romantic afternoon.

Arrowhead Towne Center and P83 Entertainment District

If you’re looking for something a little closer to the ground, you might want to give the Arrowhead Towne Center and P83 a try. The mall is a must-visit location for anyone who wants to spend a day shopping till they drop. It’s also a fun place to window shop and people watch as the mall is constantly buzzing with energy and exciting deals.

After walking around the mall, you may want to get a bite to eat or enjoy a movie. Luckily, the P83 Entertainment District offers a variety of restaurants (from fine dining to casual), as well as a Harkins Theatre and Modern Round, a new virtual shooting range entertainment concept.

Local shops and restaurants

Of course, Peoria also has a selection of great shops and restaurants that are separate from the mall. Whether you’re looking for great sushi at a restaurant like Squid Ink Sushi or to go on a shopping spree at boutique shops like the Robyn’s Nest or popular retail stores like Dress Barn, Kohls, and more, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.

6. It’s in the middle of one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the U.S.

Arizona has one of the most unique topographies of any state in the United States. While most people might think of Arizona as a desert, it might surprise you to see just how diverse the climate is throughout the state. Not only are there many temperate areas where you can find lush forests, rivers, and lakes, but you can even go north to visit the snowy mountains. It’s one of the very few states where you can play a round of golf in the morning and ski in the evening with just a short drive up to the Flagstaff area north of Phoenix.

You’ll never run out of day trips in Arizona

Peoria is the best place to live in Arizona for anyone who loves to explore. It’s a perfect driving distance from just about everything, whether you want to go north to the mountains, take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, or you want to take the less than 5 hour drive to Las Vegas. You’re even about a 5 hour drive from the Pacific Ocean where you will find great beaches and cooler weather in the summer. It’s truly the type of place you want to be if you’re looking for a great place to stay.

7. It’s the home of the Vistancia Community

One of the biggest reasons that Peoria is the best place to live in Arizona is the Vistancia community. Home to some of the best neighborhoods and amenities, it has everything residents and their families could want. From great shopping to fantastic schools and parks, Vistancia offers So Much Life, in One Place! If you’re interested in moving to Peoria and Vistancia, be sure to start your journey at The Vistancia Information Center, your hub for community information.