Money magazine marked Peoria, AZ as one the best places to live in 2008, making the Arizona area a considerable community to relocate to if you are thinking about dwelling in the desert. The notable periodical rated the region for excellent education, affordable housing and a thriving job market, making it an all around great place to settle in the southwest.
Spring training home to Major League Baseball teams Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, Peoria, AZ is also a perfect place to enjoy sports and recreation. With great golf clubs, large lakes and an array of area activities, there is a perfect balance between work and play in Peoria, AZ. If you are considering relocating to the Arizona community, browse through this guide to get an idea of all it has to offer adults and children alike, for there is no place like home, especially in Peoria, AZ.
Peoria, AZ Climate
If you like hot summers and mild winters, then Peoria, AZ is the place for you. The dry desert climate rises high in July, with the average temperature at 104-degrees, and drops in December, with the average climate at 41-degrees. While spring weather in March ranges between a high of 78 and a low of 58-degrees, fall whether in September varies from a high of 100 to a low of 73-dgrees. The annual precipitation is only around 9-inches, keeping the area dry throughout the entire year.
Peoria, AZ Neighborhoods
Peoria, AZ makes their neighborhoods a priority. The city mission statement is to provide "excellent municipal services by anticipating community needs, creating partnerships, promoting sustainability and embracing diversity." Whether you live off of any of the region's roads, including Cactus or Happy Valley, you are sure to find the perfect place to settle in one of the area subdivisions.
A recent downtown revitalization program has drawn Peoria's, AZ desert dwellers to the city center. Residential, retail and business sites situated in the downtown borders create a unique place to live, shop and work.
Peoria, AZ is home to two popular retirement communities Trilogy at Vistancia and Westbrook Village. Both neighborhoods have excellent amenities including pools, sports clubs, golf courses, trails, spas and more. Retired or not, Peoria, AZ promises to be a great place to relocate to if you are thinking about moving out west.
Registering Your Car
The Arizona Department of Transportation is where new residents must visit to obtain a state license and registration. Though there is not an agency site in town, the nearest division of motor vehicle office can be found only minutes away in the nearest town of Glendale.
According to Arizona law, you must immediately apply for a license as soon as you move to the area. An adult license averages $25 and can usually be issued without taking a written or driven test as long as you present your former state license. A vision test is required for all new residents.
The identification needed to apply for a license includes any of the following: a previous state driver's license, birth certificate, marriage certificate, U.S. passport, social security card, credit and bank card or medical insurance ID.
Depending on the make, model and year of your car, registration prices will range from $15 and up. Specialized license plates are available for $25 and must be renewed annually for the same price. To obtain Arizona plates you must present your out-of-state title, former license plates and pass a vehicle inspection
Peoria, AZ Schools
The Peoria, AZ Unified School District is a large school system with 32 elementary and 9 high schools. More than 36,000 students make up the district; however, each child still receives a strong one-on-one education. This fact is demonstrated by 1,778 district seniors receiving over $50 million in scholarship money. Educators lead by example, showing students that they too practice what they preach. The Arizona School Administrators named Supervisor Denton Santarelli as the 2012 All Arizona Superintendent of the Year, proving that public leadership in Peoria, AZ is first-rate. And Peoria, AZ private schools are also an excellent educational source for students whose families choose a more specialized setting for their children.
Though there are no colleges located directly in the community, there are several surrounding two-year and four-year campuses to choose from. Glendale Community College, is an excellent educational institution for anyone considering an Associates degree and is only minutes away for Peoria, AZ. On the other hand, if you are looking to gain a Bachelors Degree, Arizona State University has campuses in Phoenix and Tempe, with both locations less than 30 minutes from Peoria, AZ.
Peoria, AZ Employment
Education and employment go hand-in-hand in Peoria, AZ, with the public school district providing the most jobs in the region. With more than 3,400 staff members, the district not only delivers a top-notch education, but also fully employs area residents. The City of Peoria, AZ is the second largest employer in the area with more than 1,100 personnel working to run the city. Other top businesses in the area that new residents can apply to are Wal-Mart, Target, Young Brothers and Immanuel Care Campus.
If you are considering starting a new a career in Peoria, AZ, pick up the classifieds in the newspaper Arizona Central or call some of the several staffing agencies listed in the yellow pages to find out what job opportunities are available in the area.
Living Costs in the City
With a very low cost of living average at 1.6% less than the state standard and 0.1% less than the national average, Peoria, AZ could very well be the perfect desert dwelling if you are thinking about relocating to Arizona. According to CNN Money, the median family income is $74,171 and the median home price is $156,000.
Renting a one to three-bedroom apartment can range between $600 to $1,300 dollars depending on the location's luxury and available amenities. Average monthly utility prices in Peoria, AZ depend on the size of the dwelling and service usage. Also, new residents must consider a high annual electric bill due to the dry, hot climate that causes households to run the air throughout most of the year. Water costs will also be high if you choose to keep a garden in your backyard desert.
Peoria, AZ Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Peoria, AZ, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Arizona. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Peoria, AZ Transportation
Traveling major roadways U.S. 60, Rt. 101 and other roadways and side streets will easily get you about town. The Valley Metro public transportation system conveniently transports residents from their origin to destination, making daily travel in town both a breeze and budget friendly. Affordable one-day passes priced at $4 and a monthly ticket totaling $64 can be less expensive than operating your own vehicle, which has insurance, gas and maintenance costs. However, the cheapest way to travel would be jumping on a bike and taking one of the many cycle paths that run throughout the town.
Culture & Contemporary Life
Peoria, AZ residents enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities all year through. With so many area attractions, it is easy to enjoy yourself in the area. Whether you are seeing a show at the Arizona Theater or swinging a racquet at the Rio Vista Recreation Center, you are sure to balance work and play in Peoria, AZ.
The Peoria, AZ Sports Complex, West Valley Art Museum, Peoria, AZ Center for the Performing Arts and the Challenger Learning Center are just a few places residents gather for a good time. Of course Restaurant Row on 83rd Avenue caters all cuisine, offering several dining spots to choose from any day of the week. Before or after a good bite to eat, residents enjoy shopping in town, always picking up exactly what they need in Peoria, AZ.
Of course with Phoenix less than a half an hour away, residents in the region enjoy making the most out of living so close to the state capital metropolis. The list of things to do in Phoenix goes on and on, always offering Peoria, AZ residents the choicest venues to pick from.
Peoria, AZ Relocation Tips
- Visit Peoria, AZ and see if it is the place for you and your family. Taking time to check out the area and all it has to offer is the best way to decide if the desert is where you want to dwell.
- Save money for the move and secure a job before relocating to the region so you do not find yourself in a financial bind while you settle in your new place.
- Research volunteer opportunities in the area. Serving a non-profit organization in the community is a great way to make new friends and create a sense of purpose in your new place.