Peoria, Maricopa County, Arizona
Location:

Peoria, Arizona is located northwest of the city of Phoenix. It’s considered part of the greater Phoenix area. It was founded in 1886 by settlers from Peoria, Illinois. Peoria was incorporated in 1954. Peoria is a suburb of Phoenix.

A Great Place to Call Home

Money Magazine’s 2008 Top 100 Places to Live named Peoria as a premier community.

The report noted many recreational attractions in the surrounding area including:

* 33 movie theaters within 15 miles
* 3,121 restaurants within 15 miles
* 293 bars within 15 miles
* 288 public golf courses within 30 miles
* 64 libraries within 15 miles
* 6 museums accredited by AAM within 30 miles
* 2 ski resorts within 100 miles

The magazine’s report hailed access to professional sports, and development including the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. The city’s street grid had a positive impact on editors as did Peoria’s interest in the environment. The city has spared 750 acres of open space for recreation and open space preservation.