For many years, Peoria was a small farm
town -- orange groves and alfalfa fields remain in between subdivisions and shopping
centers. It was finally incorporated in 1954, covering just a square mile. Today, the city
of more than 100,000 people encompasses more than 117 square miles.
The city's growth has given it a diverse
character. Its northern end wraps around Lake Pleasant, a popular reservoir built to store
water first from the Agua Fria River and later from the Central Arizona Project. The lake
is surrounded by largely untouched land, some of which is now a part of the city's first
desert preserve.
Older neighborhoods still stand further
south, built up along the river and Skunk Creek.
The city spent millions of dollars
refurbishing its old downtown area, building a sprawling City Hall, library and public
safety complex nearby.
Peoria also attracted major league spring training with its
sports complex, now the home of baseball's Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.
The stadium also hosts concerts and other
events.
Without agriculture to drive the economy,
acre after acre of farmland has been plowed under to build new homes and businesses.
Peoria has become more of a bedroom community, but city officials hope to change
that.
Planners are looking for ways to attract
large employers, possibly along the nearly complete Agua Fria Freeway.
Population: 108,364 (2000 census)
Location: Northwest of Phoenix.
Neighboring cities include Glendale to the east and Sun City to the west.
School Districts: Peoria Unified
School District, (623) 486-6000; Deer Valley Unified School District, (623) 581-7700.
Government: The City Council
includes the mayor and six councilmembers. The mayor is elected every two years and the
councilmembers are elected to four-year staggered terms. (623) 773-7340.
Major Attraction: Lake Pleasant
Regional Park, Peoria Sports Complex.
Real Estate 
