Peoria is a quaint little suburb of Phoenix, Arizona with a population of about 160,000. Peoria has been known just as ‘that city between Sun City and Glendale' for years, but it is working hard on making the city a wonderful community. In 2008, Peoria was listed in the 'top 100 best places to live' by Money Magazine. Those moving to Peoria will discover a beautiful place to live.
Economy:
The median household income for Peoria is higher than for the state average. The largest employers in Peoria are the city government and the school system. Many people commute to surrounding cities to work, and then live in Peoria.
History:
The key to the creation of Peoria was the same as it was for many other cities in the area: water. In 1882, the Arizona Canal Company was organized to bring irrigation to the area that would become Peoria. William Murphy, a former Union Army officer, was chosen to create the canal in exchange for land and water rights. The Arizona Canal was completed in 1885, and then Murphy went back to his home town of Peoria, Illinois, to convince settlers to move to the area. Four families took him up on the offer. In 1888 Peoria got a post office and the name was official. In 1889 the railroad came. In 1917 there was a devastating fire that destroyed most of Peoria. Peoria quickly rebuilt. The city steadily grew, becoming an agricultural center. In 1954, Peoria incorporated as a city in order to better provide services to its growing numbers of residents. In 1956, street numbering was instituted. By 1990, the population had increased over 300% and the city made moves to attract more industry to the area.
Tourism:
One of the major attractions in Peoria is the Peoria Sports Complex, which is home to the spring training facilities for the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres major league baseball teams. Lake Pleasant provides many water-related activities such a boating, water skiing, sailing and fishing. The newly-constructed Peoria Center for the Performing Arts has on-going events. In April, Peoria celebrates its Pioneer Days. With all of these exciting amenities, it's no wonder why Peoria long distance moving companies are so busy.