Peoria Area Information
Rapidly transforming from a small rural community into a thriving suburban city Peoria still retains agricultural activity as a cornerstone of its diversifying economy. Caught up in the Valleys record-breaking growth Peoria has made a concentrated effort to strengthen its economic base by attracting and encouraging a pleasing mix of industrial and commercial activity. Most employers in Peoria are in the commercial and service sectors although many residents commute to large corporations in nearby employment centers. Quality transportation services excellent freeway access and the close proximity of leading institutions for education and healthcare enhance the community as a desirable Valley address. An abundance of affordable housing in a wide variety of styles and price ranges as well as the semi-rural beauty of fields and open spaces continues to attract many to this segment of the Valley. Nearby recreational attractions add to the allure including the panoramic Lake Pleasant and White Tank Mountain regional parks. The Lake Pleasant area features a 10000-acre lake ideal for boating fishing swimming and water skiing. The extensive range of amenities within the city includes fine golf courses a community center and swimming pool baseball fields lush parks and tennis courts. Offering year-round activities for local residents the spectacular $34 million Peoria Sports Complex also serves as the home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres during professional baseballs spring training season. Local celebrations in Peoria blend a spirit of fun and excitement with reverence for the past beginning with Pioneer Days held in April. Events include sports tournaments live entertainment parades cowboy poetry car shows and displays of arts and crafts. Each September Mexican Independence is honored by the Fiestas Patrias celebration while the new City Hall amphitheater offers perfonning arts events and entertainment throughout the year. As the new millennium unfolds the community is sure to continue its emergence as a West Valley leader and vital modern city.
History
The City of Peoria was established in the 1880's when William J. Murphy's vision of fertile farm lands fed by water from the Salt River became reality with the completion of the Arizona Canal in 1885. Once this canal was completed, Murphy went East to interest people in settling in this new community. Mr. Murphy was successful in catching people's attention - over 5,000 acres of land in the new district was purchased by citizens from Peoria, Illinois. Four families from Peoria, Illinois were among the first to move to Arizona to occupy and work their land.
Residences in the new community sprang up, and a school and Post Office were established by 1889. More people followed the original families and Peoria continued to grow as a farming community. The farmlands were fertile and the people made a good living, despite having to battle swarms of red ants and the occasional rattlesnake in the kitchen. Peoria was incorporated in 1954, with boundaries covering one square mile of land. The warm climate and small-town atmosphere of Peoria continued to attract people, and still do today. Currently, Peoria covers 117 square miles, and is home to over 85,000 residents. The eighth fastest growing city in the nation, Peoria's population is projected to top 125,000 by the year 2005. Potential annexations could extend Peoria's boundaries to 139 square miles in the coming year. From a simple visionary farming community, Peoria, Arizona - a dynamic desert city, has grown.
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