Battle of the Phoenix Cities: Peoria vs Glendale

Welcome to the first in a new blog series from CENTURY 21 Northwest Realty: Battle of the Phoenix Cities! We’ll give you an overview of two cities in the Valley of the Sun, taking a look at homes, schools, and entertainment in each. This week, two of the West Valley’s most prominent cities will be duking it out: Peoria vs Glendale! Who will win? You decide!

Peoria vs Glendale: Overview

Peoria is a city bustling with activity, as Arizona’s 6th largest city and home to huge number of recreational locations ranging from hiking trails to lakes to sports complexes. Founded in 1897 and named after the Illinois hometown of its settlers, Peoria has been named one of the “Top 100 Places to Live” by Money magazine, and in a 2013 poll of its 160,000+ residents, 98% said that they would recommend living in Peoria to anyone!

Glendale brings the classic and modern together in harmony, simultaneously holding the titles of both the state’s 4th largest city and “Arizona’s Antique Capital.” Founded in 1892, Glendale is currently home to over 100 historic properties — as well as over 220,000 residents! From education to entertainment, Glendale has a lot to offer; read on to learn more about this contender!

Peoria vs Glendale: Homes

The median home price in Peoria is just over $115 per square foot, with custom houses going for up to $1.5 million. The best Peoria neighborhoods to live in are Sonoran Mountain Ranch, Terramar, Lions Gate, or Westbrook Village, though a number of planned housing communities are slated for Peoria in coming years.

The median price for a new home in Glendale is about $165,000, and about $135,000 for a pre-owned home. The best Glendale neighborhoods to live in are Arrowhead Ranch, Hillcrest Ranch, or Arrowhead Lakes, with an average listing price of $226,834, representing a 1.6% jump from the previous year.

Peoria vs Glendale: Schools

Peoria is home to excellent elementary schools (such as Desert Harbor, Oakwood, and Paseo Verde) and high schools (such as Centennial, Peoria, and Desert Pointe Academy). There are also exemplary school districts in this city, such as Peoria Unified School District and Paramount Education Studies.

Glendale is also home to top-rated elementary schools (such as Copperwood and Marshall Ranch) and high schools (such as Apollo, Independence, and Glendale). There are also acclaimed school districts in this city, such as Glendale Union High School District and Washington Elementary School District. Institutes of higher learning, such as Midwestern University and the Thunderbird School of Global Management, make their home in Glendale as well, with ASU’s West Campus just over the Phoenix border.

Peoria vs Glendale: Entertainment

Peoria is the place to be for sports and recreation enthusiasts. Home to the Peoria Sports Complex (the official spring training grounds for two Major League Baseball teams!), Peoria boasts unparalleled recreational opportunities. The city features two regionally-recognized community parks, 33 neighborhood parks, over 25 miles of hiking trails, as well as Lake Pleasant Regional Park and the historic Palo Verde Ruin in the north! Not to worry, though: Peoria features urban entertainment opportunities, too, from the P83 Entertainment District to Park West! In Peoria, you’re never far from the action!

Glendale is home to the University of Phoenix Stadium, two-time Super Bowl venue and home of the Arizona Cardinals. The Stadium hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from trade shows to concerts to comicons! Glendale is also home to a variety of shopping venues, such as the Westgate Entertainment District and Arrowhead Towne Center, and historic Downtown Glendale is well worth a visit as well! Don’t forget to check out Glendale Glitters in the winter; in Glendale, you’re never far from all the exciting events taking place!

Peoria vs Glendale: Who Won?

From Glendale’s entertainment opportunities to Peoria’s vast number of recreational outlets, the West Valley has a lot to offer! So, in the battle of Peoria vs Glendale, which city do you think won? No matter who won, whether you’re looking for a home in Peoria or Glendale, CENTURY 21 Northwest Realty is here to help, by providing you with the information you need on the homes you want. Contact us to find your West Valley home today!