Peoria City Guide

Good mix of Mexican, Southwestern, and international cuisines. Vegetarian and vegan choices exist, mostly in Phoenix. Late-night options limited mostly to fast food.

Nightlife is low-key with some bars and pubs. The P83 district offers dining and entertainment but the scene is quiet compared to Phoenix or Scottsdale.

Growing coffee scene with independent shops focused on quality and community, alongside chains.

Tipping is standard: 15-20% in restaurants, taxis, and services. $1-2 per coffee drink.

You can get SIM cards from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores in malls or airports. eSIMs are also widely available. ID is needed for activation.

City is clean with regular waste and recycling services.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores. Urgent care clinics have extended hours but are not open overnight. Emergency rooms are 24/7.

Supermarkets like Fry's, Safeway, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, and Walmart cover most needs. International items are limited locally. Stores open early to late, including Sundays, with fixed prices.

Most shops and services accept cards, so cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks and stores. Out-of-network fees usually apply, around $2.50-$3.50 plus your bank's charges.

Peoria has many public and charter schools. Few international schools locally, more in Phoenix. English is the main teaching language.

Digital nomads are few locally but nearby Phoenix and Scottsdale have more active groups. Cafes mostly support remote work.

Over 18 miles of trails and multiple large parks offer good green space access.

Good running trails along rivers and mountains, mostly safe and scenic.

Several gyms including national chains and local options are available.

Public tennis courts are at city parks, available mostly without reservation.

Padel courts are rare locally but exist in private clubs nearby.

Multiple yoga studios and drop-in classes with English-speaking instructors.

Varied martial arts options including BJJ, Karate, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi with English-speaking instructors.

No skiing; nearest ski resorts are hours away north of Peoria.

Lake Pleasant offers kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and jet skiing during warm months.

No surfing available; Peoria is inland desert.

Freshwater diving is possible at Lake Pleasant, with rentals and sites for various skill levels.

Healthcare is mostly private and high quality. English is spoken everywhere. Pharmacies are common, with some 24-hour locations. Urgent Care clinics handle minor issues.

Tap water meets federal safety standards but is moderately hard. Some prefer using filters for taste or minerals.

Lots of parks with playgrounds and splash pads. Indoor amusement centers and ice skating offer fun options for kids.

Generally accepting with legal protections similar to other large U.S. cities. Nearby Phoenix has a visible LGBTQ+ scene.

Pet-friendly city with dog parks, veterinary clinics, and pet stores.