By Jennifer Conrad, Managing Editor
Forget the old image of sleepy suburbs tucked away from the action. The West Valley is not just waking up — it’s roaring to life. West of I-17, this dynamic region of Arizona is home to over a dozen cities, each with its own character and heartbeat. From the time-tested charm of Avondale to the fast-rising energy of Surprise, the landscape is transforming before our eyes.
But today, we’re spotlighting two cities that aren’t just participating in the region’s evolution — they’re leading it: Peoria and Goodyear.
With more than 1.7 million residents already calling the West Valley home, the momentum is undeniable. Experts project that over half of Maricopa County’s future growth in the next 25 years will unfold right here. It’s more than a population boom — it’s a cultural, economic, and communal awakening.
To understand the pulse of this change, we sat down with someone who’s had a front-row seat for the transformation: our Editor in Chief, Jaki Underwood. A seasoned realtor with over 15 years of experience selling real estate all over the valley, Jaki offers more than facts — she offers perspective.
“The West Valley’s growth isn’t just measured in numbers,” Jaki shares, her eyes lighting up. “It’s about the kind of life we’re building — one with opportunity, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. Peoria and Goodyear aren’t just growing — they’re planning. They’re designing futures that honor their roots while welcoming the new.”
Goodyear: Where Momentum Meets Meaning
Goodyear is rewriting the growth playbook. Since 2020, the city’s population has surged nearly 23%, rocketing from 95,000 to 118,000 residents in just four years. “That kind of leap is rare,” Jaki says, “and it speaks to something powerful — people see Goodyear as a place to invest, to raise families, to put down real roots.”
And the housing market reflects that enthusiasm. With a median list price around $521,740 and homes averaging 89 days on the market, the balance here feels both exciting and sustainable. There’s movement, but not chaos — a sweet spot for buyers and sellers alike.
But Goodyear’s magic isn’t just in numbers. It’s in the stories being lived every day.
Take Bacchus Wine Bar, for example — a cozy, stylish spot run by husband-and-wife duo Jack and Kathleen Vozar. With 30 wines on tap and a welcoming vibe that keeps locals coming back, Bacchus has become more than a bar. It’s a community anchor.
“Every pour tells a story,” Jack says warmly. “And here, those stories bring people together. That’s the heart of Goodyear — connection.”
Peoria: Poised, Purposeful, and Ready to Dazzle
If Goodyear is sprinting into the future, Peoria is walking with purpose — and it’s just as impressive.
From 2020 to mid-2024, the city has grown steadily from 191,000 to nearly 200,000 residents. A 4.7% increase may sound modest next to Goodyear’s leap, but in Peoria, growth is a craft — measured, deliberate, and community-centered.
“Peoria really understands what makes a city feel like home,” Jaki explains. “They’re investing in schools, maintaining strong neighborhoods, and creating new spaces that reflect the way people actually want to live.”
With a median list price of $589,999 and an average of 84 days on the market, Peoria’s housing market remains strong, offering options from cozy starter homes to expansive estates. Nearly 840 homes are currently on the market — a testament to both demand and diversity of lifestyle.
And just like Goodyear, Peoria is making major moves beyond the housing sector.
The P83 entertainment district is already hub for nightlife, dining, and family fun — and it’s about to get even better. Coming in early fall 2025, Sparrow, the latest concept from Sky Restaurant Group, will bring an exciting fusion of Southwest, Thai, and Korean flavors to the city. More than a restaurant, Sparrow promises an immersive culinary experience — a delicious symbol of Peoria’s cultural evolution.
Not far behind is Tavern Park, set to open summer 2025. Envisioned by Kevin Stout — the creative force behind Phoenix’s iconic Lookout Tavern — this 13,000-square-foot destination will offer an indoor park vibe, a 125-foot LED sports wall, a chic rooftop lounge, and even a built-in nightclub.
“We’re creating something that doesn’t exist anywhere else,” Stout says. “And Peoria is the perfect canvas for that kind of vision.”
A Region on Fire — In All the Right Ways
The West Valley isn’t just expanding — it’s blooming into something bold, beautiful, and deeply rooted in community.
Cities like Goodyear and Peoria are proving that growth doesn’t have to mean sprawl or soulless development. Instead, it can mean smarter neighborhoods, better schools, thriving small businesses, and the kind of local spirit you can’t manufacture.
“What we’re seeing in the West Valley is nothing short of extraordinary,” Jaki reflects, her voice full of conviction. “These aren’t just cities with momentum. They’re places with heart, with vision — places where people want to stay, to contribute, to dream.”
So, if you’ve been thinking of the West Valley as a quiet corner of Arizona, think again. The roar is real — and it’s only getting louder.
