Peoria, Arizona, is an old-fashioned city built on hope for the future. In 1885, a Union Army officer named William J. Murphy saw the area’s potential and recruited settlers from Illinois to join him in farming the land. Four families traveled out West to start a new life, and they named their budding settlement Peoria to pay homage to their hometown of Peoria, Illinois.
Today, Peoria is the sixth most populated city in Arizona with over 164,000 people living there. This Phoenix suburb is known for its gorgeous sunset vistas, inclusive atmosphere, and high quality of life. It has a fascinating history, but many residents are more interested in looking to the future and growing families in their Southwest homes.
Peoria singles are surrounded by opportunities to get involved and make a connection — they just need to know where to go. That’s what this list is for. We’ve gathered local dating resources to help you meet singles in Peoria without going too far outside your comfort zone.
Peoria Dating Sites
A decade ago, online dating may not have cracked the top 10 ways to meet singles, but times have changed and so must we. Dating sites are indispensable to today’s single population. Whether you’re interested in a hookup or a relationship, you can use custom search tools and private chats to find a match. Nearly 50 million Americans have tried online dating, and thousands more are signing up every day.
Best Singles Site
Launched in 1995, Match has the distinction of being the longest-running dating site in existence. That’s good news for singles hoping to make a smart match because this dating site’s algorithm has learned on the job by making millions of connections. Match’s personality-driven features and in-depth dating profiles help singles quickly find common ground online.
- Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
- Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
- Our Experts Say: Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review. Our Review »
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Over 50 & Senior Sites
Peoria is a fairly mature city with an average age of 39.2, and not all these older residents are happily coupled. Some men and women over 50 find themselves back in the dating scene, and they rely on senior dating sites, like OurTime, to help them get their bearings. This senior-friendly dating site makes online dating beginners feel comfortable and confident while they browse profiles for free.
- Relationships: Dates and Relationships
- Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
- Our Experts Say: OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout. Our Review »
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For Black Men & Women Only
According to U.S. census data, less than 3% of Peoria’s population is black or African-American, so finding a diverse date can be a challenge in this Southwestern city. Fortunately, BlackPeopleMeet can up the odds of meeting black and biracial singles. This niche dating site has established the largest online network of black and biracial singles in North America with thousands of active dating profiles to search through.
- Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
- Match System: Search by location, age, more
- Our Experts Say: BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month. Our Review »
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Hookup & Sex Site
Adult Friend Finder satisfies sexually active singles and swingers around the world with its sex-positive dating environment. The hookup site fosters a fast-paced and flirtatious atmosphere that liberates people to be honest about their intentions and desires. Every day, millions of people log into AFF in search of a stimulating experience.
- Relationships: Hookups Only
- Match System: Search by location, interest, more
- Our Experts Say: Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about finding hookups and casual encounters. No adult site has a larger or more active user base of those seeking discreet fun. Our Review »
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Popular Dating Apps
Dating apps take the online dating experience to the next level by allowing singles to reach out to one another while on the go. Thanks to dating apps, it’s much easier to keep up with an ongoing conversation and fan the fires of romance day after day. Dating apps also use location-based matching features to help singles find someone special within a reasonable distance of them. Peoria singles can use the following local dating apps to raise their profile in the online dating scene.
Match.com
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
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About the App:
Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you’ll have a high chance of success. It’s free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
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eharmony
- Relationships: Long-Term Relationships, Marriages
- Match System: Get daily match suggestions
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About the App:
Responsible for 4% of marriages in the U.S., eharmony is among our top picks for relationship-minded heterosexual singles. To become a member, add the app to your phone (iOS or Android) and then take its 29 Dimensions® of Compatibility Matching Quiz. It’s absolutely free to do both these things — as well as receive matches and communicate during other special events.
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OurTime.com
- Relationships: Dating and Relationships
- Match System: Search by age as well as zip, gender, more
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About the App:
Made just for single seniors, OurTime is one of the most well-known niche dating apps. It’s a fun and straightforward app with simple swiping features. Once two people swipe right on each other, they can communicate. For more match options, visit the ConnectMe and I’m Interested pages.
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Peoria Singles Bars
Sure, meeting people online is great, but many singles still prefer to go about dating the old-fashioned way and flirt in person. After all, you can’t tell if there’s physical chemistry from an online chat. If you want to meet date prospects in person, we recommend heading to the local bar or brewery. These friendly social spots offer patrons a break from the everyday, and it’s not unusual to see strangers become fast friends over a round of drinks. We’ve ranked the most popular bars in Peoria to help you get your drink on.
The Moon Saloon
The Moon Saloon is a laid-back sports bar, burger joint, and pizzeria where singles can hang out until 2 in the morning seven days a week. This bustling, locally owned bar is particularly crowded during game days. The 33 HD TVs strategically placed throughout the bar put sports fans in the center of the action and ensure they never miss a single play. The Moon Saloon hosts happy hour from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Happy hour specials include $2 off domestic pints and house wines and $5 appetizers (you've got to try the cheesy bread) for dine-in guests.
Coop's Bar & Grill
If you're looking for an authentic dive bar, Coop's Bar & Grill is the place for you. This down-to-earth bar has good eats, affordable drinks, and friendly service. Plus, a DJ comes in on the weekends to pump up the crowd. Coop's doesn't mess around when it comes to pouring drinks, and the knowledgeable bartenders can always make a recommendation based on your liquor preferences. Coop's also hosts LGBT nights, holiday parties, and game-day watch celebrations to get everyone talking.
Headquarters AZ
Headquarters AZ isn't your typical bar. For one thing, it serves sushi and Korean tacos. The HQ kitchen prides itself on making everything (even its sauces) from scratch, and it offers a variety of classic American cuisine as well as more eclectic dishes. It even has a gluten-free menu for people with allergies. The restaurant features over 50 television sets that are pretty much permanently turned to popular sports channels. Headquarters maintains a family-friendly atmosphere during the day and a club-like atmosphere at night so you get the best of both worlds.
Revolu Taqueria
Revolu Taqueria serves Mexican street food and tequila cocktails bursting with flavor. The Mexican-born owners have created a modern-day taqueria and bar named after a popular street in Tijuana, Mexico. The bar features authentic, made-from-scratch dishes (some of which are so spicy they need a warning on the menu). The drink menu has wines, margaritas, Mexican beers, and signature drinks using fresh ingredients such as fresh strawberries and jalapeños. If you want to spice up your love life, head to the bar at Revolu Taqueria, pull up a seat, and order a plate of nachos.
Lucidi Distilling Co.
Lucidi Distilling Co. is a brewing company located in Fire Station No.1 in Old Town Peoria. It's open to everyone Thursday through Sunday, and it hosts private events and tasting tours Monday through Wednesday. The impressive 330-gallon hybrid pot still system can make just about every spirit under the sun, and its vodka tower has an extra 12 distillation bubble plates to add various flavor profiles. Lucidi Distilling Co. makes up to 120,000 bottles of spirits a year, including 22 batch flavors of vodka, moonshine, gins, whiskeys, bourbons, rums, agave spirits, and more. This friendly place is heaven for adventurous drinkers in the mood to try something new and completely unexpected.
Neighbors
Neighbors lives up to its name with its welcoming and friendly vibes. The cocktail bar is a hidden gem in Peoria. It may not look like much from the parking lot of the strip mall, but once you're inside, you'll feel right at home. Patrons come to play poker, shoot pool, drink beer, and lounge in a place made just for them. One regular described the Neighbors crowd as "people of all races, playing every type of music, all having a great time with no judgment." Sounds just right for singles looking to up their flirting games.
Peoria Speed Dating
Speed dating events give singles the opportunity to meet dozens of dateworthy folks in one night, and many people appreciate its time-saving and fun-loving setup. As you go on mini-date after mini-date, you can figure out what you want and focus on the stand-out dates worth getting to know better. Because Peoria is a comparatively small community, you may have to travel to Phoenix to find a speed dating event near you. Eventbrite keeps an updated calendar of speed dating events hosted in the Phoenix area, so click the link below to learn more.
Peoria Singles Events
Singles events offer a casual, activity-based setting for locals looking to build friendships and relationships based on common ground. These social events take the pressure off attendees by promoting a fun theme or hobby that singles can enjoy together. Singles events come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose something that reflects your interests and values. Whether you’re hiking in the wilderness or playing card games in someone’s backyard, you can relax and enjoy good company.
Peoria Singles Clubs
Dance clubs give singles the space to let loose and find romance without having to say a word. The heavy beats, mood lighting, and electric atmosphere keep people on the dance floor into the wee hours of the night. You never know what’s going to happen when you enter a popular nightclub. Maybe you’ll lock eyes with someone across the room and discover a personal connection, or maybe you’ll flit from one dance partner to the next until last call.
Peoria Chat Rooms
Chat rooms may seem like a ’90s thing, but they remain relevant for singles looking for local dates. These easily accessible and anonymous platforms are like the kiddie pool of the dating scene. Beginners are welcome to come here and test their skills. Chat rooms offer a safe environment to practice your lines and get acquainted with people without making a big commitment. Singles can dive into the conversation at any time and make a connection on their terms.
Peoria Personals
Much like Peoria, Illinois, and Peoria, Arizona, dating sites and dating personal sites are often confused with one another, but they aren’t the same thing at all. Dating personals sites don’t have any match features or profile questions — every connection is driven by user searches. Singles are in charge of deciding what they want and sending messages when they see an ad they like. Personal ads differ from profiles because they often don’t contain a lot of personal details beyond the individual’s age, orientation, and relationship goals.
Go to the Park
In an average year, Peoria boasts having 300+ days of sunshine, and it’d be a shame to waste all that good weather by staying indoors. Outdoor activities can be a great way to meet people who share your enthusiasm for nature, exercise, and fun times.
Pictured above, Rio Vista Community Park is a 52-acre park in Peoria.
Peoria residents have plenty of green spaces where they can relax and mingle. The city boasts having 34 neighborhood parks, three public pools, two large community parks, and five dog parks. Not to mention the 26 miles of mountain and multi-use trails snaking in and around the city.
Singles can explore Peoria’s dating field by showing up to a park with a picnic, a dog, or a Frisbee (or all three). These public places foster friendly conversations between people enjoying the fresh air. The city’s parks and trails are usually open from sunrise until 10:30 p.m and see hundreds of visitors a day.
Become an Active Adult
Last of all, Peoria offers fun recreational programs for locals of all ages. The Active Adults program includes a calendar of special events, trips, games, and classes. You can take up a hobby like painting, yoga, or line dancing, or you can participate in a crafts day or book club. Adult sporting leagues also host tournaments throughout the year for basketball, softball, flag football, indoor volleyball, and sand volleyball.
Discover Romance in the Rose Capital
Peoria has flourished thanks to William J. Murphy and the early settlers who took a chance on a desert plain in the Southwest. Since the 1880s, Peoria has grown into a bustling, modern city with nearly 40,000 households, and it still has plenty of room to grow.
Whether you’re hoping to build a career or start a family, Peoria is a promising place to plant seeds for the future. You can find hot dates and create meaningful relationships by taking advantage of online and offline ways to meet people in town. The more ways you try, the more likely you are to find success. Just don’t forget to go in with a good attitude and an open heart. Good luck!
