About the City of Surprise
Welcome to Surprise, one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona! At more than 125,000 people across 85 square miles, ours is a big city that’s getting bigger and more prestigious every day. No longer is Surprise a bedroom community on the outskirts of Phoenix; we’re fast becoming a center of technology and domesticity that is attracting businesses and families from all over the country. And we’re still a great value that includes attractive housing, abundant recreation, top-notch education, and unparalleled safety. It’s also a wonderful place to raise kids—that’s why I brought my own family here!
Fast Facts
- Safe Community: For the last decade, Surprise has consistently topped lists of the safest cities in America
- Diverse Population: The median resident age is the mid-30s, and many residents are “transplants” from other states, such as California and Utah
- New Homes: 75 percent of homes were built in 2000 or later
- Solid Education: An A-rated school district serves the area, as well as several colleges and universities
- Affordable Living: With a cost of living index in line with the national average, stay-at-home parenting is a realistic option
- Convenient Location: Conveniently located near the 303 Loop and the 10 and 101 freeways, within a few hours’ drive of lakes and snowy mountains
- Family Friendly: From the 10,000 square foot Aquatic Center to Surprise Stadium, there’s entertainment for everyone
City of Surprise Community Events Calendar
- Sports:
- Built in 2002, Surprise Stadium is home to community events and plenty of baseball. The Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals play here during Spring Training, as well as the Surprise Saguaros during Arizona’s Fall League. Community events include family-friendly movie nights, as well as the annual Surprise Party winter holiday event and the Surprise Easter Eggstravaganza.
- The city is also home to the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex, which hosts professional tournaments.
- At the heart of the city is Surprise Community Park, featuring a 5-acre fishing lake; basketball, pickleball, and sand volleyball courts; a dog park; and DreamCatcher Park, a fully-accessible facility designed for athletes with special needs.
- Next door to the community park, don’t miss the 10,000 square foot Surprise Aquatic Center, with its water slides, diving well, and zero-depth splash pad for kids.
- The city’s Recreation division offers plenty of recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
- Surprise loves its golf courses!
- And don’t forget, it’s just a 15-minute drive to watch the Cardinals or the Coyotes, and a 45-minute drive to catch the Diamondbacks or the Suns.
- Shopping: From big-box stores to mom-and-pop shops, there’s a store for everyone! Grocery shoppers can choose standard grocery fare such as Albertson’s, Fry’s, Safeway, Basha’s, Sprouts, and Walmart Neighborhood Market, or club-style stores like Sam’s Club and the new WinCo Foods. And there’s no shortage of other retail options, with stores like Target, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and so much more!
- Dining: From popular fast-food franchises to locally owned diners, Surprise is filled with restaurants that will leave your taste buds tingling. And for you California natives: we have an In-N-Out Burger!
- Entertainment: Check out the state-of-the-art Uptown Alley, a 40-lane bowling facility that features an arcade, restaurant, bar, and much more. For movies, you can catch all the latest releases at the Digiplex, on the big screen or in IMAX.
Activities for New Families
- The local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) chapter
- Infant, toddler, and family storytime and activities at the Northwest Regional Library
- “Itty Bitty” events such as the Itty Bitty Beach Party and the Itty Bitty Monster Bash, put on by the city’s Recreation Services Department
- City of Surprise recreation classes, such as Parent-Tot or Preschool Tumbling, dance classes, and swim lessons during the spring and summer
- Covered playgrounds, such as those in Royal Ranch, Rancho Gabriela, Litchfield Manor, or Veramonte
- The splash pad at Marley Park
Setting Up Your Utilities
- Gas: Southwest Gas, 877-860-6020 (please note: not all homes are piped for gas)
- Electric: APS, 602-371-7171
- Cable/Internet: Cox Communications, 623-594-1000
- Water & Trash: Now here’s the fun part. Depending on where you live in the city, there’s a good chance you’ll have two water bills through two separate providers—one for wastewater and trash, and one for incoming, potable water. You’ll need to establish service with both entities. Since the city uses 13 potable water providers and several wastewater providers, check your address to find out which providers service your property.
About That Weather...
You have probably heard that if you step outside during an Arizona summer, the heat will turn you into a pillar of ash. Yes, the summers are hot! But it’s a relaxing, dry heat, often with a nice breeze. It is completely unlike the humid, “sweaty” heat in other parts of the country. Still, like any other inclement weather, you should use good sense about spending time outdoors in the heat of the day. And do know this—the other nine months of the year are beautiful. You’ll even use your heater during the winter! You’ll also witness some interesting (and fun!) weather, such as the occasional haboob or dust storm, as well as powerful monsoons with thunder, lightning, and lots of rain. But another thing to remember about Surprise: because of our Northwest Valley location and where we sit between the mountains, even forecast weather often misses us or barely grazes us. But when weather does hit, it’s pretty spectacular!
City of Surprise Boundaries Map