Debra Johnson
Principal, Associate Broker, REALTOR®
Brokerage License: LC6391060000
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Surprise

Why We Live Here

in 1929 and incorporated in 1960. The name “Surprise” came from Surprise, Nebraska, hometown of the city’s founder, Homer C. Ludden. What was once a small farming village now includes urban and commercial developments, ranches and industrial parks. The once irrigated farmlands and orchards are now affordable real estate for people and industry who wish to live, work and play in a progressive city. Surprise strikes the perfect balance between the need of residential community and the growth of its business and industrial sections.

Over the past 40 years, Surprise has grown from 500 residents to a city of nearly 60,000 people in 2003. The city offers a broad range of living styles, from small family subdivisions to a number of secluded ranches. Surprise also offers a number of retirement communities that address the needs and lifestyles of active adults. There are a number of recreation facilities including several beautiful golf courses. Industrial growth zones have been carefully selected to operate competitively, but harmoniously, with the residential community.

For more information, click here. For the city’s stats on housing, schools, the job market, and much more, click here.

  • Incorporated 1960
  • Area 108.1 sq. mi.
  • Elevation 1,175’
  • County Maricopa
  • Website https://www.surpriseaz.gov
  • Population 149,558 (2021 est.)
  • Population Density 1,284.0 per sq. mi.
  • Median Age 41.4
  • Families with Kids Under 18 40%
  • Average Household Income $59,094
  • Overall Cost of Living 104.2

History

The city was just one square mile of farmland back in 1938 when Flora Mae Statler founded it. So why did she call us Surprise? According to Statler’s daughter Elizabeth Wusich Stoft, her mother once commented “she would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much.” We are confident that Flora Mae would indeed be surprised of how this once small town has developed and grown into the Surprise of today.

The original one square mile of farmlands still exists and is aptly called “The Original Townsite”.

Interesting Facts

Surprise is the second-fastest-expanding municipality in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area (after Gilbert) and, between 1990 and 2000, it was the sixth-fastest-expanding place among all cities and towns in Arizona.

The City of Surprise is the Major League Baseball Spring Training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals.

The self-guided Surprise Women’s Heritage Trail was dedicated in April 2013 and recognizes women who’ve made a significant contribution to the city’s history.

Major Attractions and Events

  • Arts HQ Gallery
  • Northwest Regional Library
  • Surprise Baseball Stadium/Spring Training
  • Surprise Recreation Complex

Popular Restaurants

  • Amuse Bouche
  • Big Buddha Restaurant
  • Nick’s Diner II
  • Rio Mirage Cafe
  • Saigon Kitchen
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