Considering Surprise

142,049

Population

Sunny Days: 301

90100 Affordability

89100 Schools

75100 Diversity

100100 Safety

See all the facts!

LookyLOO Review of Surprise?

Sun City Grand

There aren’t many cities with a large resort-like community that dominates the place like the Sun.
City Grand. Restricted to residents aged 45 and up, this development makes up a good-sized percentage of the city’s population. This is a massive development of over 4,000 acres with 63 different neighborhoods, some tiny with just 50 homes, and some large with over 300 homes. Arizona has been a major older population and retirement destination for many years, and Sun City Grand is a marquee example of what is possible here.

Lifestyle

Surprise has a beautiful Spring Training stadium called, you guessed it, “Surprise Stadium”. The Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals play here and so, whether you’re a local or anywhere in the Phoenix area, you get to see the big-leaguers play at an intimate ballpark. The other big attraction here is Surprise Community Park. A massive space with BBQ pits, fishing ponds, and a major waterpark, it’s a big draw for families year-round, in particular during the hot summer months. Given the lack of a local social scene, you’re generally heading into Phoenix/Scottsdale to go out. If you’re staying local, it tends to be chains, the aforementioned Parks, or tons of golf courses.

If you want to check out what happens in Surprise, here is a calendar of events.

We highly recommend visiting Surprise and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can also receive discounted travel fares via our partnership with Expedia.

Worklife

As with many heavily older-aged population cities, healthcare drives a lot of the local workforce. Banner Health and CVS are the two largest employers and given the need for elder care and a growing population you can expect these organizations to only grow. Other than the health space the jobs are either in the school district or in the chain service economy. Most don’t come here to work or they’re commuting to Phoenix/Scottsdale.

Why You Should Move Here Now?

Dedicated, Affordable Communities

If you’re retiring, empty-nesting, or want to live near Phoenix/Scottsdale but at lower costs then Surprise is a good option. While it isn’t jumping socially it truly caters to the older populations that love the well-attended dedicated communities, low-crime rates, and extremely friendly tax rates.

Reviews of Surprise from Locals

strongy78
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I have lived there for a little over 6 years. Sierra Montana neighborhood (Cotton between Waddell/Greenway). I have 2 kids, 6 year old boy, 4 year old girl. Our neighborhood is great! Lots of kids to hang with, and the city of Surprise has great rec programs (kids are currently in karate and soccer through the city, and they love it!). They always have local gatherings for the major holidays down at the park near the Stadium and in our neighborhood (Halloween decorating contest, Christmas decorating etc. Everyone hangs outside during Halloween handing out candy etc). The 303 is right there so you can dip out to North Phoenix or down to catch the 10 whenever you want. Restaurants aren't the greatest, but they are improving with time. Brand new Costco which is nice, and a Sams Club, too. Crime is very low, and there aren't many/any homeless or transients due to lack of public transportation (could be good or bad depending on how you look at it). Hot as everywhere else in Phoenix.

For more reviews of what living in Surprise is like from locals, check out The Reviews.