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Surprise, AZ

Frequently asked questions

Surprise, AZ

Surprise is a city in Maricopa County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. The population was 143,148 at the 2020 census, up from 117,517 in 2010 and just 30,848 in 2000. The city has a 10,562-square-foot (981.2 m2) Aquatics Center and Maricopa County's northwest regional library, a $5.5 million, 20,000-square-foot (1,900 m2) library, along with a 100.3 cost of living index.

Surprise is between 20 and 30 miles (32 and 48 km) northwest of Phoenix. It is bordered to the northeast by Peoria, to the east by unincorporated Sun City West and Sun City, to the southeast by El Mirage, to the south by Glendale, and to the west by Buckeye and unincorporated Wittmann. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 110.5 square miles (286 km2), of which 0.2 square miles (0.5 km2), or 0.20%, are water.

The city is the spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers baseball teams. These Major League Baseball teams use Surprise Stadium for their activities. The city also hosted a Golden Baseball League team in 2005, the Surprise Fightin' Falcons, and the Recreation Campus ballpark and is the home city for a team in the Arizona Fall League, the Surprise Saguaros. It also hosted ESPN SportsCenter's 50 States in 50 Days segment on August 11, 2005.

As part of the city's Recreation Campus, Surprise is also home to the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex (STRC). Since its opening in August 2007, the complex has received numerous awards, including being named the 2008 Outstanding Facility of the Year award by the USTA. The complex hosts various professional events throughout the year, including the Outback Champion Series tour, a USTA Pro Circuit event, and many USTA regional and sectional events. In 2009 the complex was chosen as the site for the Fed Cup Quarter Final between the U.S. and Argentina, and also that year it was chosen as the location for the first United States National Pickleball Championships.

Residents in Surprise, AZ find help and medical assistance from its extensive health and wellness facilities and services. Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center is a renowned hospital offering a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, oncology, and more. Cigna Medical Group provides comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, diagnostic services, and wellness programs. Sun Health Del E. Webb Medical Plaza offers medical specialties, outpatient services, rehabilitation, and wellness programs. Surprise Recreation Campus includes the Surprise Aquatic Center, Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, and Surprise Stadium, providing opportunities for fitness and recreational activities. La Bella Vita Spa & Salon provides a tranquil environment for massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services, promoting overall well-being. Massage Envy offers a range of massage modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages, along with skincare services.

Top sites in Surprise, AZ are Surprise Stadium, Uptown Alley, and Surprise Aquatic Center.

Population: 158,285 (2023). Area code: 623. Elevation: 1,385 ft (422 m). ZIP codes: 85374, 85378–85379, 85387–85388. Area: 110.5 square miles (286 km2)

FAQs

What is Surprise, AZ known for?

Surprise, AZ is a charming city known for its family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and welcoming community. From the Surprise Recreation Campus to beautiful parks and golf courses, Surprise offers residents a unique blend of opportunities and experiences. White Tank Mountain Regional Park offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the desert landscape, encounter diverse wildlife, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds the city. Uptown Alley Surprise offers a variety of activities, including bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and dining options.

What is it like living in Surprise, AZ?

Surprise has flourished to become home to a major retirement community serving the Southwestern United States. Due to its proximity to Phoenix, Surprise is densely populated, offers attractions suitable for people of all ages, and provides its citizens with access to all necessary services. Surprise, AZ, offers a decent cost of living, mild winters, top-rated schools, a great sports scene, and recreational opportunities. However, keep in mind that summers in this city are sweltering, and there are little or no nightlife options.

What is the history of Surprise, AZ?

The city was founded in 1938 by Flora Mae Statler, who named it Surprise as she "would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much." Surprise officials previously thought the city was founded by Statler's husband, real estate developer and state legislator Homer C. Ludden, but in 2010 property records were discovered that listed Statler owning the land before she met Ludden. When Surprise was subdivided to build inexpensive houses for agricultural workers, there were only a few houses and a gas station on the one-square-mile (1.6 km) parcel of land. Since then, the town has experienced tremendous growth. It was incorporated as a city in 1960. The original townsite is bounded by Greenway Road on the south, El Mirage Road on the east, Bell Road on the north, and Dysart Road on the west. 

Sources

City of Surprise

Wikipedia

Home and Money

Redfin

Surprise Stadium

Uptown Alley

Surprise Aquatic Center

Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center

Cigna Medical Group

Sun Health Del E. Webb Medical Plaza

Surprise Recreation Campus

La Bella Vita Spa & Salon

Massage Envy

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.