Set about 22 miles northwest of Phoenix, Surprise is a fast-growing city: Between 2020 and 2024, its population surged from about 30,000 to 160,000. Back in 1938, Surprise was originally settled as little more than a bedroom community for agricultural workers, with a couple of local businesses; today it's a suburban community with plenty of parks and recreation, and a blend of newer and established neighborhoods. Much of the city's growth can be attributed to area retirement communities, like Sun City Grand, which grew rapidly between the late 20th century and early 2000s, but Surprise’s job and housing market have also brought families and young professionals to the area.
“We’ve got a lot of businesses coming here, particularly high tech and that creates a lot of jobs,” says Rob Garwood, a retired Realtor who worked in the area for over 30 years. Tech and manufacturing employers in the area include Hewlett-Packard, TriColor Holdings and GXO Logistics. Garwood says a 15- to 20-minute commute is typical, and routes 60 and 303 make it convenient for folks to get around the Phoenix metro area. “There’s not much difference between Surprise and Chandler or Goodyear. We don’t have any one city that’s way ahead of the others, like it used to be. Scottsdale used to be the most expensive city, but the Phoenix metro has gotten big enough that there’s a lot of go-to places,” Garwood says.
The Loop is a road that connects all homes in Arizona Traditions.
Arizona Traditions offers a wide range of outdoor sports for its active residents.
Unwind in style at LaSolana at the Grand condos in The Grand.
Experience the junction of Grand Ave and 303, a vibrant crossroads in The Grand.
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Reliable housing market for buyers and sellers
Most homes in Surprise have Spanish-style details like red-tiled roofs and tan stucco facades; those built in the late 20th century are typically ranch-style, while 21st-century homes are often new traditional-style and set in master-planned subdivisions. Several of Surprise's neighborhoods are 55+ communities like Happy Trails, which has one- or two-bedroom homes and shared amenities like a hot tub, a library and courts for pickleball and tennis. The median home price in Surprise is around $430,000, which is slightly higher than the national median.
Family-oriented neighborhoods like Marley Park are common, and Garwood says that many are popular with investment buyers looking to rent out their homes. “There’s more people wanting to rent here than there are rental properties available,” Garwood says. Garwood says that as of fall 2024, developers are actively building here, so homebuyers can expect the market to expand as the city grows.
Discover the serenity of desert landscaped homes in Surprise, a harmonious retreat for living.
Enhance your living environment with harmonious desert yards in The Grand.
Embrace the beauty of nature in Surprise's desert landscaped homes, blending elegance and charm.
Happy Trails homes start at $235,000.
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Growing shopping and dining scene
Most of Surprise’s shopping and dining are concentrated in the city’s center around Bell Road and Route 303. Village at Prasada is an outdoor shopping center that opened in 2022 and quickly became a Surprise staple. “It’s an unbelievable, brand-new shopping area, with more to come,” says Williams. The center offers lots of fast-food chains, grocery stores and big-box retailers, and is still expanding. Around Bell Road, there’s more of a small business scene with lots of contractors' offices, home goods stores and grooming-related businesses, like nail salons and barbershops. Folks can also find a good mix of locally owned restaurants, everything from corner cafes and neighborhood sports bars to dine-in eateries with a range of cuisines, including Mexican, Japanese and southern barbecue.
Get in some retail therapy at Village at Prasada near Surprise Farms.
Residents of Happy Trails can get stop at the nearby Safeway for produce and household items.
Surprise Farms residents can get rejuvenated at LK Nails & Spa.
Many new restaurants are opening near Surprise Farms, including Barrio Queen.
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Centrally located schools with high marks from Niche
Surprise is part of the Dysart Unified School District, which serves over 23,000 students across 26 schools, and is rated B-plus overall by Niche. The district’s high schools offer a diverse career and technical education course catalog with programs like automotive technology, engineering and film production. Options for alternative schooling include Cross Christian Academy, a private Baptist school that Niche hasn’t yet rated, and the A-rated Highland Prep, a charter school that’s known for its STEM programs. Ottawa University - Arizona is centrally located in Surprise with a student body of about 1,700.
Welcoming gates at Dysart High School in El Mirage.
A bird's-eye perspective of Cross Christian Academy's campus in Surprise.
A bird's-eye view of Highland Prep's campus in Surprise.
Ottawa University is located near the Surprise Civic Center.
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Getting around from Surprise
Surprise is about 30 miles northwest of Phoenix, a 30- to 60-minute drive during rush hour. Locals are generally car-dependent, and public transportation is limited, though a few Valley Metro bus routes run through the city. Locals can also use WeRide Surprise, an on-demand rideshare service for getting around the city. Most city streets are lined with sidewalks and bike lanes. Abrazo Surprise Hospital is located within the city, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 40 miles southeast.
Lots of parks for locals
“Surprise is very well-planned. Not every neighborhood has a park, but many do, and you see a lot of family activities there,” Garwood says. The largest of Surprise's 13 parks is the 25-acre Surprise Community Park, which according to Jennifer Williams, a Realtor with Towne Brokerage Services and over 15 years of experience, is "the heart of everything that goes on in the city.” Set next to Surprise Stadium, Surprise Community Park is a local favorite for its dog park, playing courts and tree-dotted walking paths that lead around a 5-acre fishing lake, where folks can cast their lines for catfish and largemouth bass.
Other neighborhood parks include Bicentennial Park, which has a community garden, and Surprise Farms’ community park, with a lighted skate park. Surprise Aquatic Center is laid out like a water park, with a vortex whirlpool and water slides in addition to a community pool. There are also 9 public golf courses in Surprise, but at least 50 more can be found within 20 miles. Many folks here also take advantage of the scenic desert mountain landscape, regularly hiking dirt-packed trails at nearby White Tank Mountain Regional Park for unmatched southwestern views.
Surprise Community Park features many amenities including a lake.
Residents fish at the Surprise Community Park lake.
Visitors of Surprise Community Park bring their pets to roam in the dog park.
Kids get extreme at Surprise Farms Skate Park after school.
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Spring training and the arts
The city's biggest attraction is Surprise Stadium, the spring training home for the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals. Spring training typically lasts from February through March, but the stadium is also used throughout the year as a community venue for college baseball and city events, like movie nights. Public art is common around downtown, including sculptures and murals that reflect the city’s Southwestern roots. Vista Center for the Arts is the central hub for visual and performing arts, hosting dance performances, speaking engagements and concerts by touring artists and the West Valley Symphony. Dysart Festival of the Arts is another local highlight, where festivalgoers can admire the works of student artists in the Dysart Unified School District and enjoy an array of food trucks.
During Spring Training, Surprise Farms sees an influx of people coming for baseball.
The “bloom where you’re planted” sculpture near Surprise Farms is a must visit for art fans.
The Arts HQ gallery is Surprise show a different exhibition every month.
Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise hold events throughout the year.
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Crime and environmental concerns
According to Arizona Crime Statistics, between 2023 and 2024, the city's overall crime rate fell by nearly 24%. During the same time period, the violent crime rate dropped by almost 4%. Many communities have neighborhood watch organizations that partner with the Surprise Police Department to help prevent crime.
The main environmental concerns in Surprise are wildfires and extreme heat. From June through August, temperatures here regularly top 100 degrees, so air-conditioned days inside and trips to community pools and splash pads are standard summer protocol. “People hate the heat here, but they love that they don’t have to worry about storms,” Garwood says. In 2024, the Surprise Fire Department helped contain the Siphon Fire, which burned over 12,000 acres in the Superstition Wilderness, about 60 miles northeast. Locals can sign up for Maricopa County Rave Alerts to receive real-time emergency updates.
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Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
Eric Nagaran
Video By
Mary Desmond
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On average, homes in Surprise, AZ sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Surprise, AZ over the last 12 months is $431,250, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Absolutely stunning 2 bed 2 bath home. Kool decked drive, walkway & courtyard. Security screen door, Carpet & Tile. Great room, Beautiful stone wall with electric fireplace. Quartz countertop at kitchen, Gas range and cooktop, stainless refrigerator. Bathrooms updated w/quartz countertops and walk in showers. Bay at primary bedroom. Step onto your great private extended covered patio, Block
Very nice Acacia floorplan 2 bedroom 2 bath home. This home features Glass front security Door, Tile on the diagonal, Open concept floorplan. The kitchen has a newer Stainless refrigerator, Granite Counter Tops and other appliances stainless. Primary Bedroom has a bay window and carpet. Primary bath double sinks and walk in shower. Carpet in guest bedroom. Great place for entertaining the back
Stunning 3 bed 2 bath home w/oversize lot, 1 Personnel gate & 1 RV gate and plenty of room for those toys. The home is a split bedroom floorplan with many upgrades. Laminate flooring and carpet, Granite countertops at kitchen, composite sink, Built in Microwave and Oven, Gas cooktop and top of the line Refrigerator. Shutters throughout, Laundry cabinets, Top load grey washer, Front Load grey
Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom + den/office on a corner lot! This terrific Surprise home features a spacious floorplan, formal dining area, cherry wood blinds & lots of natural light throughout. It's perfect for family and entertaining! The eat-in kitchen has upscale granite countertops, cherry wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, large island with breakfast bar, and spacious pantry. The
Former Lennar Model—Never Lived In! This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the vibrant 55+ gated community of Heritage at Asante offers designer finishes and a prime premium lot with scenic views of the greenbelt, lake, and clubhouse—the perfect spot to enjoy Arizona sunsets. Step inside to find wood-look plank tile flooring throughout, creating a warm, modern aesthetic with easy
Golf course views, gated active-adult living, and remarkably low APS bills averaging about $40 per month -- this beautifully maintained Arizona Traditions home offers exceptional comfort, efficiency, and lifestyle. This model-perfect La Posada is ideally positioned on the 5th tee box with sweeping golf course views. The highly desirable great room floor plan features 2 split bedrooms, a versatile
Charming townhome in the gated Townsquare at Sierra Verde! The gated front entry sets the tone for this inviting residence filled with abundant natural light, a neutral color palette, and tile flooring complemented by plush carpet in all the right places. The semi-open floor plan strikes the perfect balance between privacy and connection, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The
Exceptional first-floor villa offering designer finishes, modern comfort, and immediate availability in the prestigious, guard-gated golf community of Sterling Grove. This Residence Four features over $80,000 in upgrades including an upgraded kitchen and baths, plus wood plank flooring throughout the main living and kitchen areas. This floor plan is ideal for everyday living and entertaining.
Nestled atop a serene complex, this enchanting 1-bedroom, 1-bath sanctuary unveils a symphony of elegance and comfort. Bathed in natural light that dances through expansive windows, the top-floor haven exudes warmth and tranquility. Step inside to discover a meticulously updated space boasting gleaming, newer appliances that adorn the kitchen, inviting culinary adventures. Discover a realm of
Look no further! This stunning 4-bedroom home in Marley Park Community delivers the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and everyday luxury. From the moment you step inside, the open-concept great room draws you in with its airy feel and effortless flow ideal for lively gatherings or laid-back nights at home. Kitchen steals the spotlight with built-in appliances, sleek granite counters, a spacious
Absolutely stunning 2 bed 2 bath home. Kool decked drive, walkway & courtyard. Security screen door, Carpet & Tile. Great room, Beautiful stone wall with electric fireplace. Quartz countertop at kitchen, Gas range and cooktop, stainless refrigerator. Bathrooms updated w/quartz countertops and walk in showers. Bay at primary bedroom. Step onto your great private extended covered patio, Block
From the moment you arrive, this 4 bedroom 3 bedrooms residence, captivates with majestic entry featuring soaring ceiling's and a dramatic high window that fills the home with natural light. Elegance interiors lead to resort-style backyard with a stunning pool-Perfect for unforgettable Arizona Summers.
Welcome Home * A truly exceptional 3 Bedroom (Split) 1.75/bath Cactus Flower Model 1427SF Single level home built on a Post-Tension Slab * N/S Exposure * Quiet Corner Lot walking distance to Cimarron Recreation Center which is one of two Recreation Centers in ''The Grand'' that offer amazing amenities including excellent Golf Courses * Newer Roof 2024 * Newer HVAC 2024 * 2/Car Extended Garage
SELLER WILL OFFER $10,000 IN CONCESSIONS TO THE BUYER(S)Rare and highly sought-after Arizona elevation featuring a full RV garage setup with a separate attached garage all under one concrete tile roof. RV accommodation at its finest offering the space, functionality, and HOA flexibility that's nearly impossible to find in today's market. Positioned on a premium corner lot, the property
Move right in to this beautifully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath Willow model. Enjoy Luxury Vinyl Wood Plank flooring throughout the main living areas, cozy carpet in the bedrooms, and a spacious primary bath with a walk-in shower. Situated in the highly desirable 45+ Active Adult Community of The Grand in Surprise, this home features a bright, cheerful kitchen that opens to the living and dining
Completely remodeled four-bedroom home! Stunning new vinyl plank floors throughout. A fantastic kitchen with quartz counters and farmhouse sink. A brand-new backyard with paver patio and turf ready for entertaining. The garage has been finished with shelving, new paint and epoxy floors. This home will not last!
Welcome to this beautifully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom plus a den home in the desirable Surprise Farms community. The elegant, split floor plan features a gourmet kitchen with upgraded cabinets, granite counters, and beautiful wood and tile flooring.Enjoy a private, low-maintenance backyard oasis with a refreshing play pool and tranquil water features. Plus, professional pool and pest
There's no place like these homes in Surprise, AZ. Practically built just for you, our conveniently located homes come complete with in-unit washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. As a resident of our community, located near Albertson's Center, you'll enjoy modern amenities like a playground and attached garages. In unit Air ConditioningAlarm
There's no place like these homes in Surprise, AZ. Practically built just for you, our conveniently located homes come complete with in-unit washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. As a resident of our community, located near Albertson's Center, you'll enjoy modern amenities like a playground and attached garages. In unit Air ConditioningAlarm
There's no place like these homes in Surprise, AZ. Practically built just for you, our conveniently located homes come complete with in-unit washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. As a resident of our community, located near Albertson's Center, you'll enjoy modern amenities like a playground and attached garages. In unit Air ConditioningAlarm
Welcome to our community in Surprise, AZ, where comfortable living and modern convenience is top priority. This lovely community is centrally located in Surprise to provide easy access to both work and play throughout the city and surrounding area. This unit offers modern fixtures and fine finishes to fit every individual lifestyle, while still accommodating the ease of adding your own personal
Welcome to our community in Surprise, AZ, where comfortable living and modern convenience is top priority. This lovely community is centrally located in Surprise to provide easy access to both work and play throughout the city and surrounding area. This unit offers modern fixtures and fine finishes to fit every individual lifestyle, while still accommodating the ease of adding your own personal
Welcome to our community in Surprise, AZ, where comfortable living and modern convenience is top priority. This lovely community is centrally located in Surprise to provide easy access to both work and play throughout the city and surrounding area. This unit offers modern fixtures and fine finishes to fit every individual lifestyle, while still accommodating the ease of adding your own personal
Brand new build! Discover a community where there's truly something for everyone. Each thoughtfully designed home prioritizes your comfort and convenience, featuring modern touches that elevate your living experience.Here we embrace modern living with a warm, community-focused ambiance. Enjoy resort-style amenities such as a heated pool and spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, all designed
Welcome to Town Surprise. Our 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath luxury townhome residence features stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, vinyl flooring, smart locks & thermostat, ceiling fans, in-unit washer & dryer, and a spacious enclosed front patio. Enjoy the convenience of an attached 2-car garage and private entry in a gated community with resort-style pool, spa, dog park (no breed
Welcome to Town Surprise. Our 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath luxury townhome residence features stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, vinyl flooring, smart locks & thermostat, ceiling fans, in-unit washer & dryer, and a spacious enclosed front patio. Enjoy the convenience of an attached 2-car garage and private entry in a gated community with resort-style pool, spa, dog park (no breed
Welcome to Town Surprise. Our 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath luxury townhome residence features stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, vinyl flooring, smart locks & thermostat, ceiling fans, in-unit washer & dryer, and a spacious enclosed front patio. Enjoy the convenience of an attached 2-car garage and private entry in a gated community with resort-style pool, spa, dog park (no breed
Roughly 25 miles from Phoenix in the West Valley, The Grand is an age-restricted master-planned community for residents aged 55 and older. Adults have plenty of options for staying busy and active here, with four popular golf courses spread throughout the community, and two recreation centers featuring an array of indoor and outdoor activities. “It’s in a nice location, and you’ve got all sorts of things to do socially both in The Grand and right outside of it,” says Phoenix metro area resident Melissa Twitchell, a Realtor with eXp Realty. “The city of Surprise is right next door, so you kind of have the best of both worlds, especially during baseball spring training.” After a recent name change and rebrand from “Sun City Grand,” The Grand is looking to set itself apart from fellow communities under the umbrella of active adult community developer Del Webb, including the original Sun City and Sun City West.
Between the community’s two recreation centers, Cimmaron and Adobe, residents can find tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts, fitness equipment, indoor and outdoor walking tracks and more. The Adobe Center has both indoor and outdoor pools, while the Cimmaron Center's one pool is outdoors. Golfers never have to worry about missing a tee time at The Grand, with four community courses to choose from, including the Granite Falls Golf Club’s two 18-hole courses and Desert Springs with its scenic White Tank Mountain views.
Homes in The Grand are almost exclusively single-story, single-family detached houses that were built between the late 1990s and early 2000s and feature Spanish-style details like earth-toned stucco exteriors and red clay-tile roofs. Modest versions of these homes start at around $315,000, while more ample luxury properties set on the golf courses can go for up to $1 million. Some apartment-style condominiums from the same era can be found in a small section of the community called LaSolana, and are generally less than $250,000. Sidewalks line residential streets, and lots are neatly landscaped with rocks and desert plantings.
Shopping and dining options can be found within the community, both along Bell Road to the south and Grand Avenue to the east. Grocery stores include Trader Joe’s, Fry’s or Albertson’s, and big-box retail includes Target, Kohl’s and Best Buy. Residents can dine at local spots like Bonfire Craft Kitchen and Tap House for wood-fired pizza, barbeque and craft brews, and Oregano’s for classic Italian pasta, but there are also popular chains like Olive Garden and Red Lobster.
There are dozens of clubs for all interests here, from modern dance to stained-glass making. Throughout the year, residents can enjoy regular live performances from tribute bands, dance groups and comedy acts at Sonoran Plaza, and in February and March, they can head to Surprise Stadium just south to catch a spring training game with the Kansas City Royals or Texas Rangers.
While many people can be seen driving cars around here, most residents get around the community in golf carts, which are allowed on all the streets. Loop 303 wraps around the community to the north and east, leading to Interstate 10 and Interstate 17. Residents can get emergency and specialized medical care right across Grand Avenue at Banner Del E Webb Medical Center, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is roughly 40 miles southeast.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
