Firstly why Surprise, Arizona?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Surprise
• State: Arizona
• Population: 132,961 people
• Surprise’s quick summary would be Notable for the Surprise Stadium, a spring training home for MLB teams, and its extensive parks system.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 8,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 8,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 250

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a blend of affordability and community amenities attracting families

Perk #1: Surprise Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $65,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Surprise is $65,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Surprise’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 88 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,931
• Property Tax %: 0.84%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Surprise
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Surprise, Marley-Park, Sun-City, Grand, and probably could include Sierra-Breeze
• Avg. Age of Homes in Surprise: 12 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Surprise’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Surprise are  Retail, Healthcare, and Education
• Surprise Job Scene: moderate job market with retail and healthcare growth
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech growth, primarily in infrastructure and regional development ,
• Surprise Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Surprise: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Surprise

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 60 serves as a key route for Surprise residents
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic at the intersection of Bell and Grand
• Transportation Score: 27 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Surprise: 55,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Surprise: azdot.gov/motor-vehicles
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Surprise’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Surprise is best described as experiences very hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F and mild winters with cool nights
• Winter Weather in Surprise i’d describe as mild with sunny days
• Spring Weather in Surprise can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Surprise are mostly very hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Surprise is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 25 days in summer
• Days in a row in Surprise below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 9 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality maintained by local regulations
• Surprise Winter Air generally good air quality some spikes due to dust

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Surprise Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Surprise 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Surprises’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Surprise Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Surprise Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Surprise only Doctors is about 25
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Surprise only Police Officers is about 140
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Surprise’s Monthly utility bill average is $110
• Surprise’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Surprise’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Surprise

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: planned community with parks and family-friendly activities
• You might enjoy concerts at Surprise Stadium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Surprise  features casual bars and restaurants with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Surprise

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers local restaurants casual dining and some chain options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Surprise
• The Popular Sports Team is Surprise Diamondbacks
• Top Level Political Climate in Surprise can be described as conservative suburb with emphasis on community values
• Surprise’s Longer standing religious establishment is Union Hills Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Surprise Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Surprise has 25 Parks?
• Surprise Community Park is Surprise’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Surprise Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Walking trails, baseball, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Surprise Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Surprise can be described as fast-growing suburban environment with community-focused events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Surprise community events sports leagues hiking local trails
• The Cities people commute to from Surprise are Phoenix 37 miles away Glendale 23 miles away Peoria 17 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Surprise or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic at the intersection of Bell and Grand. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Surprise’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Surprise is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Surprise are Phoenix 37 miles away Glendale 23 miles away Peoria 17 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Surprise has 0 days in a row below freezing and 25 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Surprise people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   250 homeless people living in Surprise. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative suburb with emphasis on community values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Surprise.

Retiree & Senior Life in Surprise

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for property tax relief helping with home expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Colonnade
• Surprise Senior Center provides health resources activities and social events for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Surprise, Arizona?

If Surprise, Arizona ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Surprise, Arizona, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!