Surprise Arizona Real Estate

Surprise is one of many fast growing cities in Arizona located on the far northwestern edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Founded in 1938 by Homer Charles Ludden, a Glendale real estate developer and state legislator, Surprise was subdivided by Ludden to provide inexpensive homes for local agricultural workers. He named Surprise, Arizona after his hometown in Nebraska.

The city incorporated in 1960 with only 1,000 residents at the time. The city grew in the early 1980’s with the addition of the Happy Trails and Sun Village communities. Much of the growth, however, has occurred since the 1990’s with the addition of numerous subdivisions. In 2004 alone, over 2,000 new homes were started. Today, the population is estimated at over 96,000 residents with more growth expected every year.

The Cactus League Spring Training facility and stadium were completed in 2002 where the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers come to train each year. The states’ largest WalMart Supercenter is located in Surprise as well as many other large anchor stores. New schools, retail stores, churches, medical facilities, and more have recently been built with more plans on the way. Residents of Surprise can enjoy many of the city’s amenities including parks, a regional library, a large aquatic play center, recreation activities, special events, and a 5-acre community park featuring a fishing pond, giant playground, dog park, and future plans for a 25-court tennis complex. Surprise is also a short drive to historic Wickenburg, Arizona where residents can enjoy a day of fun.

Many retirees call Surprise home and live in one of the retirement communities such as Sun City Grand or Arizona Traditions. There are also many master-planned family neighborhoods with nearby shopping, parks, and other great amenities. Surprise Farms, Ashton Ranch, Legacy Parc, Sierra Montana, Veramonte, Mountain Vista Ranch, Rancho Gabriela, and West Point are just a few of the great communities located in Surprise.

As you can imagine, the city planners in Surprise are plenty busy managing the current growth as well as preparing for the future. Their goal is to balance the needs of economic development and mass transit with the desire to create open spaces and a well-rounded community where residents love to live, work, and play.

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