As one of the many great suburbs in Phoenix; Surprise, Arizona started out as one of the smallest settlements in the area and has become a rapidly-growing city in the state.
But what makes the city of Surprise so special?
It all started way back in 1938. The city of Surprise, AZ began on a single square mile and was intended to provide affordable housing for farmers living outside of Phoenix.
Though it is a relatively new city, it has been subject to rapid population growth and the subsequent expansion of its borders to about 110 square miles.
In this article, we take a look at the beautiful community of Surprise, AZ, and discuss some of the pros and cons of living in Surprise, AZ.
The Pros of Living in Surprise, AZ
Surprise is a city that has many positive attributes to offer an investor. Including the below:
Enjoy the Low Cost of Living
Surprise, Arizona is very appealing because of the incredibly low cost of living. In the entire State of Arizona, Surprise has the lowest cost of living standing at about 2 percent below the state’s average.
The cost of living in Surprise, AZ is perhaps one of the main reasons why so many people have relocated to the area. In addition, Zillow places the average cost of housing in the area as being lower than most of the other suburbs in Phoenix.
Relax in Year-Round Sunshine
On average Surprise, Arizona receives about 301 days of sunshine in a year. Many might find this appealing especially if you consider the 0 inches of snow recorded each year. In the months between November and February, the average annual temperature in the area is recorded at 73 degrees.
This means that while most parts of the country are going through the cold winter, Surprise, AZ enjoys warm and comfortable weather conditions. The great weather allows allows residents living in Surprise to take in the natural beauty the area has to offer.
Experience the Outdoor Activities
The beautiful state of Arizona is a major attraction in itself for people who love the great outdoors. The city of Surprise in particular offers many outdoor activities that include several parks, hiking trails, and even sporting facilities.
Some of the renowned parks in Surprise, Arizona include the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park, Surprise Community Park, Surprise Farms Community Park, and the White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
The city of Surprise is also known for its golf courses, tennis courts, and the Surprise Stadium where the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals train in the spring.
Feel Safe with the Low Rate of Crime
The crime rate in Surprise, AZ stands at 35 percent below the national average. So, it is considered to be one of the safest places to live as compared to the other cities in the state.
The rates of violent crime are recorded at 60 percent below the national average and property crimes are at 30 percent below average. This presents a huge difference when compared to the city of Phoenix where crime rates are significantly higher. The safe community feel makes living in surprise very appealing.
The Cons of Living in Surprise, AZ
Surprise may seem like an incredible place to live, but the city certainly does have room to grow:
High Summer Temperatures
Though the sunshine is much appreciated during the other seasons, the high temperatures through the summer can be quite difficult to manage. Mainly because of the desert conditions and the remarkably low humidity making the area extremely hot.
Between the months of May to September, the average temperature is recorded at 98 degrees. This means that on some days, especially in the months of June and July, there may even be temperatures above 100 degrees.
Limited Public Transport
When buying an investment property, an investor has to consider the amenities available in the area. On this note, the systems of public transport in the city of Surprise, AZ are not particularly developed just yet. The majority of Surprise, Arizona residents still commute using their cars.
Though there is a metro line that caters to people along The Valley, it unfortunately does not extend to the Surprise area. There are however a few common buses that serve the city but they might not serve all the areas one may like to visit.
Limited Nightlife
Though Surprise, Arizona is a city with plenty of outdoor activities, its nightlife is lacking. Unfortunately, Surprise is not as lively as the other major cities. Most people looking to party through the night have to drive about 40 minutes away to Phoenix.
Surprise, AZ is mostly popular for people who like to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Winter Tourists
While most other states are covered in snow for the winter, the State of Arizona enjoys warm and pleasant conditions. This means that a number of people, commonly referred to as “snowbirds”, will travel across the country to stay in a warmer city.
Surprise, Arizona is no different. Unfortunately, this means that the residents of Surprise, AZ will have to put up with the increased amount of traffic congestion on the roads during the winter.
Considering this suburb has limited nightlife, finding a place to eat or drinks during the winter can be a challenge. In the high seasons, many people have had to wait for up to an hour to get a table at the local restaurants.
Bottom Line
Is Surprise, AZ considered a good place to live? The answer is yes. The vast majority of residents and visitors love Surprise, AZ.
In fact, it is one of the best suburbs in the state if you consider the low cost of living and the very low crime rates. The area is very peaceful with plenty of scenery that can be enjoyed by lovers of nature.
If you’re looking to find a new home in Arizona, we can help. At Paramount Management and Realty, our real estate agents understand the local markets and we can assist you in finding your Arizona dream home. For more information about our property management services, reach out to us today.
