Originally founded in 1938 by Flora Mae Statler, Surprise has transformed from a one-square-mile parcel with just a few homes and a gas station into one of Arizona's fastest-growing cities. Located about 25 miles northwest of Phoenix, Surprise combines desert landscapes with suburban comfort. The city serves as the spring training home for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers baseball teams, giving residents access to professional sports entertainment right in their backyard.

Renters in Surprise can choose from a variety of housing options, including boutique apartment communities, townhomes, and single-family rental homes. With average rent for a two-bedroom apartment around $1,774 per month, Surprise provides relatively affordable options compared to other Phoenix metro areas. Sun City Grand, a 55+ active adult community, features four golf courses and resort-style amenities, while neighborhoods like Surprise Farms and Sierra Montana offer parks with playground equipment, walking trails, and community pools.

The city's strategic location offers convenient access to Phoenix via US Route 60 and Loop 303, with typical commute times of 30-40 minutes to downtown Phoenix. Major employers in the area include Dysart Unified School District, the City of Surprise, and various retail and healthcare organizations. Residents enjoy the Surprise Recreation Campus, which includes the 25-acre Community Park with its eight-lane lap pool, diving well, tennis and racquetball courts, and the Northwest Regional Library, along with shopping centers and restaurants throughout the community.