Arizona / Maricopa County

Moving to Surprise, AZ

Thinking of making a move to Surprise, AZ? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Surprise, AZ

Considering a move to Surprise, AZ? This welcoming community of 158,285 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $430,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (85% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Surprise's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Surprise, AZ

Surprise has a population of 158,285 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 58% White, 6% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
158,285
Density
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age
41.2
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
58.0%
Black
6.0%
Asian
5.0%
Others
31.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Surprise, AZ?

The cost of living in Surprise is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 112.4. Median home values are around $430,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$430,000
Gross Rent
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$175
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 2.6%| High: 4.9%
Cost Of Living Index
112.4
Grocery
104.5
Housing
116.8
Utilities
108.9
Transportation
109.7
Health Care
102.8
Miscellaneous
103.4

Crime

Is Surprise, AZ a safe place to live?

Surprise is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 165 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 66. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Arizona.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
165
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,520
Crime Index
1,685
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 606
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 66

Weather

What is the weather like in Surprise, AZ year-round?

Surprise experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 105°F and cold winters dipping to 39°F. The area receives about 9 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 85% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
39°F
Max
67°F

Summer

Min
81°F
Max
105°F

Spring

Min
55°F
Max
89°F

Fall

Min
58°F
Max
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches
9.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
85%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $79,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.5%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,500
Household Income
$79,500
Family Income
$86,800
Per Capita Income
$36,900
Income Male
$50,800
Income Female
$40,600
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Non English Speakers
22.0%
Rent
$1,850
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
29.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.0%
Bachelors or More
28.4%

Education

How are the schools in Surprise, AZ?

Surprise offers quality education options, with public schools like Willow Canyon High School and Surprise Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Ottawa University Arizona and Glendale Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Willow Canyon High School
Street
17901 W Lundberg St
Phone
623-523-8800
Students
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio
19.4
Name
Surprise Elementary School
Street
12907 N Malibu Dr
Phone
623-876-7400
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
17.1

Private Schools

Name
Valley Christian Academy
Street
19402 N R H Johnson Blvd
Phone
623-584-2528
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Ottawa University Arizona
City
Surprise
State
AZ
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,000
Name
Glendale Community College
City
Glendale
State
AZ
Distance
15 miles
Students
18,000

Healthcare

Surprise residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center and Abrazo Surprise Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 90.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center
Address
14502 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375
Phone
(623) 524-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Abrazo Surprise Hospital
Address
16815 W Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone
(623) 433-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
90.8%
Health Care Index
70.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Surprise, AZ?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $430,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Surprise offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$430,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
75.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
3.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Surprise handle vehicle services through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Phoenix. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Arizona
Department
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Address
1801 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone
(602) 255-0072

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Surprise, AZ

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Surprise, review the core fields on this page: population 158,285, median home value $430,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 29.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 85%.

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