132 movers in Surprise
What to know when moving to Surprise, AZ
TL;DR: Surprise at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A suburban area with 30.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and only 21.6% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $78,690, which supports a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.3% using public transit, it's a car-dependent area for most residents.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,897 in rent, which is the median gross rent in the area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Surprise is a growing community where the median household income of $78,690 reflects a mix of professionals and families. The education level is notable, with over 30% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, with 21.6% of the population renting, the homeownership rate is relatively high, indicating a stable residential environment. The area sees minimal public transit use, with most residents relying on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you prefer high public transit accessibility, as only 0.3% of residents commute via this method.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,897, which suggests budgeting for housing costs is essential.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $355,800, indicating a significant investment for buyers.
- A poverty rate of 9.7% suggests a relatively stable economic environment.
- With 21.6% of residents renting, the community leans toward homeownership.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
The crime data for Arizona indicates a declining trend in property and violent crimes. The state's violent crime rate is 377.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 16% higher than the national average. However, property crime has decreased by about 29.2% since 2022, with a state rate of 1,523.1 per 100,000 residents, slightly lower than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: 377.3 per 100,000 vs. 325.3 national average.
- Property crime: 1,523.1 per 100,000 vs. 1,546.9 national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 35.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arizona).
Schools & Higher Ed
Surprise has access to 11 postsecondary institutions, making it a viable option for students seeking higher education in the vicinity.
- Postsecondary institutions: 11
- With College Scorecard data: 10
- Notable institution: Ottawa University-Surprise
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Surprise offers various parks and recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some nearby options to explore.
- Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park - 4.5 stars from 12,249 reviews
- Sahuaro Ranch Park - 4.7 stars from 4,336 reviews
- Surprise Community Park - 4.7 stars from 3,509 reviews
- Gateway Park - 4.6 stars from 870 reviews
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Maricopa County, the unemployment rate is currently at 3.5%, with a labor force of 2,564,144 and total employment of 2,475,183, indicating a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (December 2025)
- Employed: 2,475,183
- Labor force: 2,564,144
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
