Another fast-growing community in the Northwest Valley is the city of Surprise, located along U.S. 60 or State Highway 93. The town’s unusual moniker was chosen by founder Homer C. Ludden, who named it after his hometown in Nebraska. Ludden originally developed Surprise as a residential haven for agricultural workers. In recent years, the city has led Arizona in welcoming new residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The city’s phenomenal growth is destined to continue, guaranteed by thousands of beautiful new residential units that are in the planning stages over the next decade. Even more fuel was added to this record-breaking expansion with the introduction of Del Webb’s active adult community, Sun City Grand, encompassed with the Surprise city limits. This premier 4,000-acre master-planned enclave offers a world-class setting filled with residential neighborhoods and recreational amenities. Newcomers to Sun City Grand can choose from an attractive selection of home styles in neighborhoods surrounded by beautiful golf courses, a spa and fitness center, and the conveniences of the Sonoran Plaza.
White Tank Regional Park borders Surprise on the western side, offering vast acreage for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and exploration. Home to the West Valley Art Museum, Surprise celebrates the fine arts with an impressive permanent collection as well as traveling exhibits from around the globe. The rustic Western “cowboy town” of Wickenburg is nearby, providing several popular resorts and an opportunity to enjoy Western attractions. Close to home, the recreational area that includes lovely Lake Pleasant is one of the Valley’s most popular destinations for water sports and boating. Surrounding the entire community are desert settings for picnics, horseback riding, and hiking as well as fascinating ghost towns.
