Surprise City is located in Maricopa County and was incorporated in 1960. It is the second fastest growing community in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The city was founded by Flora Mae Statler in 1938. It was originally thought to be founded by her husband, Homer C. Ludden, but records indicate she owned the land before she married him. Flora called the city Surprise because she "would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much". Her husband's hometown in Nebraska is also named "Surprise".

The area started out with only a few houses and gas stations, but experienced rapid growth. In recent years, the population has grown dramatically due to retirees at Sun City Grand, which is an age-restricted resort-like community.

Surprise is the spring training location for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers baseball teams. It also boasts the Speedworld Dragstrip.

Surprise has everything you need to plan a wedding. We found resources for wedding photographers, caterers, wedding supplies, and cakes. Bite Me Breads and Cookies has gluten-free options and accepts special orders for groom and bride cakes. You can find wedding napkins, balloons, and other decorations at Party Planet.  

In your free time you can hike Waterfall Trail at White Tank Regional Park or cool off at Surprise Aquatic Center. The city is also close to several museums.

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