Located in Maricopa County, Arizona, Surprise was established in 1938. Surprise grew from under 1,000 in 1960 to nearly 180,000—over 17,000% growth. Named by its founder who doubted it would ever amount to anything.
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Founded1938|Population179,149|Peak179,149(2024)|CountyMaricopa County
Top 10 Most Important Events for Surprise, Arizona
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1938Flora Mae Statler Founds Town: Founder said she'd be 'surprised' if it ever amounted to much.
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1990Sun City Grand Begins: Del Webb retirement community triggers explosive growth.
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2002Surprise Stadium Opens: Rangers and Royals make it their Cactus League spring training home.
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2003Fastest-Growing City: Population explodes from 30,000 to 80,000 in five years.
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2008Housing Crisis Hits Hard: Great Recession devastates Phoenix suburbs.
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Complete Historical Timeline
1938Culture
Flora Mae Statler Founds Town
1990Business
Sun City Grand Begins
2002Sports
Surprise Stadium Opens
2003Business
Fastest-Growing City
2008Business
Housing Crisis Hits Hard
Did You Know?
1
Surprise grew from under 1,000 in 1960 to nearly 180,000—over 17,000% growth.
2
Named by its founder who doubted it would ever amount to anything.
3
Like all of Arizona, Surprise doesn't observe daylight saving time.
4
Surprise is located in Maricopa County, Arizona.
5
Surprise was founded in 1938.
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