Surprise Live Cam

Situated in the northwest Phoenix Metropolitan area



Hosted by:
  • 16000 N Civic Center Plaza - Surprise
  • Arizona 85374 - United States
  • 623-222-1000
  • https://surpriseaz.gov/

History

Surprise is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. It is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area and is situated about 20 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. The city's history is relatively recent compared to many other places in Arizona.

Surprise was founded in 1938 by real estate developer and state legislator Homer C. Ludden Jr. He named the town Surprise because he said he would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much. Initially, the town was focused on agriculture, particularly citrus farming. However, with the growth of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Surprise has transformed from a small agricultural community into a bustling suburban city.

Incorporated in 1960, Surprise began to see steady growth in the latter half of the 20th century, but it experienced a significant population boom in the early 2000s. This was due in part to the availability of relatively affordable housing compared to the more urbanized areas of Phoenix. Many retirees were attracted to Surprise for its warm climate and amenities tailored to an older demographic.