Surprise, AZ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Surprise, Arizona is an ideal city for retirees who enjoy sunny weather and an active lifestyle. Less than an hour’s drive from Downtown Phoenix, high ranked medical care, and picturesque scenery make Surprise an excellent option as a retirement destination. 

Climate & Geography

Arizona’s mountain ranges and deep canyons can make even the biggest homebody want to experience living near such natural beauty. 

Located in Central Arizona, Surprise benefits from the well-known desert climate. There are an average of 301 sunny days in Surprise with nearly three times less rainfall than the national average. Winters are cool and because of the lack of humidity, Arizonians typically experience high, dry temperatures throughout the year. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

While Surprise residents can experience the typical amenities of Arizona such as golfing, pools, and tennis, they are also privy to other activities around the city.

For active adults who enjoy nature, Surprise provides a scenic background for all outdoor recreational activities. The White Tank Mountain Regional Park borders the city, providing 30,000 acres of outdoor recreation. Justice Brothers U-Pick is a picking orchard with 75 varieties of citrus. Surprise Stadium is ranked No. 1 for spring training by USA Today. Throughout the year, the stadium hosts events such as festivals and free movie nights. 

Go Paddle Arizona is located in a city 20 minutes from Surprise with water sports like rafting, kayaking, paddling, and yoga is available. 

Near Surprise, there are various art events and experiences hosted by theatres, galleries, museums, and the state-of-the-art 600-seat Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

Though the cost of living index of Surprise is higher than the state and national rate, some tax exemptions are offered. Social Security benefits and some retirement benefits are exempt up to $2,500. 

Surprise has an 8.5 percent sales tax and there is a personal property tax though certain protections for those 65 years old and over. 

Health Care

Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, Cobalt Rehabilitation Hospital, and Banner Boswell Medical Center are located within 10 miles of Surprise with a total of 13 high performing rankings in multiple procedures and conditions. 

Banner Boswell Medical Center is ranked No. 2 in Phoenix and Arizona as the Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News. The medical center is high performing in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, hip and knee replacements, as well as aortic valve, colon cancer, heart bypass, and lung cancer surgeries. 

Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center is ranked No. 6 in Phoenix and No. 8 in Arizona; the medical center is considered high performing in cases of COPD, heart failure, hip replacement, and knee replacements.