Surprise LGBTQ City Guide
Jeff Hammerberg
Founder & President @ GayRealEstate.com | LGBTQ+ Representation Nationwide
Surprise, Arizona is a beautiful southwestern city located about 30 miles outside of Phoenix. It is close enough to the larger city to offer access to all of its amenities, but far enough away to offer a smaller-town vibe that many residents enjoy. It is a diverse city known for its excellent parks, friendly neighborhoods, and a smaller, but thriving LGBT community. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Surprise, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love.
A Look at Surprise’s History
Surprise is a city with a unique history. Like much of Arizona, it was inhabited for thousands of years by Native American peoples, but its more modern-day history began in 1938 as a single parcel of farmland. Eventually, that single parcel of farmland was subdivided into different tracts of land to make a neighborhood. Legend has it that the city got its name from the original owner, who upon agreeing to subdivide her land, said she would be, “Surprised if it ever amounted to much”. Of course, it did though - eventually becoming one of the largest cities in Arizona and a wonderful place for many people to call home!
A Few Fun Facts About Surprise
Read more fun facts about Surprise here.
Surprise’s LGBTQ Community
Surprise is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
The Surprise LGBTQ and Allies Club is a local LGBTQ community group that offers regular events, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
The Phoenix Pride LGBTQ Community Center, located only a short drive from Surprise, is a community center serving the greater Phoenix and Surprise areas with the goal of uniting, educating, and engaging the city to support and empower the LGBTQ community and its allies.
What's the Weather Like in Surprise?
Those who live in Surprise can expect plenty of the beautiful, sunny, weather that Arizona is so well-known for. Temperatures typically range from an average low of 42°F in January, to a very warm average high of 106°F in July. Surprise receives around 9 inches of rain annually, no snow, and an average of 301 sunny days.
Can’t-Miss Events in Surprise
If you live in Surprise, you won’t want to miss this annual pride celebration. Although it’s a short drive away in Phoenix, this celebration is one of the larger pride celebrations in the country, and well worth the trip. Whether you enjoy parties, parades, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, it is a great time to get together with friends and allies and celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the greater Surprise area.
Recommended by LinkedIn
This annual event is one you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar! Celebrating the founding of Surprise, this festival is typically held the first weekend in December. The celebration includes a carnival, a hot air balloon glow, live music, games, great food, and much more!
The Best Neighborhoods in Surprise
If you're considering moving to Surprise, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Surprise is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. This is why it’s always advised to contact a Surprise gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Surprise is around $460,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Brelby Theatre Company’s motto is: “Imagine. Create. Inspire.” Located just a short drive from Surprise in nearby Glendale, It certainly manages to do all of those things, and it is a very popular community theatre known for its wide variety of inspiring and innovative shows. You’ll want to make sure to enjoy your chance to enjoy a show – or several – each season!
Parks and Recreation
The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park includes the largest collection of exotic animals in the state. Covering 80 acres, the park offers plenty of fun, including animal, bird, and aquatic exhibits to entertain all visitors!
White Tanks Mountain Regional Park is the largest park in the county and spans more than 30,000 acres. Visitors can enjoy many trails to explore, great picnicking spots, the chance to ride ATVs, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Surprise Nightlife
This LGBTQ-friendly nightclub, located just a few minutes away in Glendale is a must-visit spot for a night out in Surprise. Stacy’s is known for its unique Gothic architecture, its talented DJs, its karaoke nights, and its friendly crowds. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink, relax with friends, and have plenty of fun.
Though not specifically an LGBTQ bar, Booty’s Wings, Burgers, and Beer is friendly and welcoming to all, and a great spot to put on your list. It offers great food, strong drinks, karaoke, live music, and friendly crowds.
Contact a Surprise Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Surprise, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Surprise, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Surprise gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!