Everyone is talking about Surprise Arizona (Phoenix: trip , new home, investment)

[Iggy]

Surprise has grown 40,000 in the past year and is almost 100,000 now.
The homes are still plentful but as othe rplaces are rising. I bought a new home in the end of 2004 for $171,000. 1story, 3bedroom, 2 bath almost 1900 sq ft on a 1/4 acre. Similiar homes are selling for $259,000 to $299,000 and still rising.
This is the boom city of Arizona.
Plenty of schools, stores, resturants, etc., etc.
City is well ahead in having the utilies and roadways planned and built.
We have plans for upgrading existing highway by 2011.
We are close to I-10, I-17 but still 30 miles from Phoenix.
Teacher child ratio in the schools are 18/1 which is good.
We have plenty of new schools, fire stations all within a mile of so from all the developmemnts. For me this was a great investment even though I'm here to stay.

Surprise AZ website
http://www.surpriseaz.com/

Check it out.
Iggy in Surprise AZ

[ckdaajd]

Yes Surprise is booming but you neglected to talk about traffic on Bell Road that is becoming unbearable.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by ckdaajd

Yes Surprise is booming but you neglected to talk about traffic on Bell Road that is becoming unbearable.

Unbearable trafic is a relative term. Yes, it is busy and thats because of growth and we shouldn't look at it as a negative. I have seen much worse in many other locations in the USA. Many have gridlock. Anyway I feel our Mayor and City councel is well ahead of the curve and presently have plans to expand many roadways. Yes we need to make our roaddways better ASAP but ASAP is 5 years away. Route 303 is a major one for us back to I-10 which is as I consider a short drive. The expansion of 303 will also take us up to I-17 for the trip north. This is planned to be completed by 2011. I know that is not quick enough for many but will have to do. We also had light rail to Phoenix planned but many are against it... Wonder why? They must not want change to help with increased growth. Surprise is moving forward and I'm glad I'm on board. Great investment on my home value.
All in all I'm still very satified what we have and what we have planned in the next 4-5 years.

I know I can't change your mind about the current issues but the future is bright in my mind. I suspect you are older than I am (56) this may be an issue. Every place I've lived has grown and the same qustions arise. All I can suggest is find a place that has no potential for grown and move there. I wish I knew where that may be but I'm still very happy here in Sunny Surprise.

Iggy

[flynncj]

I have been to Surprise,AZ. It's a nice and very well maintained city. The only thing I just don't like is the traffic on Bell Road. It's getting crowded. I hope the roads will expand the next time I come for a visit.