With a stellar combination of sunny weather, pro baseball and Sonoran nature, Surprise, Arizona is a great place to live. Whether you want a townhome, starter home or brand-new residence in one of the many master-planned neighborhoods, there's something for everyone here. Plus, property taxes here are among the lowest in the state.

Founded by real estate developer Homer Ludden in 1938, Surprise has grown quickly. The city incorporated in 1960 and became popular with retirees during the 1990s and 2000s when Sun City Grand, an age-restricted community built by Del Webb, opened. Today, Surprise is a fast-growing suburb of Phoenix with plenty of fun things to do and see.

If you love golf, you'll find a variety of courses to choose from here. Try the pristine greens at Surprise Golf Club or the challenging links at Silver Canyon Country Club. The city also offers a wide selection of other recreational opportunities. For instance, White Tanks Mountain Regional Park is a few minutes from the city and covers more than 30,000 acres with a host of trails and ridges. Those who enjoy outdoor adventures can rent ATVs from Ride Now PowerSports and take them on the trails or head to the park's splash pad.

Shopping is also a big draw in Surprise, with the upscale Prasada development set to become the largest regional mall in Arizona. The town's many other retail options include the Surprise Marketplace and the Surprise Towne Center. You can even get your fill of outdoor gear at the West Valley Outdoor Adventures store.