Phoenix
Although surrounded by inhospitable desert, Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the United States, and the nation’s single largest state capital city. The area contains numerous galleries and museums, putting the people in contact with everything from the European masters to Native American craftsmanship to modern originals from Phoenix’s diverse artistic community. The Downtown cultural scene has developed into a top-notch feast of visual and performing arts, with symphony performances, live theater, and the popular First Friday exhibitions. Phoenix is also an excellent city for sports fans, being one of the few cities in America with local franchises in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Several thousand students attend the two Arizona State University campuses in the city, as well as the over-50,000 who attend the main campus in neighboring Tempe. Rental rates for apartments average around $1000 per month, but numerous more affordable options are available all over the city, from quiet houses for rent in the suburbs to downtown efficiency apartments. Getting around Phoenix is typically done by car for most residents, but a light rail system makes it easy to get across town without a personal vehicle; Downtown and its surrounding areas are quite walkable as well.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a thriving city right at the heart of Oklahoma. The city’s thriving economy is complemented by its exciting nightlife and entertainment options. Downtown is home to the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Oklahoma City Zoo, two extremely popular family-friendly attractions. The Myriad Gardens also include the Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park production at the Water Stage. The Oklahoma City Thunder has built a dedicated fan base, and things always get pretty wild around the Chesapeake Arena on game days. The arts community is quite active with galleries, museums, theater productions, and a music scene incorporating everything from underground alternative bands to the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. The city has been expanding in recent years, and Oklahoma City proper is much easier to get around with public transportation than most other cities in the region, including rail service. Oklahoma City is one of the least expensive metropolitan areas in the nation, and rental rates for apartments, condos, and rental houses tend to be very affordable.
Surprise
Welcome to Surprise, Arizona, a welcoming city nestled in the desert landscape 25 miles northwest of Phoenix. This growing community offers diverse housing options, from single-family homes to established neighborhoods like Sun City Grand, a 55+ active adult community. Current rental trends show average monthly rates ranging from $1,465 for one-bedroom units to $2,198 for four-bedroom homes, with most rental categories experiencing slight decreases compared to the previous year. Baseball fans enjoy spring training games at Surprise Stadium, the seasonal home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. The city maintains 15 public parks, with Surprise Community Park standing out for its fishing lake, off-leash dog areas, and pickleball facilities. The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex draws tennis enthusiasts and hosts professional events throughout the year. Founded in 1938 by Flora Mae Statler, the city's unique name comes from an endearing piece of local history – Statler reportedly named it Surprise because she "would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much." Today, the thriving community proves her modest prediction wrong, offering residents easy access to both neighborhood amenities and desert recreation.
