Florida destinations dominated the U.S. growth cities in 2023, but Surprise and Queen Creek are among the Top 25 top growth cities of 2023.

The U-Haul Growth Index found seven Florida markets among the top 25 growth cities last year. It marks the seventh year in a row the Sunshine State has had the most cities represented. Florida had four markets among the top 25 in 2022, and a whopping 10 in 2021.

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Surprise makes the list

Surprise is the No. 18 U.S. growth city of 2023, backing up 10 spots from its previous national ranking, according to the U-Haul® Growth Index analyzing one-way customer moves during the past year.

One-way U-Haul customers arriving in Surprise rose 2% from 2022 while departures rose about 3% as overall moving traffic increased year-over-year.

Do-it-yourself movers arriving in Surprise still accounted for 52.5% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in and out of the market (47.5% departures) in 2023 to keep it a leading destination.

Surprise has been a top 25 growth city every year since 2020 and ranked eighth in 2022.

“The urban sprawl in the Phoenix area has caused people to move further away from the city center,” said Jesse Ashdown, U-Haul Company of Northwest Phoenix president. “Places like Surprise are more affordable, yet close enough to the action, and have their own great amenities. Surprise is a very family friendly community, and it’s also attractive to retirees.

“Surprise is only 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix and is home to one of the Southwest’s largest tennis and racquet complexes, beautifully designed golf courses, and urban fishing lakes and aquatic centers. As Arizonans know, each spring Surprise’s population explodes when Major League Baseball’s Royals and Rangers begin their Cactus League Spring Training. People come visit our wonderful state and decide they don’t want to leave.”

Queen Creek makes the list

Queen Creek is the No. 23 U.S. growth city of 2023, making its first appearance in the top 25 national rankings, according to the U-Haul® Growth Index analyzing one-way customer moves during the past year.

One-way U-Haul customers arriving in Queen Creek rose about 2% from 2022 while departures fell 4%.

Do-it-yourself movers arriving in Queen Creek accounted for 52.5% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in and out of the market (47.5% departures) in 2023 to make it a leading destination.

“The East Valley has been a hotspot for growth for the last few years,” noted Sandra Gutierrez, U-Haul Company of East Valley president. “Queen Creek has been one of the best-kept secrets in Arizona. While it’s considered a suburb of Phoenix, it’s located in the far southeast portion of the metro area. It has beautiful views of the San Tan Mountains and gives residents that perfect desert home they’re looking for.

“Queen Creek’s population has doubled in just eight years, meaning it’s one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona. I think part of this growth is because of the value you get from buying a home in Queen Creek. The property taxes are low, and you can buy a three-bedroom home for half the price of the same home in Phoenix. Queen Creek offers residents a family-focused, clean and friendly community to call home.”