Located northwest of Phoenix, the City of Surprise is home to two family communities, Mountain Vista and Northwest Ranch; comprising a total of 750 acres. Both master planned with residential and commercial use, the properties include 2,650 single- family residential lots and a 256-unit apartment complex connected by 75 acres of parks, open space and a charter school. Neighbors gather at picnic areas with ramadas, as well as softball and soccer fields. An amphitheater and retail center provide entertainment, shopping and services. Walking, bicycle trails and an exercise course allow residents to enjoy the outdoors. To facilitate this project, Harvard assisted the City of Surprise in forming a water company to better serve new residents.