The REAL Truth About Moving to Surrey BC (Do's and Don'ts)

by Alex Dunbar

Ultimate Relocation Guide: Moving to Surrey, BC 🏠🌆

Relocating to a new city can be exciting—but also overwhelming if you're not prepared. Surrey, BC is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, filled with opportunity, diversity, and livability—but it also has its unique challenges. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and make your move a success.

🔍 Do: Research Surrey’s Neighbourhoods

Surrey is incredibly diverse, and each neighbourhood has its own feel:

Fleetwood: Family-friendly, strong schools, future SkyTrain access
Sunnyside/South Surrey: Upscale, close to beaches, great for families
City Centre: Urban feel, modern condos, excellent public transit
Fraser Heights and Cloverdale: Quiet, suburban, safe and scenic

➡️ Tip: Don’t assume Surrey is just a suburb of Vancouver. It’s a thriving city with its own economy, identity, and cultural life.

💰 Do: Budget for Surrey’s Cost of Living

While Surrey is 25–35% more affordable than Vancouver, it's still pricey compared to other Canadian cities:

Detached Homes: ~$1.6M
Townhomes: ~$850K
Condos: ~$500K

Be sure to budget for transportation, utilities, groceries, and dining.

🚗 Don’t: Underestimate Commute Times

Surrey is well-connected by:

Highways 1, 10, and 99
SkyTrain’s Expo Line (mostly in North Surrey)
Upcoming SkyTrain extension to Langley (via Fleetwood and Cloverdale)

Peak hour traffic can be intense—plan your home location with your commute in mind.

🌍 Do: Embrace the Cultural Diversity

Surrey is one of Canada’s most multicultural cities:

Fusion Festival
Authentic restaurants from South Asia, the Middle East, China, and more
Diverse schools and community events

It’s a welcoming city for people from all backgrounds, and many newcomers choose to raise their kids in culturally rich neighbourhoods.

🌿 Don’t: Ignore the Green Spaces

Surrey has over 200 parks! Explore:

Bear Creek Park
Green Timbers Urban Forest
Sunnyside Acres
Crescent Beach

These natural areas are part of what makes Surrey such a livable city.

🏫 Do: Learn About Schools & Services

Surrey School District is the largest in BC, offering:

Public and private school options
French immersion and AP programs
Access to SFU, Kwantlen Polytechnic, and future UBC Surrey campus

Every major community has at least one community centre and library—perfect for families.

🔐 Don’t: Overlook Neighbourhood Safety

Crime varies widely by neighbourhood. Areas like:

Fraser Heights
Cloverdale
Fleetwood
South Surrey

...are generally very safe. However, parts of City Centre and Newton may have higher crime rates. Work with a local expert to choose wisely.

💬 Do: Get Involved in the Community

Community connection makes all the difference. Get started by:

Visiting farmers markets
Joining local rec programs
Exploring local festivals like the Fleetwood Festival or Greek Food Fest

There’s a strong sense of belonging when you participate.

🗺️ Don’t: Assume Everything is Walkable

Surrey is a sprawling city. While areas like City Centre are walkable, others like Cloverdale and South Surrey are more car-dependent.

Consider your daily errands and commuting needs when choosing a location.

🧠 Bonus Tip: Don’t Let the Reputation Fool You

Surrey sometimes gets an unfair bad rap—often from people who haven’t explored it fully. The city is 2.5x larger than Vancouver, so if you’ve only visited one area, you haven’t seen it all. Talk to locals, explore different communities, and do your own research.