The REAL Truth About Moving to Surrey Canada (Is Surrey BC Worth It?)

by Alex Dunbar

🏡 Moving to Surrey, BC? Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before You Relocate

Relocating to Surrey, BC could be one of the most rewarding decisions you make—if you do it right. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Surrey is packed with opportunities, community diversity, and urban amenities. But it’s also a place where a lack of research or planning can lead to missteps you may later regret.

Whether you're moving for work, family, or a fresh start, this guide will walk you through the key dos and don’ts of relocating to Surrey, so you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your move.

🏘️ Do Your Research: Surrey's Neighborhoods Are Diverse and Distinct

Each neighborhood in Surrey has a unique vibe, lifestyle, and value offering. Here's a quick breakdown:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fleetwood – Great for families, excellent schools, future SkyTrain access
🌊 South Surrey – Upscale living near beaches and parks
🏙️ City Centre – Urban vibe, high-rise condos, best transit connections
🏡 Cloverdale – Suburban charm with historic touches
🕌 Newton – Culturally rich, affordable, and family-friendly

➡️ Pro Tip: Don’t assume Surrey is “just” a Vancouver suburb. It’s a major urban center with its own culture, economy, and identity.

💵 Budget Smart: Understand Surrey's Cost of Living

Surrey is more affordable than Vancouver, but still pricey compared to other parts of Canada.

🏠 Average Home Prices (2025):

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

🧾 Don’t forget to include:

Transportation (🚗 or 🚆)
Utilities 💡
Groceries 🛒
Dining out 🍽️
Childcare or school expenses 🎒

Proper budgeting helps avoid surprises and keeps your finances on track.

🚦 Don’t Underestimate Commute Times

Traffic in Surrey can be tough—especially during peak hours. While SkyTrain and highways connect the city, your daily route matters.

🚘 Commuting Tips:

Working in Vancouver? Live near City Centre for easy transit
Fleetwood & Cloverdale will benefit from the upcoming SkyTrain extension
Many neighborhoods still require a car

🗺️ Plan your location based on how you'll get around to avoid daily stress.

🌎 Embrace Surrey’s Multiculturalism

Surrey is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada. This diversity shows up in:

🎉 Festivals: Surrey Fusion Festival, Vaisakhi Parade
🍛 Cuisine: South Asian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and more
🏫 Schools and communities: Rich in global perspectives

Many families choose Surrey to give their children exposure to different cultures and values.

🌳 Don’t Overlook the Green Spaces

With over 200 parks, Surrey offers a green escape right outside your door.

Top Picks:

🌺 Bear Creek Park – Gardens, trails, family fun
🌲 Green Timbers Urban Forest – Great for hiking, biking, and peaceful nature walks

🧘 These spaces offer the perfect mix of urban convenience and outdoor peace.

🎓 Know the Local Schools and Services

If you're moving with kids, Surrey has a lot to offer in education and family support.

🏫 Public Schools: Surrey School District
🎓 Universities: Simon Fraser (SFU), Kwantlen Polytechnic (KPU)
🏥 Community Centers, Libraries, Health Clinics

💡 My wife is an elementary teacher, so if you want insider tips—I'm happy to help!

🔐 Prioritize Safety When Choosing Where to Live

Like any city, Surrey has areas that are safer than others.

Generally Safe Areas:

🏘️ Fraser Heights
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cloverdale
🏫 Fleetwood

🔎 Do your homework:

Check crime maps
Visit neighborhoods
Talk to locals

Sometimes the difference between a great spot and a risky one is just a few blocks.

🤝 Get Involved in the Community

Surrey thrives on its strong community spirit. Getting involved is one of the fastest ways to feel at home.

🎨 Options include:

Local festivals and events
🥕 Farmers markets
🏀 Rec programs at community centers (sports, art, crafts, fitness)

There’s something here for kids, teens, and adults—whatever your interest may be.

🚶 Don’t Assume Everything is Walkable

Surrey is 2.5x the size of Vancouver—so don’t expect everything to be a short walk away.

Walkability Breakdown:

🏙️ City Centre: Walkable, great for transit
🚗 Cloverdale, South Surrey: Require a car or bus commute

Plan your daily routine so you’re not stuck in traffic or long transit rides.

❌ Bonus “Don’t”: Don’t Judge Based on Outdated Opinions

Surrey sometimes gets a bad rap—but often from people who haven’t seen the full city.

🧭 With over 100 communities, judging based on one or two areas isn’t fair or accurate. Surrey has incredible diversity and quality—you just need to know where to look.