Top 5 Reasons to Live in Surrey BC Canada

The city of Surrey is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in all of British Columbia, and it’s quickly becoming a top destination for homebuyers, families, and newcomers to the Lower Mainland. With a blend of affordability, accessibility, natural beauty, and culture — Surrey truly offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

In this post, we’ll break down the top five reasons why so many people are moving to Surrey, along with a bonus reason that might surprise you.

📍 1. Central Location & Accessibility

Surrey is located just 23 km from downtown Vancouver, making it the perfect home base for those who want access to the big city without the daily grind.

Highlights:

• 45 minutes to Vancouver and Abbotsford

• 60 minutes to Chilliwack

• 15–20 minutes to White Rock and the U.S. border

You’ll find easy travel thanks to:

• Highway 1, Highway 99, Fraser Highway

• SkyTrain connections from King George with a future extension to Langley

• Access to Alex Fraser, Port Mann, and Pattullo bridges

• Extensive bus and transit network

Surrey is one of the most well-connected cities in the region, offering convenience for commuters and families alike.

🏡 2. Lower Cost of Housing

Affordability is a major reason people are leaving Vancouver and moving to Surrey.

Home Price Comparison (Benchmark Averages):

• Detached Homes: Vancouver $2.59M | Surrey $1.78M

• Townhomes: Vancouver $1.35M | Surrey $904K

• Condos: Vancouver $813K | Surrey $559K

Rental Comparison:

• 1-bed condo: Vancouver ~$2,400 | Surrey ~$1,600

• 2-bed condo: Vancouver ~$3,500 | Surrey ~$2,200

• 3-bed rental: Vancouver ~$4,700 | Surrey ~$2,900

Whether you’re buying or renting, Surrey offers far more home for your dollar.

🏬 3. Amenities, Services & Infrastructure

Surrey is made up of six major communities, each with its own schools, rec centres, and urban hubs. The city is constantly expanding its infrastructure to meet growing demand.

Key Amenities:

• Hospitals: Surrey Memorial, Jim Pattison Outpatient Centre, and future Cloverdale Hospital

• Malls: Guildford Town Centre, Central City Mall

• Community Centres: Newton Wave Pool, Fleetwood & Cloverdale Athletic Parks, Grandview Heights Rec Centre

• Top-rated schools & public parks

• Costco, major grocery chains, and retail zones throughout the city

Surrey is well-equipped for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

🌲 4. Nature & Outdoor Recreation

Surrey is known as the City of Parks for a reason — it boasts over 600 parks and nearly 300 trails and greenways.

Must-See Spots:

• Bear Creek Park

• Tynehead Regional Park (640+ acres!)

• Fleetwood, Newton & Cloverdale Athletic Parks

• Redwood Park, Mud Bay Park, Buckley Bay Spit

Love golf? Surrey is home to top-tier courses:

• Morgan Creek Golf Club

• Northview Golf & Country Club (former PGA Tour stop)

Plus, Crescent Beach, Centennial Beach, and White Rock Beach (technically outside Surrey) are just minutes away.

🎉 5. Festivals, Culture & Events

Surrey knows how to celebrate! With a diverse population, there’s always something happening.

Annual Major Events:

• Surrey Canada Day

• Surrey Fusion Festival

• Surrey Children’s Festival

• Tree Lighting Festival

• Party for the Planet

Other major highlights include:

• Cloverdale Rodeo — Canada’s 2nd largest rodeo

• Vaisakhi Parade — 500,000+ participants, the largest outside of India

Plus, you’ll find local art galleries, museums, theatres, and diverse restaurants celebrating cultures from around the world.

🌤️ BONUS: Mild Weather Year-Round

Surrey offers one of the most temperate climates in Canada.

Seasonal Snapshot:

• Summer: Sunny, warm (avg. 22°C, highs over 30°C)

• Winter: Rare snow, avg. 4–5°C

• Spring/Fall: Mild with some rain, perfect for layering

• Rain: Heavier in winter, lighter in summer

Thanks to its proximity to the ocean, Surrey (especially South Surrey) benefits from gentle sea breezes and avoids most extreme weather events. It’s also a top climate zone for farming and local agriculture.

✅ Final Thoughts: Why So Many Are Moving to Surrey

Between its affordability, amazing location, strong infrastructure, family-first amenities, outdoor lifestyle, and welcoming culture, it’s no wonder Surrey continues to grow at record pace.

And with future developments like the SkyTrain extension, new hospitals, and continued investment in local parks and schools, Surrey is only getting better.

If you're thinking about moving to Surrey but want guidance on neighbourhoods, pricing, or where to start — I'm here to help.

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