The 5 Worst Things About Living in Surrey, BC

Moving to a new city can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience, and Surrey, BC is no exception. While there are many great reasons to live in Surrey, it’s important to be aware of the downsides before making a decision.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the five worst things about living in Surrey, BC—so you know exactly what to expect before relocating.

1. Limited Public Transportation in Surrey

Surrey’s public transportation system is one of its biggest drawbacks, especially for those who rely on buses and transit daily.

Challenges with Public Transit in Surrey:

• Infrequent and overcrowded buses: Many routes have long wait times and can be packed during peak hours.
• Poor connectivity: Some areas lack direct routes, making commutes longer than necessary.
• Limited SkyTrain access: Currently, the SkyTrain only reaches North Surrey. If you live in Cloverdale or South Surrey, transit options are scarce.
• Delays and missed connections: If one bus is late, your entire schedule can be thrown off.

Future SkyTrain Expansion

The good news is that the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension is in progress, set to open in 2028. This will improve connectivity across Surrey, especially in Fleetwood, Cloverdale, and Langley City.

2. The High Cost of Living

Like the rest of the Lower Mainland, Surrey has become increasingly expensive.

Current Housing Prices in Surrey:

• Detached Homes: Over $1.6 million
• Townhomes: Over $800,000
• Condos: Over $550,000
• Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: Around $2,000/month
• Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: Nearly $2,600/month
• Rent for a 3-bedroom home: Over $3,300/month

Why is Surrey So Expensive?

• Proximity to Vancouver: Housing remains 30% cheaper than Vancouver, but demand continues to push prices higher.
• Increased cost of living: Groceries, childcare, and gas prices are among the highest in Canada (currently around $2 per liter).

How to Save on Housing?

Surrey is cheaper than Vancouver, so if you’re set on staying in the Lower Mainland, it remains a more affordable alternative. However, if cost is a major concern, you might want to consider Langley, Maple Ridge, or Abbotsford.

3. Traffic Congestion in Surrey

Surrey’s roads are notorious for traffic jams, particularly during rush hours.

Why is Surrey’s Traffic So Bad?

• Surrey is the third-largest city in BC: Spanning 317 square kilometers, getting across the city can take 30-45 minutes.
• Heavy congestion on major roads: Routes like Highway 1, 152nd Street, Fraser Highway, and 200th Street experience daily slowdowns.
• Bridge bottlenecks: If you need to commute to Vancouver, expect heavy delays on Pattullo Bridge, Port Mann Bridge, and Alex Fraser Bridge.

How to Avoid Traffic in Surrey?

• Work remotely (if possible) to avoid rush hour commutes.
• Live close to major transit hubs if you rely on public transport.
• Plan travel times strategically to avoid peak congestion hours.

Surrey’s road infrastructure is improving, but heavy traffic will likely always be a challenge in such a fast-growing city.

4. Crime Rates in Surrey

Surrey has struggled with crime rates in the past, leading to negative perceptions of safety.

Crime Trends in Surrey

• Overall crime has decreased in recent years, especially violent crime.
• Property crime remains a concern, with break-ins and car theft being common in some neighborhoods.
• Gang-related activity does exist but is mostly targeted and not random.

Are Some Areas Safer Than Others?

Yes! While some neighborhoods in Surrey have higher crime rates, many areas are safe and family-friendly.

Higher Crime Areas:

• Newton
• Whalley (North Surrey)

Safer Neighborhoods:

• South Surrey
• Fleetwood
• Cloverdale
• Panorama Ridge

If safety is a top priority, consider living in South Surrey or Cloverdale, which have lower crime rates.

5. Negative Public Perception

Surrey has long struggled with its reputation, often being labeled as crime-ridden or less desirable than Vancouver.

Why Does Surrey Have a Bad Reputation?

• Historical crime issues from the 80s and 90s still influence people’s perceptions today.
• Outdated stereotypes often don’t reflect the city’s current progress.
• Limited exposure—people who criticize Surrey usually have only visited a few bad areas.

What’s the Reality?

Surrey is rapidly growing and improving:

• New developments and investment in infrastructure.
• Expanding commercial areas, parks, and businesses.
• Diverse and vibrant communities with great schools and parks.

Those who actually live in Surrey know it’s not as bad as its reputation suggests, and many residents love living here.

Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Surrey, BC?

Despite these 5 downsides, Surrey remains a great place to live for many people.

Pros of Living in Surrey:

✔ More affordable housing than Vancouver
✔ Expanding public transit (SkyTrain extension)
✔ Lots of parks and green spaces
✔ Great schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
✔ Diverse communities and strong job opportunities

If you’re considering moving to Surrey and want to explore which neighbourhoods would suit you best, I’d be happy to help!

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