Top 5 WORST Neighbourhoods to Live in Surrey BC Canada (2025)

by Alex Dunbar

Surrey's 5 Worst Neighbourhoods: Areas to Avoid 🚫🏘️

Surrey, BC, is rapidly growing, making it a popular destination for homebuyers and investors. However, not all neighbourhoods are created equal. To save you from potential mistakes, here's a detailed guide to Surrey's five worst neighbourhoods based on crime data and personal insights.

⚠️ 5. Guildford Town Centre

Guildford Town Centre, specifically the area around the mall, experiences higher crime rates and homelessness due to its commercial density and transit hub.

Key Points:

Crime rate: 46% higher than Surrey's average
Pros: Great shopping, restaurants, transit connectivity
Cons: Visible homelessness, petty crime
Rental market: High demand, good for investment properties

⚠️ 4. Bridgeview

Bridgeview is located in northwest Surrey and has historically low property values, making it attractive for redevelopment but less appealing for families.

Key Points:

Crime rate: 5% higher than Surrey’s average
Pros: Low property costs for investors
Cons: Industrial area, worn-down properties, situated in a floodplain
Redevelopment: Custom homes replacing older properties

⚠️ 3. Cloverdale Town Centre

Downtown Cloverdale faces issues typical of urban cores, including higher crime and homelessness.

Key Points:

Crime rate: 39% higher than Surrey’s average
Pros: Good local businesses, events
Cons: Older, deteriorated housing, homelessness
Attractions: Cloverdale Rodeo, Elements Casino (mixed appeal)

⚠️ 2. Whalley (Surrey City Centre)

Once notorious for high crime, Whalley has improved with redevelopment but still has lingering problems.

Key Points:

Crime rate: 41% higher than Surrey's average
Pros: Rapid transit (SkyTrain), Central City Mall, SFU and upcoming UBC campuses
Cons: Visible homelessness, ongoing drug issues
Investment: Strong potential due to gentrification and new developments

⚠️ 1. Newton Town Centre

Newton Town Centre is currently Surrey’s most troubled neighbourhood, with significant crime and cleanliness issues.

Key Points:

Crime rate: 56% higher than Surrey’s average
Pros: Nearby prestigious neighbourhoods like Panorama Ridge and Sullivan Heights
Cons: Severe garbage dumping, visible homelessness, high crime rates
Community: Large immigrant population with varied economic conditions

🏡 Choosing the Right Neighbourhood

While these areas have their challenges, Surrey also offers many safe and family-friendly communities. Being informed is key to making the right choice.

If you’re considering moving to Surrey and want personalized advice on the best neighbourhoods, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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