Why You SHOULDN'T Move to Surrey BC Canada!

Ultimate Relocation Guide: Is Surrey, BC Right for You? 🚦🏙️

Surrey, BC is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada—booming with culture, nature, and opportunity. But while the city offers many advantages, it also comes with unique challenges. Before you pack your bags, it's important to look at the other side of the story. In this post, we’ll cover the main reasons why Surrey might not be the ideal fit for everyone.

💸 High Cost of Living in Surrey

Surrey may be more affordable than Vancouver (by about 30%), but it’s still pricey compared to most Canadian cities:

• Detached Homes: Over $1.5 million

• Townhomes: $800,000–$900,000

• Condos: $500,000–$600,000

Renters aren’t spared either. With high demand, rental prices have risen significantly. Factor in groceries, utilities, and transportation, and many residents—especially students, retirees, or those on a fixed income—feel the pinch.

🚦 Traffic Congestion and Commute Times

With a growing population comes more congestion. Major roads and highways are often packed during peak hours, adding stress to daily life:

• Accidents and construction cause unpredictable delays

• Commute times can be frustrating for drivers

🚌 Public Transit Limitations

Surrey’s public transit system has room to grow:

• SkyTrain only runs in North Surrey (4 stops)

• Bus networks can be overcrowded and less reliable, especially in outer neighborhoods

• A SkyTrain extension to Langley is in the works (via Fleetwood and Cloverdale), expected by late 2029—but expect delays

If you're planning to commute without a car, be sure to map out your routes.

🔐 Crime Concerns in Certain Areas

Surrey has historically faced higher-than-average crime rates in some areas:

• Property crime (like break-ins and theft)

• Gang activity has increased in recent years

But it’s not all bad news:

• Crime rates are trending downward

• Many neighbourhoods (e.g., Fleetwood, Fraser Heights, South Surrey) are very safe

➡️ Tip: Work with a local expert to avoid less desirable areas. Watch my video on the worst neighbourhoods in Surrey or book a call for personalized advice.

🌫️ Air Quality Issues

Surrey’s location in a valley traps pollutants more easily. Add in industrial zones and you get:

• Poor air quality in certain pockets

• Increased health concerns for those with respiratory issues

Areas away from industrial hubs—like South Surrey or the outskirts—generally offer much cleaner air.

🌐 Urban Sprawl and Lack of Community Feel

Surrey is geographically 2.5 times larger than Vancouver, which means:

• Long distances between communities

• Some neighbourhoods feel disconnected or isolated

• Walkability can be limited outside of City Centre

However, many areas do have a strong sense of community—you just need to find the right one.

⚖️ Final Thoughts: Is Surrey Right for You?

Let’s recap the challenges:

• High housing and rental costs

• Traffic congestion and transit limitations

• Crime concerns in select neighbourhoods

• Air quality issues in industrial zones

• Urban sprawl with less walkability

But don’t let that scare you off entirely. Surrey also offers diverse communities, job opportunities, nature access, and great schools. If you do your research and choose the right neighbourhood, it could still be a great fit.

✅ Want personalized help deciding where to live?

📞 Book a Call with Me: Schedule a Consultation

📢 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Living in the Lower Mainland

🏡 Looking for Homes in Surrey: Surrey Homes for Sale

📕 Download our FREE Surrey Relocation Guide: Ultimate Surrey Relocation Guide