Surrey is BC’s fastest-growing city, and for good reason. More affordable than Vancouver, increasingly well-connected, and with neighborhoods for every lifestyle—it’s where many young families and professionals are choosing to put down roots. Here’s our insider guide to Surrey’s neighborhoods.
Surrey at a Glance
- Population: ~600,000 (and growing)
- Average rent (1-bedroom): $1,800-2,200/month
- Average home price: $1.1-1.8 million (varies by area)
- Transit: SkyTrain (Expo Line), extensive bus network
- Commute to Vancouver: 35-60 minutes by transit
South Surrey / White Rock
Best for: Families, retirees, ocean lovers
The most expensive part of Surrey, but you’re paying for proximity to the beach, excellent schools, and a small-town feel. White Rock’s promenade is a gem, and the area has some of the best restaurants in the region.
- Vibe: Upscale, quiet, family-oriented
- Housing: Single-family homes dominate; newer townhomes available
- Schools: Some of BC’s top-rated public and private schools
- Transit: Limited—car is essential
- Price range: Higher end for Surrey
Guildford
Best for: Families, shopping lovers, commuters
Central location with Guildford Town Centre as the anchor. Good mix of established neighborhoods and new development. Easy access to Highway 1 and reasonable transit options.
- Vibe: Suburban, diverse, convenient
- Housing: Mix of older single-family, newer townhomes, condos
- Schools: Good variety, including French immersion
- Transit: Good bus connections to SkyTrain
- Price range: Mid-range for Surrey
Cloverdale
Best for: Families wanting space, heritage lovers, equestrian enthusiasts
Historic downtown Cloverdale has genuine character—antique shops, locally-owned restaurants, and the famous Cloverdale Rodeo. Larger lots are available if you want acreage.
- Vibe: Small-town feel, heritage charm, community-focused
- Housing: Larger lots, heritage homes, newer developments on edges
- Schools: Good public options, growing enrollment
- Transit: More limited—car recommended
- Price range: Affordable to mid-range, depending on lot size
Newton
Best for: Budget-conscious families, first-time buyers
Surrey’s most populous town centre, Newton is diverse and affordable. It’s changed significantly in recent years with new development and improved amenities. Some areas are better than others—visit before you commit.
- Vibe: Diverse, urban, rapidly developing
- Housing: Most affordable in Surrey; lots of townhomes and apartments
- Schools: Variable quality; research specific schools
- Transit: Good bus network, future SkyTrain planned
- Price range: Most affordable in Surrey
Fleetwood
Best for: Families, commuters, those wanting newer homes
Centrally located between Guildford and Cloverdale, Fleetwood has seen significant new development. The upcoming SkyTrain extension will make it even more connected.
- Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, growing
- Housing: Newer townhomes and single-family homes
- Schools: Good options, including some high-performing schools
- Transit: Improving—SkyTrain coming soon
- Price range: Mid-range
City Centre (Whalley)
Best for: Young professionals, transit users, urban lifestyle
Surrey’s downtown is transforming rapidly. SFU campus, new high-rises, improved nightlife. Still gritty in parts, but changing fast. Best transit access in Surrey.
- Vibe: Urban, evolving, diverse
- Housing: High-rise condos, rental apartments
- Schools: Fewer options—more suited to young professionals
- Transit: Excellent—SkyTrain hub
- Price range: Affordable condos, variable quality
What We Love About Surrey
As movers who work in Surrey daily, here’s what we genuinely appreciate:
- Space: Your money goes further here. Bigger homes, bigger yards.
- Diversity: Incredible food from every culture. Seriously good Indian, Korean, and Vietnamese restaurants.
- Nature: Green Timbers, Tynehead Park, Redwood Park—nature is accessible.
- Growth: New restaurants, breweries, and amenities opening regularly.
- Community: Strong neighborhood identities and community events.
Things to Know Before Moving
- Traffic is real: Highway 1 and King George Boulevard can be brutal at rush hour.
- Car ownership helps: Outside City Centre, transit is improving but still limited.
- Research neighborhoods carefully: Surrey is huge and varied. Street-by-street differences exist.
- Check school catchments: If schools matter, verify before signing a lease or offer.
- Visit at different times: A neighborhood feels different on a Saturday afternoon vs. a Tuesday night.
Our Moving Tips for Surrey
- Book elevator time: Many buildings require it, especially in City Centre.
- Check parking restrictions: Some streets have time limits or require permits.
- Plan for bridge traffic: If coming from Vancouver, the Alex Fraser and Pattullo bridges can add time.
- Consider timing: Month-ends and summer are busiest for moves.
Moving to Surrey?
We know Surrey inside and out. Let us help make your move smooth and stress-free.
Get Your Free Quote
