Dec 08, 2025
Living in Surrey, BC: A Guide to Neighbourhoods, Lifestyle & Attractions
Surrey, British Columbia, is one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing and most diverse cities. Known for its extensive park system, vibrant neighbourhoods, and strong employment base, it offers a balanced lifestyle for families, professionals, students, and newcomers. Located south of the Fraser River and just 30 kilometres from downtown Vancouver, Surrey blends urban convenience with spacious residential areas and a multicultural community.
Surrey is the largest city by land area in Metro Vancouver and the second most populated. It attracts residents seeking affordability, transit access, and a wide range of housing options. Whether you’re moving to Surrey, BC for work, study, or a fresh start, this guide highlights what everyday life looks like across the city.
Where Is Surrey, BC? Overview & Lifestyle
Surrey sits at the heart of the Greater Vancouver Area, bordered by the Fraser River to the north and the United States to the south. Its central location allows for convenient commuting to nearby cities. Residents can reach Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, Delta, and White Rock via major highways and SkyTrain service.
Life in Surrey is shaped by its diversity. More than 200 parks, kilometres of trails, busy commercial centres, and quiet residential pockets coexist across six distinct town centres. With year-round recreation, cultural festivals, and family-friendly amenities, Surrey offers a well-rounded and accessible lifestyle.
The Surrey, BC lifestyle appeals to residents seeking nature, diversity, and affordability.
Neighbourhoods in Surrey, BC
Surrey is organized into several town centres, each with its own character, amenities, and housing styles. If you are researching the best areas to live in Surrey, these are the neighbourhoods most commonly considered by new residents.
Surrey City Centre (Whalley)
City Centre is Surrey’s urban core, home to SFU Surrey, Surrey Memorial Hospital, the City Centre Library, and several SkyTrain stations. High-rise condos, walkable streets, and workplaces make it ideal for students, professionals, and transit-reliant residents.
Guildford
Anchored by Guildford Town Centre, this area offers abundant retail, dining, and services. Surrounding neighbourhoods include mature residential areas and Fraser Heights, known for large homes and scenic views. Guildford suits families seeking convenience and nearby parks.
Fleetwood
Fleetwood is one of Surrey’s most family-focused communities, with parks, schools, and quiet residential streets. It features single-family homes, townhomes, and local businesses. The upcoming Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension will further enhance its connectivity.
Newton
Newton is one of Surrey’s most culturally diverse neighbourhoods, offering international dining, community events, and a mix of residential, commercial, and employment areas. It hosts the region’s major Vaisakhi celebration and provides practical amenities for daily life.
Cloverdale
Cloverdale blends small-town charm with modern living. Known for its heritage buildings, family-friendly parks, and the annual Cloverdale Rodeo, it appeals to residents wanting a quieter pace with easy access to Langley and future transit improvements.
South Surrey
South Surrey provides a coastal, suburban lifestyle with excellent schools, well-established neighbourhoods, and proximity to Crescent Beach and White Rock. Popular areas include Rosemary Heights, Grandview Heights, and Semiahmoo Town Centre.
Cost of Living and the Surrey, BC Housing Market
Surrey, BC’s cost of living is generally more affordable than Vancouver’s, particularly when it comes to housing. The city offers many property types. Options range from high-rise condos in City Centre and Guildford to spacious single-family homes in Newton, Cloverdale, and South Surrey. Townhomes and low-rise developments are common in Fleetwood and Cloverdale, offering a middle ground for families and professionals.
Compared to surrounding municipalities, Surrey’s housing market offers greater variety and more accessible entry points, making it attractive to those seeking more space or long-term stability. While prices vary significantly between neighbourhoods, the city’s size and development patterns mean there is an option for almost every lifestyle and budget.
Schools and Education in Surrey
Surrey is home to one of the largest and most diverse school districts in British Columbia, serving tens of thousands of students across elementary and secondary schools. Families can choose from a wide range of educational programs, including French immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB), Montessori, and various specialized academies.
The city is also a hub for post-secondary education. Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus offers a growing selection of undergraduate and graduate programs, while Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) provides degrees, trades, and applied learning across several disciplines. These institutions strengthen Surrey’s appeal for students and young professionals looking for accessible higher-education options.
Work and Business Opportunities in Surrey
Surrey’s economy is one of the fastest-expanding in the region, with strong employment opportunities in healthcare, education, government, technology, construction, retail, and advanced manufacturing. Major employers include Fraser Health, SFU, KPU, the City of Surrey, and numerous private-sector companies in business services, logistics, and technology.
Innovation Boulevard, an emerging corridor focused on health technology and research, supports collaboration between academic institutions and private industry. Many residents also appreciate Surrey’s strategic location, which offers commuting access to Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, and nearby employment hubs.
Transportation, Transit and SkyTrain Connections
Getting around Surrey is relatively easy thanks to a combination of major roadways and public transit options. Highways 1 and 99, along with King George Boulevard and Fraser Highway, connect Surrey to the rest of Metro Vancouver. For many residents, commuting by car to nearby cities is a practical option.
Public transit is anchored by the Expo Line SkyTrain, with key stations at Scott Road, Gateway, Surrey Central, and King George. Frequent bus routes extend through all neighbourhoods, linking residents to City Centre and other transit hubs. The upcoming Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension will further enhance east-west connectivity, making Fleetwood, Clayton, and Cloverdale even more accessible.
Pedestrian-friendly trails and designated cycling routes also support environmentally conscious travel and active commuting.
Parks, Recreation and Everyday Lifestyle
Surrey is known as a “city of parks” for good reason. With more than 200 parks and nature areas, residents enjoy abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Bear Creek Park offers gardens, walking trails, and family-friendly activities, while Green Timbers Urban Forest provides a peaceful escape with forested paths and a freshwater lake.
Tynehead Regional Park is popular for cycling, walking, and wildlife viewing, and Crescent Beach remains a favourite summer destination for swimming, beach walks, and sunset views. Community centres across the city offer swimming pools, gyms, skating rinks, fitness programs, and arts facilities, creating a robust recreational network for all ages.
Things to Do and Top Attractions in Surrey, BC
Surrey offers a variety of attractions and cultural experiences. Some of the most popular things to do in Surrey, BC include:
Crescent Beach: Coastal walks, swimming, and ocean views.
Bear Creek Park: Nature trails, gardens, sports facilities, and a miniature train.
Museum of Surrey: Interactive exhibits highlighting local history.
Historic Stewart Farm: A preserved heritage home offering insight into Surrey’s farming past.
Holland Park: A central venue for major events, including multicultural festivals and concerts.
Tynehead Regional Park: Scenic trails and salmon-spawning habitats.
Surrey also hosts numerous cultural celebrations, community gatherings, and seasonal events that bring residents together and highlight the city’s diversity. Its dining scene continues to grow as well, with many local restaurants, cafés, and international cuisines to explore.
Final Thoughts – Is Surrey, BC Right for You?
Surrey offers a balanced lifestyle with diverse neighbourhoods, strong schools, abundant parks, and reliable transit connections. Families, professionals, students, and newcomers all find welcoming communities across the city.
Whether you prefer the energy of City Centre, the coastal feel of South Surrey, or the quieter pace of Cloverdale, Surrey provides options for many lifestyles. For short-term accommodations in Surrey, Highstreet Accommodations offers fully furnished, serviced housing to help you settle in comfortably from day one.
