Jul 06, 2022
Welcome to Surrey and South Surrey in Canada
When you want to really get to know Greater Vancouver and everything it has to offer, there’s no better way to do it than by walking through one of its fastest growing cities. What are we talking about here? Well, we’re talking about Surrey of course! It’s the place to be when you want to experience a little something of everything, all wrapped up in a friendly and open environment that always makes you excited to come back again soon.
To give you a taste of what this part of Greater Vancouver is all about, we’ve taken the time to put together a quick guide that covers everything you need to know. Inside you’ll find recommendations, hints and tips on how to get the most out of your time in Surrey; and if you read it from beginning to end, you’ll stumble across a few hidden gems no one else will tell you about. Enjoy!
Guildford in Surrey
Guildford is a bustling town centre development and also a homely neighbourhood that invites you to take a closer look from the moment you arrive. The warm welcomes and friendly locals really do have a habit of reaching out and making you feel like you’ve been there for years, even when you’ve only just got into town. Ideal when you want to feel right at home the moment you get there.
The area is also known for its thriving retail corridors that are spaced all the way along 104 Avenue and 152 Street. They offer a whole host of options that cover everything from food to fashion, and anything you can think of in between. The jewel in the crown of this part of town has to be the iconic 200-store Guildford Town Centre that’s always ready to welcome you through its doors. Inside you’ll find everything you could wish for including designer labels, trendy shops, and the big chains that always offer you something on-trend.
Newton & South Newton
This culturally diverse and inclusive community is more than just a family orientated living space — it’s fast becoming a key industrial hub in the local area. By being able to offer you everything from shopping and dining options, to affordable accommodation and a wide variety of employment options, this part of the city really is as close to self-contained as it’s possible to be.
And because of the excellent transport infrastructure and punctual service, you’ll be able to make the most of your time there without ever feeling isolated. This is ideal not only for getting out and about on the weekends, but also basing yourself somewhere homely so you can get to and from jobs anywhere in the city. While there’s plenty on your doorstep, you never know when you might want to make a change in your career, in which case having easy access to a wider variety of options is something that will surely be worth its weight in gold.
Fleetwood in Surrey
Next up we have Fleetwood, a quiet little neighbourhood that’s popular with young families and retired couples. Thanks to heavy levels of investment over the course of the last 10 years, Fleetwood has undergone something of a whirlwind transformation. While those with long memories may attempt to sway you and make you feel like you’re better off basing yourself somewhere else, the experiences of the here and now really do speak for themselves.
Not only is Fleetwood an area that’s undergone something of a revival in recent years, it’s also a place that’s always ready and waiting to welcome you in with open arms. Just what you want to hear when it’s time to change your perceptions about one of the most thriving and fast-developing corners of Vancouver so you never risk missing out on something truly special. In fact, all you have to do now is keep working your way down the rest of this list so you can draw up a shortlist of locations you want to visit and places you are considering basing yourself. Sounds so much simpler when you put it like that, doesn’t it?
Cloverdale in Surrey
Cloverdale can trace its origins all the way back to an agricultural based community that settled and began to grow in the mid-1800s. Fast forward to today and you’ll be met by an eclectic and inclusive neighbourhood that’s really starting to take off in a wide variety of different ways.
The public schools, transport and health infrastructure are all among the very best in the surrounding area, making Cloverdale a particularly attractive proposition for young families and those looking to settle down and retire. Put these two demographics together, and add in the friendly atmosphere that goes back generations, and you have a delightful little corner of Canada that’s sure to make you feel at home as soon as you start to unload your bags. Ideal when you want to make sure that nothing is missed as you go in search of a great new way to get to know everything the city has to offer you and your loved ones.
Whalley
Whalley is one of the most highly populated urban areas in Surrey featuring a well connected town centre that’s served by the SkyTrain. Not only does this give it a unique selling point in terms of how easy it is to commute to any other part of the city, it also makes it so simple to go and explore plenty of the sights and scenes when you have time off. Ideal if you want to base yourself in a bustling area that also offers you everything else you could want with nothing but a short train ride.
And if that wasn’t enough, you can also take in the scenic routes around the coast if you want to head in the other direction. Perfect for anyone looking to have the right blend of urban living, natural surroundings and endless entertaining ways to spend your evenings and weekends.
Fraser Heights in Surrey
Fraser Heights is located in Guildford, one of the six town centres in the city of Surrey. Highway 1 to the south and Highway 15 to the east offer the man made borders, while the beautiful Fraser River to the north boxes it in nicely. That means you get the perfect combination of natural beauty and fast transportation options when it’s time to go further afield.
The great thing about Fraser Heights is that so many of the homes will offer you a stunning view of the Fraser River, plus Coquitlam Mountain — a sight surely not to be missed. On top of that, you’ll also find a whole host of hiking and camping options right on your doorstep. Just what you want to hear when it’s time to get back in touch with nature when you’re lucky enough to have some time off or a vacation booked.
Panorama Ridge
If you take a stroll far above Garibaldi Lake you’ll find Panorama Ridge, a stunning little setting that’s sure to live long in the memory. Not only is it a great place to take photos and take in nature, it’s also the place to be when you want to take some time out from the hustle and bustle and think through anything that’s on your mind.
For those of you who love to disconnect and find new ways to look at life, this is one spot that’s always going to offer you plenty to think about. You’ll also be able to get to other parts of the city a lot easier than you might think, in large part due to the heavy investment in travel infrastructure the area has received in the last couple of years. Put this all together and you start to see why Panorama Ridge is one of the most sought after locations for anyone looking for a new angle on city living.
Hazelmere in Surrey
Renters will love this area if you want to find the perfect combination of space, cosy communal living and value for money. These are three of the key components of a happy way of life, and they’re also things to aspire to when you’re looking to base yourself in a new setting.
The problem is that when you look into your city living options, you’ll no doubt find competing options that don’t quite tick all the boxes but make you feel like you’re never going to find the right option. Luckily, when you take a closer look at Hazelmere, you’re taking a look at a setting that will invite you to make yourself at home for as long as the mood takes you.
South Surrey
South Surrey is a great option for any young family, or hard working professional, who wants safe and secure living combined with excellent transport links. Throw in the wide array of schooling and healthcare options and you have a setting that’s sure to invite you to make yourself at home from the moment you arrive.
There’s plenty of outdoor spaces and green parks for those of you looking to take a quick break from the hectic nature of the city. And if you want to dive right into the heart of the action, you’ll find plenty going on over the weekends and most evenings. Ideal if you want to sample the local cuisine, listen to some live music or just take in the atmosphere by finding a hangout spot that’s sure to have you coming back for more, over and over again.
Crescent Beach & Ocean Park
Crescent Beach is a trendy little beachside community that’s located right next to the bay. This makes it the ideal place to base yourself if you want to enjoy coastal living alongside the connections, entertainment options, and employment flexibility city living has to offer.
For those of you looking to make the most of your time there, make sure to check out any number of the beachside cafes and bars that are sure to catch your eye. Whether it’s a refreshing drink or freshly cooked food, you’re bound to get a real taste of the coast in no time at all. Personally, we think it’s one of the great culinary hotspots in the Vancouver area because of the sheer number of small, non-chain eateries that are always more than happy to extend a warm welcome to you and your guests.
Morgan Heights
This charming and quiet residential area is perfect for young families who want to be able to rest and relax as they make those precious early years even more special. Outdoor parks, playgroups, and communal activities are everywhere, making this a prime location for families who want to get to know their neighbours.
You’ll also never be short of options when it comes to quiet little cafes and bookstores if that’s what you feel like doing. The area may be mostly residential, but that hasn’t stopped it from growing a number of community hubs that are always well-frequented by the locals. Perfect when you want to feel like a part of the local scene within a few days of putting your key in the door.
Port Kells in Surrey
The northeastern sector of Guildford is home to Port Kells — a delightful neighbourhood set right next to the Fraser River. This beautiful natural backdrop gives the area a unique sense of poise and charm that evolves gradually throughout the year. With seasonal changes in the foliage and wildlife, Port Kells really is a part of Surrey that allows you to take in something new and wonderful every time you set foot outside your front door.
Grandview Heights & Sunnyside
These two come hand in hand, both offering a quiet and leafy setting for anyone who wants the peace of mind that comes knowing they’ve picked the right place to base themselves. And if that weren’t enough, you’ll also find that you can easily get to any other part of Surrey, or the rest of Vancouver, with the minimum of effort.
The entire area has seen heavy investment in terms of the transport and road infrastructure over the past few years. This has resulted in a flexible and punctual way to get around and about — perfect for anyone who wants to be able to enjoy the peace of quiet of Sunnyside while still feeling connected with the more lively parts of the city. It’ll also give you a fresh perspective on what it means to change where you live in the city by taking yourself that little bit further out from the centre. What may at first glance sound too remote for some quickly becomes an oasis loved by virtually everyone.
Clayton & East Clayton
If you’re looking for a classic urban suburb that combines family friendly living with a community spirit and communal atmosphere, look no further folks! The beauty of Clayton is that it invites you to make yourself at home no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you do for a living. This has resulted in an open and engaging community that’s always happy to help new arrivals.
The great thing about really getting to know your neighbours in a natural way is that they’re bound to recommend a whole host of new things to go and see on the weekend. Add in the easy transport access to the rest of Vancouver that you’ll enjoy and it really will start to sound like the perfect match for many of you who are reading this right now. But don’t just take our word for it; go out there, see what catches your eye, and enjoy every step of the journey as you explore a city unlike any other.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve taken you on a whistle stop tour of everything Surrey and South Surrey has to offer, it’s over to you to pick where you want to start. You might be looking for somewhere to base yourself, or you might be wanting to find out a little more about places to visit while you’re in Vancouver. No matter which camp you fall into, you’re sure to find plenty of ways to have fun, enjoy yourself and make memories once you work through all the locations we’ve covered. Make the most of it, have fun, and get in touch with HighStreet if there’s anything we can help with along the way. Now go off on your first adventure!
