Surrey is a bustling, fast-growing, and economically vigorous city that makes a great destination to live, work, and play near Vancouver. Dynamic and fast-paced, Surrey combines a largely suburban atmosphere among natural wonders with an active and progressive urban centre, offering individuals and families a nice blend of city amenities and just-around-the-corner adventures. The Surrey real estate market is also pretty hot right now, so it’s a great time to invest in a property in any neighbourhood of this vibrant city. If you are considering homes for sale in British Columbia and Surrey sounds like a good idea, here are the top things you should know about living here.
More About Surrey Real Estate
Located in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, on the southern side of the Fraser River and north of the Canada-U.S border, Surrey is one of Metro Vancouver’s 21 municipalities. It is the second-largest city in the region by land area with 316.4 square kilometres (122.2 sq. mi) and the second-most populous with over 580,000 inhabitants. The city is also on the territories of several Salish People groups, including the land-based nations of Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo.
Surrey, BC, Real Estate Market
The Surrey real estate market can barely keep up with the city’s growing pace, which reflects in the significant increase in home prices. The average price of homes for sale in Surrey is currently $1.9M, pretty similar to the price points in residential areas of neighbouring cities like Vancouver or Burnaby.
The city boasts 26 neighbourhoods where properties range from $596K to around $2.5M depending on construction date, square footage, location, and style. The homeownership rate is about 73%, which means Surrey’s accessible amenities, high-ranked schools, and beautiful outdoors keep convincing homebuyers to pay the purchase price in order to call home any of the city’s well-established communities.
Single-detached homes are the most popular housing type in Surrey, followed by townhomes, duplexes, and low-rise condo apartments. Surrey is relatively a young city in terms of construction, with approximately one-third of the dwellings having been built after the 2000s. The remaining home stock was raised between the ’60s and the ’80s.
Surrey Average Property Prices
- Average detached house price:$2.8M
- Average condo price: $576K
- Average townhouse price: $938K
Surrey Neighbourhoods
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a move-up buyer looking for a change in scenery, Surrey, BC, is a great place to consider. Here are five of the city’s best neighbourhoods:
- Clayton: Considered one of the best places to settle down in Surrey, Clayton is family-oriented, walkable, and close enough to farmland and parks, so residents can enjoy green spaces and a peaceful environment without giving up on urban amenities. The local real estate market is dynamic, with a growing stock of detached single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. Schools in the area are plentiful and well regarded.
- Sunnyside Park: Home to several recreation centres, great schools, and the Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest, Sunnyside Park is a desirable residential spot in the central portion of South Surrey. The community boasts a nice mix of existing and newly-built homes for sale, along with an ample supply of condominiums. Its proximity to Boundary Bay, Semiahmoo Bay, and White Rock Pier is an additional appealing feature of this neighbourhood.
- Newton: Culturally diverse and home to a plethora of recreational facilities, arts & culture hotspots, seafront parks, and community resources, Newton is a fantastic place to call home in Surrey. The town has busy commercial areas and tranquil residential zones for individuals and families craving the traditional Canadian suburban lifestyle. Homebuyers looking for Newton homes for sale can pick from single-family detached homes, attached dwellings, and condominiums.
- Morgan Creek: The homes for sale in Morgan Creek are typically located on large lots, with well-groomed lawns and yard space. There are also new construction condos and townhomes available. Being surrounded by golf courses and parks, this area doesn’t lack natural beauty and outdoor exploration opportunities. Shopping experiences, dining options, and well-ranked schools are also among the benefits of moving to this place.
- Fleetwood: Fast-growing, cosy, and covered in parks and agricultural fields, Fleetwood is worth checking out if you want to live in a quiet community not far from Vancouver. This area is primarily residential and has countless schools, sports and recreational facilities, and community centres. Most dwellings are single-family homes, followed by row residences and apartments. In recent years, Fleetwood has seen several new developments in response to its increasing population.
Surrey, BC, Schools
Educational services in Surrey are provided by Surrey Schools, the largest school district in British Columbia. Surrey Schools manages 103 elementary schools and 21 secondary schools, facilitating learning for more than 74,000 students across the city and in the neighbouring community of White Rock. In addition, there are 47 private schools in Surrey that cater to children of high school age, some of which also have primary and nursery programs. As far as post-secondary options go, the local student body can choose between Simon Fraser University Surrey Campus, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Douglas College.
Whether you’re looking for a primary or secondary school for your children, Surrey has a great selection to choose from. Here’s is a list of some of the top-ranked schools in Surrey according to the Fraser Institute:
Surrey Elementary Schools
Diamond School (K-12)
Address: 8620 56 Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 1G1
Phone: 604-576-1146
Cornerstone Montessori (K-7)
Address: 14724 84 Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 2M6
Phone: 604-599-9918
Southridge School (K-12)
Address: 2656 160 St, Surrey, BC V3Z 0B7
Phone: 604-535-5056
Star Of The Sea School (K-7)
Address: 15024 24 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V4A 2H8
Phone: 604-531-6316
Surrey Secondary Schools
Diamond School (K-12)
Address: 8620 56 Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 1G1
Phone: 604-576-1146
Southridge School (K-12)
Address: 2656 160 St, Surrey, BC V3Z 0B7
Phone: 604-535-5056
Pacific Academy (K-12)
Address: 10238 168 St, Surrey, BC V4N 1Z4
Phone: 604-581-5353
Surrey Real Estate FAQs
What Is The Postal Code For Surrey?
Here’s a brief list of all the Surrey, BC postal codes per area:
- Surrey North V3R
- Surrey East V3S
- Surrey Inner Northwest V3T
- Surrey Outer Northwest V3V
- Surrey Upper West V3W
- Surrey Lower West V3X
- Surrey Southwest V4A
- Surrey Northeast V4N
- Surrey South V4P
Is Vancouver And Surrey The Same?
Surrey is part of Metro Vancouver, a metropolitan area in British Columbia that also boasts the City of Vancouver.
Where Is The Nearest Commercial Airport In Surrey, BC?
The closest airport to Surrey is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), about 27.6 kilometres away.
Living In Surrey, BC
With a wealth of family-friendly services and activities, abundant green spaces and parks, accessible housing and amenities, business opportunities, and a calm suburban atmosphere, Surrey is a desirable location to purchase a house near Vancouver. Keep reading to find out what relocating to this city looks like:
Living Costs
A single resident can anticipate monthly expenses of $1,109.89 without taking into account rent or mortgage payments.
Taxation
Surrey has the lowest property taxes and second-lowest commercial taxes in Metro Vancouver.
“The City Of Parks”
The city earned this title for being home to over 800 parks scattered around its 5,400 acres and over 650 kilometres of trails. Whether you like bird-watching, jogging, wildlife viewing, or simply finding the perfect picnic spot for a date, Surrey provides endless possibilities.
Peace & Quiet
Surrey is ideal for those who appreciate a serene environment since most of the city’s streets are reasonably calm. The areas near Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 17 or any railway lines are exceptions.
Mild Weather
The majority of the year, Surrey’s temperatures are relatively mild and pleasant. The warmest days are between June and September when the higher temperatures register in early August and averaging 21ºC. On the other hand, the coldest season runs from mid-November to late February, with temperatures around 13ºC.
Surrey, BC Jobs
Surrey has a flourishing economy and it’s highly respected for its high-tech, agricultural, and advanced manufacturing industries. In addition, the city boasts 10% of BC’s clean-tech sector and it’s quite famous for its health technology, agri-innovation, and high quality film and TV production. Surrey is also an entrepreneurial & business hub, with a favourable environment for companies to thrive. As a result, over 16,000 enterprises prosper there, from one-person independent businesses to multinational corporations. Everything required for success has been carefully fostered over time, from pro-business government programs, to infrastructure, services, and lifestyle advantages that have attracted up to 1,000 new monthly residents. These are the top employers in the area:
- The City of Surrey
- Surrey Schools
- Coast Capital Savings
- Fraser Health
Surrey, BC Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in the city is 6.5% and this number has been steadily declining by 0.05% per year for the last 15 years.
Surrey Median Household Income
According to Statistics Canada, Surrey’s Median Household Income is $77,494 yearly. That is above the national median income of $65,773 per year.
Surrey Transportation
Most residents in Surrey find it easier to move around by car since the city is close to Fraser Highway, Pacific Highway, and Trans-Canada Highway 1. Commuters are also well-serviced by public transit, with the local rapid transit system, SkyTrain, within reach via the Expo Line to easily get to downtown Vancouver and the nearby cities of Burnaby and New Westminster. Surrey also has 50 bus lines with plenty of stops near the residential zones. The city is cycling-friendly too, with several dedicated bike lanes and paths around town. Need to fly in or out of the city? Surrey is a 37-minute drive from the Vancouver International Airport.
Distance to Major Cities
- 20 Kilometres to Burnaby, BC
- 31 Kilometres to Vancouver, BC
- 85 Kilometres to Victoria, BC
- 170 Kilometres to Seattle, WA
- 399 Kilometres to Portland, OR
Parks In Surrey, British Columbia
Surrey boasts more than 800 parks and over 650 kilometres of trails, providing residents with plenty of green space to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a place to have a picnic, go for a walk or just relax in nature, there’s a park perfect for you in Surrey. Here is a quick list of some of the best parks in the city:
- Redwood Park – Redwood Park is one of Surrey’s most beautiful natural sites. This family favourite boasts over five kilometres of picturesque trails, a wheelchair-accessible playground, a treehouse, four picnic shelters, and a forest. Explore the park to find treasures like a birdhouse collection and a drinking fountain created from a tree stump.
- Blackie Spit Park – Located in Crescent Beach, Blackie Spit offers visitors stunning views of Mud Bay and the North Shore Mountains and plenty of recreation for outdoor lovers of all ages. The area is a prime destination for bird and wildlife watching and has hiking trails, a dog off-leash area, and a dog swimming area. The Surrey Sailing Club, and the Crescent Beach Swim Club are nearby for those who crave swimming in a pool, relaxing by the beach or practising water sports activities.
- Bear Creek Park – This Surrey park has something for everyone. If you are active, come for a power hike in any of its scenic trails or use the outdoor fitness equipment for some heart-pumping cardio. There are also football and soccer fields, a running track and an outdoor pool. For de-stress and relaxation, take a peaceful stroll through the gardens, take the kids to the playground and the dog for a run in the off-leash area, or plan a friend’s picnic al fresco in any of the available shelters.
- Colony Farm Regional Park- This is a great spot to visit every season. Its trails and paths are great for walking and hiking, and dogs are welcome on a leash to protect the abundant wildlife presence. As its name suggests, this is both a park and a farm because neighbouring residents grow flowers and vegetables in the designated areas with the beautiful background of mountains and a small river flowing nearby. Several picnic tables are romantically sprinkled under trees and close to the farmland.
- Green Timbers Urban Forest – This is one of Surrey’s largest parks and comprises 10+ kilometres of natural trails for hikers and bikers to enjoy. Parkgoers can also find picnic areas, a lake for year-round fishing, and a second-growth forest to escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, common wildlife sightings include woodpeckers, native squirrels, bald eagles, and ducks.
- Mud Bay Park – With several kilometres of shoreline trails and breathtaking views of Boundary Bay, Mud Bay Park is a peaceful oasis by the ocean. Since this is Canada’s #1 Important Bird Area, expect to see loons, but especially shorebirds (hundreds of them!) feasting on mudflats and eelgrass meadows when the tide is low. Seals are another species frequently seen in the area.
- Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest – Sunny Acres Urban Forest is one of the best spots to enjoy peace near the city. The area has an easy 4-kilometres walking circuit among trees and accessible paths that are perfect for a bike ride or a stroll with your furry friend. Several benches are scattered around if you need a good reading spot or want to enjoy some alone time in silence.
- Darts Hill Garden Park – A must-visit for every plant lover in BC lower mainland, Darts Hill Garden Park is a well-maintained collection of flowers and plant species that has been around for 75 years. What started as a fruit orchard is now a unique collection of mature trees and shrubs, with varieties from all over the world. The garden is a horticultural centre for plant preservation, and aside from booking a tour for exploring the premises, visitors purchase plants and participate in special activities and events.
- Surrey Bend Regional Park – Surrey Bend is a serene park located on the banks of the Fraser River in northeast Surrey. The area’s highlight is the plentiful walking trails, covered picnic shelters to have an outdoor lunch, and a natural playground for the children. Hikers, bikers, and dog walkers can enjoy gorgeous views of the mountains and the river.
- Elgin Heritage Park – Nature is better when mixed with history. That’s exactly what happens in Elgin Heritage Park. This popular location features a forest, a meadow, a wetland, a marina, and the Historic Stewart Farm heritage zone you can tour. Additionally, visitors can practice leisure activities like walking, hiking, biking, and picnicking.
