Yes, Surrey is a good place to live and that can been seen in the rapid growth of the city. Furthermore, Surrey is large enough to offer a living choice of urban or rural and everything in between. So, Surrey can be as good as a place as the resident wants it to be.
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Another reason Surrey is a good place to live is safe neighborhoods. This is another benefit of living in such a large area such as Surrey. New people to Surrey can choose to live away from densely populated areas, where crime is more likely to happen, to smaller neighborhoods that have less crime.
The Surrey Real Estate Market: a Good Place to Live
The Surrey BC real estate market is a very active market that has been experiencing massive growth over the past several years, especially in the Surrey home buying season of March to June. This proves objectively that Surrey is a good place to live. There are three main reasons that explain Surrey's booming real estate market:
The available space in Surrey
Surrey's close proximity to Vancouver
The large population of Surrey
Surrey is located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, just outside of Vancouver. Not only is Surrey conveniently next to Vancouver, the population of Surrey is similar in size to Vancouver. The city of Surrey is the second largest city in BC, with a population of over 520,000 people with Vancouver having a population of 675,000.
Surrey's Market Growth: Its Growing Because Its a Good Place to Live
According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, the benchmark price for a single-family home in Surrey in February 2023 was $1,608,300 which is an increase of around 33% from the same month last year. The benchmark price for a townhouse in Surrey in February 2023 was $789,500 which is an increase of around 23% from the same month last year.
Surrey's Available Real Estate Land: Its Good to Have Land
Probably the most important factor contributing to the real estate market in Surrey and why its a good place to live is the amount of land Surrey can provide. Vancouver is around 115 square kilometers, whereas the land mass of Surrey is almost 320 square kilometers. That is a lot of extra space to house new Surrey residents.
The Location of Surrey to Vancouver: Its Good to be by Vancouver
The transit options between Surrey and Vancouver are good.
Surrey SkyTrain
The SkyTrain is a rapid transit system that connects Surrey and Vancouver. The Expo Line runs from Surrey's King George Station to Vancouver's Waterfront Station, with stops in between at stations like Surrey Central, Gateway, and New Westminster. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
Surrey Bus System
There are many bus routes that run between Surrey and Vancouver, operated by TransLink. Some popular routes include the 301 which runs from Newton Exchange in Surrey to Brighouse Station in Richmond, and the 99 B-Line, which runs from Surrey Central Station to UBC in Vancouver.
Surrey Trans-Canada Highway
The most direct route between Surrey and Vancouver is via Highway 1 aka Trans-Canada, which takes about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Biking in Surrey
For Surrey cyclists, the Central Valley Greenway is a scenic and relatively flat route that runs from New Westminster to Vancouver, passing through Surrey along the way. The entire route takes about 2-3 hours to bike, depending on your starting point.
Surrey's Growing Population
There are no plans for the population of Surrey to stop growing anytime soon. Surrey has the space and population growth fosters the need for available real estate.
Surrey Housing Market: Space + Vancouver + Population = a Growing Real Estate Market
The combination of available space in Surrey, its close proximity to Vancouver, and its large population create a perfect recipe for a growing real estate market. Surrey's growing population has led to an increased demand for housing, while its proximity to Vancouver has made it a good option for those looking for more affordable housing options outside of the city. Additionally, the availability of space in Surrey has allowed for new developments to be built, including high-rise condos, townhouses, and detached homes. All of these factors have contributed to the growth of Surrey's real estate market, making it a popular choice for both homebuyers and investors alike.
Surrey is a Good Place to Live If It Is Safe
Surrey is generally considered a safe place to live, work, and visit. The city of Surrey BC is considered safe due to the fact it has a lower violent crime rate than Canadian national average. So, in regards to safety, Surrey is a good place to live.
As per Statistics Canada, property crime is unfortunately 36% higher than the national average. However, violent crime in Surrey is 5% lower than the national average. So, Surrey can be considered safe in regards to physical safety.
Surrey RCMP 2022 Crime Stats Summary
Violent Crimes: 7310
Residential Break-in: 891
Total Property Crimes: 22005
Surrey RCMP 2022 Crime Stats
Homicide: 10
Attempted Murder: 8
Robbery: 382
Sexual Offences: 488
Assault: 3717
Kidnapping and Abduction: 41
Business B&E: 850
Theft of Vehicle: 1305
Vehicle Break-in: 5392
Minor Theft: 3003
Major Theft: 70
Shoplifting: 2397
Stolen Property: 311
Identity Theft and Fraud: 163
Arson: 236
Mischief: 3808
Offensive Weapons: 366
Disturbance: 7770
Drug Possession: 606
Drug Tafficking: 223
Drug Production: 8
Safety in Surrey Compared to Vancouver
According to Statistics Canada, as of 2021, the estimated population of Vancouver, British Columbia, is around 657,000 people, making it the 8th largest city in Canada. Surrey, on the other hand, is the 12th largest city in Canada, with an estimated population of over 600,000 people as of 2021.
Violent crime and property crime in Vancouver is about the same as Surrey. So, Surrey is just as safe as the city of Vancouver.
Safety in Surrey Compared to Other Canadian Cities
Surrey, British Columbia, is the 12th largest city in Canada by population, with a population quickly reaching 600,000 people as of 2021. There are several Canadian cities that are similar in size to Surrey:
Hamilton, Ontario - Hamilton is the 10th largest city in Canada with a population of over 540,000 people. Violent crime and property crime is 76% lower than the national average.
Quebec City, Quebec - Quebec City is the 11th largest city in Canada with a population of over 540,000 people. Violent crime is 18% lower and property crime is 48% lower than the national average.
Winnipeg, Manitoba - Winnipeg is the 7th largest city in Canada with a population of over 750,000 people. Violent crime is 61% higher and property crime is 39% higher than the national average.
Mississauga, Ontario - Mississauga is the 6th largest city in Canada with a population of over 760,000 people. Violent crime and property crime is 55% lower than the national average.
Brampton, Ontario - Brampton is the 9th largest city in Canada with a population of over 650,000 people. Violent crime and property crime is 30% lower than the national average.
Surrey BC has a lower crime rate compared to other major cities in Canada, but certain areas within the city may have higher or lower crime rates than others. Many people thinking of getting into the Surrey real estate market are concerned about Surrey house prices. However, It's important to research the specific Surrey neighborhoods and areas you plan to visit or live in to get a better understanding of the local safety conditions as well.
The city of Surrey has a dedicated police force, the Surrey RCMP, who work to keep the community safe. They provide resources and information on crime prevention and community safety programs.
As a general rule, it's important to take common sense safety precautions, such as locking doors and windows, not leaving valuables in plain sight, and avoiding walking alone in dimly lit or isolated areas. Additionally, it's important to be aware of any potential risks when traveling alone, especially at night.
Overall, Surrey is a relatively safe city, but like any place, it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety.
What is a Good Place to Live in Surrey For Low Crime?
A good and also safest place to live in Surrey BC is the neighborhood of Kennedy. Local Surrey law enforcement crime mapping indicates that Kennedy is the area in Surrey that is furthest away from where crimes are being reported. This includes reported violent crimes, which would be the determining factor in evaluating if an area is safe or not.
Most crime in Surrey happens in and around areas of high pedestrian traffic, such as King George Boulevard. Shopping complexes in Surrey British Columbia also have high reports of crime, such as Semiahmoo Shopping Centre and Guilford Mall.
Other Good Safe Neighborhoods in Surrey BC
If the best place to live in Surrey are areas with the least amount of crime, then White Rock, Fraser Heights, and Colebrook would also fall in to that category. Though not as far from locations of reported crimes as Kennedy the areas of White Rock, Fraser Heights, and Colebrook have very few crimes reported directly in their boarders. They are just a little closer, than Kennedy, to areas where crime is being reported more frequently.
White Rock
White Rock is a picturesque seaside community located in the southwestern corner of Surrey. The city is situated on the Semiahmoo Bay and is known for its long sandy beach, historic pier, and stunning views of the ocean and the nearby San Juan Islands.
Fraser Heights
Fraser Heights is a community located in the northern part of Surrey. The community of Fraser Heights is known for beautiful parks, green spaces, and natural surroundings, with the Tynehead Regional Park located nearby. It is a new community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Fraser Heights is connected to other parts of Surrey and Greater Vancouver through major roads, highways, and public transportation. Fraser Heights has excellent schools, including Fraser Heights Secondary School. Furthermore, Fraser Heights, has a variety of recreational facilities, such as the Fraser Heights Recreation Centre, making it a great place for families to live.
Colebrook
Colebrook is a small community located in the south part of Surrey, by the ocean, just north of White Rock. The community is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. The small community of Colebrook is located close to several major transportation routes:
Trans-Canada Highway
South Fraser Perimeter Road
Colebrook is home to several parks such as the Hazelnut Meadows Community Park and the Colebrook Park. These parks provide residents with opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Despite being a small community, Colebrook does offer a variety of local amenities, including shops, restaurants, and small businesses. This makes Colebrook a convenient and comfortable place to live.
What is a Good Part of Surrey to Live in?
The best area in Surrey to live is White Rock, in the South Surrey part of the city. White Rock is a favorite of many Surrey blogs. However, White Rock is only the best part of Surrey to live in if a nice climate is important to you and you appreciate the beach with ocean views.
Surrey's Great Seaside
Surrey's White Rock area is located on the Semiahmoo Bay, which offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains. White Rock is also home to the famous White Rock Pier, which is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Surrey's Great Mild Climate
White Rock enjoys the most mild climate in Surrey throughout the year, making it a great place to live if you prefer milder temperatures. The area is also known for having less rainfall than other parts of the Lower Mainland.
The beauty of White Rock explains why Surrey homes in this area are so expensive. White Rock is a good place to live in Surrey if you enjoy a relaxed, coastal lifestyle with easy access to outdoor activities, cultural events, and a strong sense of community.