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Blog 5 Neighbourhoods 5 BC 5 Neighbourhood Guide: Surrey

Neighbourhood Guide: Surrey

10 min read
Kristina Ikavalko

Kristina Ikavalko

Creative Content Writer at liv.rent

Published on October 28, 2020

Last updated on January 24th, 2024

Map of Surrey neighbourhoods and their average rent via liv rent

Surrey is B.C.’s fastest-growing city and the largest city by area. Covering a vast expanse of land south of Vancouver between the Fraser River and the U.S. border, Surrey features 6 town centres, a wide variety of housing options in diverse neighbourhoods, some of the region’s best sports and recreational facilities, verdant parks, beaches and vast swaths of agricultural land. It is also home to a vibrant mix of thriving diaspora communities. Perhaps most markedly, Surrey welcomes the most newcomers in B.C. and is home to the region’s largest South Asian population. In fact, 41% of new immigrants to Surrey stem from India while South Asians make up 37% of Surrey’s overall population. This community has long played a key role in Surrey’s cultural, economic and societal vitality and continues to shape and build Surrey.


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  • What is it like to live in Surrey, BC?

    Surrey is an ideal place to live whether you are single or a growing family. Not only does it offer residents an extensive variety of housing options, it is also home to extensive playing fields, recreation centres and parks like Bear Creek Park or autumn favourites, the Bose Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch and the meticulously restored, Historic Stewart Farm in Elgin Heritage Park.

    Culturally speaking, the Surrey museum hosts numerous events and exhibits and a little history; adjacent to the museum, you’ll find one of the city’s oldest structures – a pioneer cabin from the 1800s. Newcomers to Canada have been arriving ever since! Or spend a magical evening taking in your favourite Shakespeare play at the Beach House Theatre in Crescent Beach.

    Surrey’s culinary scene is also exploding. It is an exemplary example of community connecting local farmers to sellers to chefs and customers. It is also diverse reflecting the city’s multi-cultural composition. Specifically, seek out some of the best Indian food in the country at Vikram Vij’s My Shanti or Showsha Taproon in South Surrey or Tasty Indian Bistro closer to Surrey City Centre.


    Average Rent In Surrey BC

    Surrey neighbourhoods by rental cost via liv rent

    Surrey offers some of the most affordable housing options in the entire Greater Vancouver area. Not to mention that in general, renters are also getting more space for their money, possibly a yard, and often easy access to transit.

    >> Recommended Reading: February 2022 Vancouver Rent Report

    Below are the average rental rates for unfurnished units in Surrey, and an infographic comparing rent per sq. ft. rates across Greater Vancouver.

    1 bed 2 bed 3 bed
    $1,549 $1,943 $2,645
    average rent per square foot across metro vancouver cities

    Pet Friendly Rentals in Surrey

    Sadly for pet owners, only 10% of rentals in Surrey are pet friendly. Though the city is an ideal place for dog owners with its expansive trail networks, parks and agricultural lands to explore with your best four-legged friend(s), most Surrey pet owners live in non-rental housing.


    Average House Prices in Surrey

    Below are the average house prices for various housing types throughout Surrey. Statistics are from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) January 2022 report on median house prices throughout the region.

      Central Surrey (Newton/
    Fleetwood)
    Cloverdale North Surrey (Guildford) South Surrey
    Apartment $565,000 $585,000 $535,500 $631,250
    Townhouse $969,900 $960,000 $864,000 $1,055,500
    Detached Home $1,892,000 $1,795,656 $1,799,500 $1,925,000

    Surrey Neighbourhoods

    Now, it’s time to explore Surrey in more detail by taking a look at its different neighbourhoods, their average rental rates, and what makes each neighbourhood unique. This large and diverse city truly has something for every renter, offering plenty of neighbourhoods each with its own character and advantages.


    Cloverdale

    Cloverdale is Surrey’s third largest community, historic centre and home to the Cloverdale Rodeo. In the same exhibition fairgrounds as the rodeo, Western Canada’s largest Canada Day celebrations welcomes thousands for festivities annually. This is also where you’ll find the Museum of Surrey and the unique BC Vintage Truck Museum.

    Cloverdale’s rodeo charm is reflected in the western character of its main street which has been carefully preserved despite the considerable commercial expansion that has taken place around the town. It is a busy hub of activity due in part to its strategic location and railway crossroads. Founded as a small farming community in 1870, Cloverdale continues to boast a profitable agricultural industry.

    In addition, residential areas like Clayton Heights have also experienced significant growth in recent years with new residential developments springing up and offering additional housing options. To support this growth, many new facilities and amenities have popped up to serve the community. An approved SkyTrain expansion, will see three new stations established in Cloverdale, connecting to Vancouver in the west and Langley to the southeast.

    Average Apartment Rent:

    1bed 2bed 3bed
    $1,150 $1,400 $1,950

    Schools:

    The community is well served with schools offering both public and independent options (indicated with an *). For more information and a comprehensive list of Surrey public schools please visit the Surrey School Board site and for independent schools visit the Independent Schools Association site.

    Elementary Schools Secondary Schools
    Adams Road Elementary
    Hillcrest Elementary
    AJ McLellan Elementary
    George Greenaway Elementary
    Martha Currie Elementary
    Cloverdale Traditional*
    Fraser Valley School*
    Diamond School (K-12)*
    Surrey Christian School Cloverdale Campus*
    École Salish French Immersion Secondary
    Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary
    Clayton Heights Secondary

    Transportation:

    Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 
    – 45-55 minutes by car to Downtown Vancouver
    – 80 minutes by transit to Downtown Vancouver (bus to Surrey Central Station, Expo Line Skytrain Downtown)

    Sports & Recreation:


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    Fleetwood

    Located in the northeastern part of Surrey, the Fleetwood neighbourhood attracts many families thanks to nearby services, countless schools and Skytrain access in Guildford. It also offers residents easy access to beautiful dog-friendly, walking and hiking trails as well as sports fields, and a track at Bear Creek Train & Mini Golf park. Kids will love the historic train as well as the mini-golf and water and skate parks as well.

    The mostly residential Fleetwood is comprised of welcoming communities with great schools, excellent sports and recreation facilities, a community centre and notable annual events like the Greek Food Festival and the Fleetwood Festival.

    Average Apartment Rent:

    1bed 2bed 3bed
    $1,200 $1,900 $2,200

    Schools:

    For more information and a comprehensive list of Surrey public schools please visit the Surrey School Board site and for independent schools (indicated with an *) visit the Independent Schools Association site.

    Elementary Schools Secondary Schools
    Woodland Park Elementary
    Coyote Creek Elementary
    Brookside Elementary
    William Watson Elementary
    Maple Green Elementary
    Janice Churchill Elementary
    Walnut Road Elementary
    St. Matthews Elementary*
    Sikh Academy*
    Surrey Christian School Fleetwood Campus (K-12)*
    Fleetwood Park Secondary
    Holy Cross Regional High*

    Transportation:

    Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 
    – 45 minutes by car to Downtown Vancouver
    – 60 minutes by transit to Downtown Vancouver (bus to King George Station, Expo Line Skytrain)

    Sports & Recreation:


    Guildford

    Guildford is a diverse residential neighbourhood surrounding one of BC’s largest shopping and commercial centres, Guildford Town Centre. Known as the gateway to Surrey, its northern boundary runs along the Fraser River from about Surrey Road to its border with Langley at 196th Street.

    A family-friendly neighbourhood, Guildford boasts excellent schools, recreational facilities and, most importantly, affordable housing. Recent revitalization has resulted in many new townhomes and condo developments situated close to shops and other amenities in the area. Meanwhile, older, more established neighbourhoods feature primarily single-family homes.

    Tynehead Regional Park provides the perfect natural retreat for residents and visitors. Enjoy acres of dog-friendly parkland, an elaborate trail system, a fish hatchery, a butterfly garden, campsites and the bucolic Serpentine River in this impressive regional park. Consider visiting the historic “Charlie’s Tree” – a memorial and beautiful tribute to WW1 veterans created by Surrey Resident and fellow WW1 vet, Charlie Perkins.

    Average Apartment Rent:

    1bed 2bed 3bed
    $1,392 $1,675 $1,850

    Schools:

    For more information and a comprehensive list of Surrey public schools please visit the Surrey School Board site and for independent schools (indicated with an *) visit the Independent Schools Association site.

    Elementary Schools Secondary Schools
    Berkshire Park Elementary
    Frost Road Elementary
    Serpentine Heights Elementary
    Bonaccord Elementary
    Riverdale Elementary
    Hjorth Road Elementary
    Coast Meridian Elementary
    William Davidson Elementary
    Bothwell Elementary
    North Surrey Secondary
    Guildford Park Secondary

    Transportation:

    Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 
    – 35-55 minutes by car to Downtown Vancouver
    – 65 minutes by transit to Downtown Vancouver (bus to Surrey Central Station, Expo Line Skytrain Downtown)State the “commuting” and “driving” distance from Surrey to downtown Vancouver

    Sports & Recreation:


    Newton

    Newton has suffered notoriety for many years but thankfully, the City of Surrey has committed time and resources to revitalizing this neighbourhood and boosting its reputation. The town centre has seen significant investment in recent years and boasts some of Surrey’s best South Asian shopping options. The relatively new West Newton Community Centre is located amidst a 9-acre park featuring a cricket pitch with a spectator stand, an outdoor pavilion, community walking track and elaborate playground.

    Average Apartment Rent:

    1bed 2bed 3bed
    $1,050 $1,500 $2,275

    Schools:

    For more information and a comprehensive list of Surrey public schools please visit the Surrey School Board site and for independent schools (indicated with an *) visit the Independent Schools Association site.

    Elementary Schools Secondary Schools
    École Woodward Hill Elementary
    Newton Elementary
    Surrey Centre Elementary
    Westerman Elementary
    Cougar Creek Elementary
    Strawberry Hill Elementary
    W.E. Kinvig Elementary
    Henry Bose Elementary
    Northridge Elementary
    Martha Jane Norris
    Cambridge Elementary
    Chimney Hill Elementary
    M.B. Sanford Elementary
    Khalsa School Newton *
    Frank Hurt Secondary
    Tamanawis Secondary
    Princess Margaret Secondary
    Enver Creek Secondary
    Seaquam Secondary
    Sullivan Heights Secondary
    North Delta Secondary
    Queen Elizabeth Secondary
    Panorama Ridge Secondary
    Khalsa Secondary*

    Transportation:

    Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 
    – 45-55 minutes by car to Downtown Vancouver
    – 65 minutes by transit to Downtown Vancouver (bus to King George Station, Expo Line Skytrain Downtown)

    Sports & Recreation:


    South Surrey

    South Surrey boasts excellent schools including two private schools, recreational facilities, beautiful properties and an easy 35-minute access to the Canada/US border. The average household income is the highest of all the Surrey town centres. The small and separate community of Whiterock is bordered on 3 sides by South Surrey, and the ocean on the fourth. Here, residents and visitors enjoy the ocean at the expansive Crescent Beach or nearby at Blackie Spit Park, as well as the shopping charming shops and restaurants along the water front. Enjoy some oysters with your view at Five Kitchen & Oyster Bar or enchiladas and a Mezcal Negroni at Zapoteca Mexican Grill.

    South Surrey also has acres of urban forest, agricultural land and parks, including Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest and Elgin Heritage Park where you’ll find the historic and charming, historic Stewart Heritage Farm.


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  • Average Apartment Rent:

    1bed 2bed 3bed
    $1,760 $2,525 $3,100

    Schools:

    For more information and a comprehensive list of Surrey public schools please visit the Surrey School Board site and for independent schools (indicated with an *) visit the Independent Schools Association site.

    Elementary Schools Secondary Schools
    Morgan Elementary
    Rosemary Heights Elementary
    Sunny Side Elementary
    Semiahmoo Trails Elementary
    H.T. Thrift Elementary
    Bayridge Elementary
    Elign Park Elementary
    South Meridian Elementary
    Pacific Heights Elementary
    East Kensington Elementary
    White Rock Christian Academy (K-12)*
    Southpoint Academy (K-12)*
    Southridge (K-12)*
    Semiahmoo Secondary
    Earl Marriott Secondary
    Elgin Park Secondary

    Transportation:

    Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 
    – 50 minutes by car to Downtown Vancouver
    – 75-90 minutes by transit to Downtown Vancouver (bus to Richmond’s Bridgeport Station, Canada Line downtown)

    Sports & Recreation:


    Whalley / Surrey City Centre

    Whalley/ Surrey City Centre city is a thriving city that serves as the civic hub for all of Surrey, showcasing the very best the city has to offer. It is here you will find the revitalized civic centre which features the City Centre Library, Surrey City Hall and Simon Fraser University’s beautiful Surrey campus. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the shops and services at Central City Shopping Centre, the neighbouring Holland Park with its meandering trails, manicured gardens and the Royal Kwantlen Park with sports fields, a playground, and an outdoor pool. 

    The architecturally impressive 200,000 square foot City Hall features a plaza, a performing arts venue, and the source of Red Racer beer, Central City Brewery & Distillery. In addition, the neighbourhood is home to Holland Park, a popular concert venue, and the Surrey Urban Farmers Market, abundant in local produce and artisanal wares.

    Average Apartment Rent:

    1bed 2bed 3bed
    $1,660 $2,100 $2,883

    Schools:

    For more information and a comprehensive list of Surrey public schools please visit the Surrey School Board site and for independent schools (indicated with an *) visit the Independent Schools Association site.

    Elementary Schools Secondary Schools
    Betty Huff Elementary
    Simon Cunningham Elementary
    Old Yale Road Elementary
    K.B. Woodward Elementary
    Cindrich Elementary
    Lena Shaw Elementary
    A.H.P. Matthew Elementary
    David Brankin Elementary
    Our Lady of Good Counsel*
    Kwantlen Park Secondary
    North Surrey Secondary
    L.A. Matheson Secondary
    Surrey Christian Secondary*

    Transportation:

    Proximity to Downtown Vancouver: 
    – 50-60 minutes by car to Downtown Vancouver
    – 42 minutes by transit to Downtown Vancouver on the Skytrain from Surrey Central Station

    Sports & Recreation:


    Surrey is a thriving Vancouver suburb estimated to surpass Vancouver’s population in the next 10 years thanks to an ample amount of land. It is well worth exploring for its diversity, nature, neighbourhoods and vital small business scene. Whether you choose to live here or simply visit, there is something for everyone.

    >>For the low-down on other Greater Vancouver neighbourhoods, check out our other guides:



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