About Surrey
Surrey is Metro Vancouver's second-largest city by population and its fastest-growing. The city has significant cultural diversity, particularly a large South Asian community where Punjabi is the second-most spoken language. SkyTrain Expo Line connects Surrey (Surrey Central, King George stations) to downtown Vancouver. At $1.15M average — $200K less than Vancouver — Surrey offers Metro Vancouver access at a lower price.
Surrey at a Glance
Cost of Living in Surrey
Surrey is $200K cheaper than Vancouver on average while maintaining SkyTrain Expo Line access. Detached homes average $1.5M — significant but $500K less than Vancouver equivalent. The SkyTrain connection makes Surrey viable for downtown Vancouver commuters.
Pros & Cons of Living in Surrey
- 🚇 SkyTrain Expo Line — Surrey Central plus King George stations, direct to Vancouver
- 🌏 Cultural diversity — large South Asian community, authentic Punjabi culture
- 💰 $1.15M vs Vancouver's $1.35M — $200K savings with SkyTrain access
- 🌿 Green Timbers Urban Forest — 248-hectare old-growth forest within Surrey
- 🏗️ Growing city — significant investment in downtown Surrey core development
- 🏥 Surrey Memorial Hospital — major regional hospital
- ⚠️ Crime variance — some Surrey neighbourhoods have higher crime than Metro Van average
- 🚗 Most Surrey is car-dependent outside SkyTrain corridor
- 🌆 Still developing urban core — downtown Surrey improving but not mature
- 🌧️ Metro Vancouver rain — same grey winters as Vancouver
- 🏗️ Rapid growth creating infrastructure pressure
Best Neighbourhoods in Surrey
Most desirable area — White Rock beach, pier, waterfront restaurants, upscale residential. $1.3M–$2.5M.
East Surrey planned communities — newer development, good schools, family-oriented. $1.0M–$1.5M.
Central Surrey — established residential, good South Asian community infrastructure. $1.0M–$1.4M.
Around Surrey Central SkyTrain — new condo development, improving urban core. Condos $550K–$850K.
Who Surrey Is Best For
Surrey is best for South Asian families seeking Canada largest Punjabi community at lower cost than Metro Vancouver, first-time Metro Vancouver buyers wanting SkyTrain at the most accessible price, and families who want detached homes with Metro Vancouver access at $200K less.