{"id":39856,"date":"2025-03-10T01:52:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T05:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/?p=39856"},"modified":"2026-01-16T12:17:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T17:17:22","slug":"living-in-surrey-british-columbia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia","title":{"rendered":"Living in Surrey, BC: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The west coast of Canada is a popular landing place for new immigrants. Are you thinking about moving to Surrey, British Columbia? Or perhaps another part of Metro Vancouver or B.C.? Moving is a huge life decision. The city you choose can determine your housing and job options, as well as your financial well-being. So, researching cities before you move is a vital step. Surrey is a great destination for newcomers. It is popular with immigrants from the Asia-Pacific Region. While mostly suburban, it is a beautiful part of the country with a mild climate and is close to Vancouver. Plus, you are never too far from the water and mountains in B.C. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-surrey-british-columbia\"><strong>About Surrey, British Columbia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in Surrey, British Columbia, allows residents to enjoy beautiful urban forests, clean beaches, golf courses, and great eco-tourism opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Surrey&nbsp;is the second-largest city by population in British Columbia and is only 23 km from Vancouver Centre. Housing is more affordable than in&nbsp;Vancouver.&nbsp; So, many people choose to live in Surrey and commute to Vancouver for work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This city was incorporated in 1879. It was named after Surrey, England, because it had land that looked like the region. The Pattullo Bridge was completed in 1937. This allowed the city to expand. Surrey was granted city status in 1993 after large population growth in the 1980s and &#8217;90s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-many-people-live-in-surrey-british-columbia\">How Many People Live in Surrey, British Columbia?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As of the 2021 Census, the population is 568,322. This is an increase of 9.7% and over 50,000 residents in five years. And it continues to grow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-find-a-job-amp-build-a-career-in-surrey\"><strong>How to Find a Job &amp; Build a Career in Surrey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-surrey-s-local-economy\">Surrey\u2019s Local Economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The economy is rooted in agriculture. Today, about one-third of the land is dedicated to farming. Great business opportunities exist for international trade with Asia and the United States. Because of Surrey\u2019s Pacific Rim location, combined with its growing and multicultural population, it\u2019s a strong city for business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to population growth, Surrey became one of the best places in B.C. to invest in real estate. Over the past five years, more than $6 billion of building permits were issued, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reported an increase in the number of housing starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The strongest growth industry is health. This is due to the rising need for medical services for Surrey\u2019s aging population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The top industries in this city include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Advanced manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supply Chain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean Energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-major-employers-in-surrey\">Major Employers in Surrey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The health and education sectors are the main sources of employment.  Some of the top employers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Surrey School District<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>City of Surrey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SAP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Microsoft<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lululemon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-career-pathways-in-surrey\">Career Pathways in Surrey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You can contact a recruitment agency when you arrive in Canada to help with your job search. The top recruiters in Vancouver are Recruiting in Motion, iLink Global, Robert Half, and Randstad Canada.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-surrey-housing-market\"><strong>The Surrey Housing Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in Surrey allows you to rent or buy a home near the beach, in urban centres, close to parks, or on quiet farms. The city comprises six key neighbourhoods. Learn more in our guide, <a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/housing\/renting-in-surrey-bc-canada\">Renting in Surrey, BC, Canada: Best Neighbourhoods for Newcomers<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-housing-expensive-in-surrey-british-columbia\">Is Housing Expensive in Surrey, British Columbia?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Surrey is more affordable than Vancouver, which is why many people move to Surrey and commute to Vancouver to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-finding-a-place-to-rent-in-surrey-nbsp\">Finding a Place to Rent in Surrey&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting is a common first step for newcomers to Surrey. The average rent for an apartment is $1,400 for a Bachelor, $1,463 for a 1-bedroom, $1,770 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,065 for a 3-bedroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-off-white-background-color has-background\">\ud83c\udfe0 Use&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/rentals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rentals for Newcomers<\/a>&nbsp;to search for available rental units in Surrey.&nbsp;Here, you can also find current rental prices in Surrey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When renting a home or apartment, it\u2019s also important to <a href=\"https:\/\/partner.onlia.ca\/prepareforcanadatoday\/?utm_campaign=10147191-Onlia-Insurance&amp;utm_source=Prepare_for_Canada&amp;utm_medium=surry_blog\">buy renter\u2019s insurance<\/a>&nbsp;to protect your family, belongings, and finances. While renters\u2019 insurance is optional, many property owners may require that you have it as part of your lease agreement.&nbsp;Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/managing-money\/insurance\/tenant-insurance-in-canada-for-newcomers\">why newcomers need tenant insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-buying-a-home-in-surrey-nbsp\">Buying a Home in Surrey&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying a home in this city can be expensive. Prices have increased substantially over the past few years. According to data by Zolo, Surrey ranks as the 7th most expensive city in B.C. with an average home price of 1.2 million (as of April 2022). The average cost of a detached house is $2 million. A townhouse is $962, 000 and a condo is $577,000.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-driving-amp-public-transit-in-surrey\"><strong>Driving &amp; Public Transit in Surrey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-driving-in-surrey-british-columbia\">Driving in Surrey, British Columbia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s common for residents to commute to work in other parts of Metro Vancouver. The city has a grid road system and several highways. Highway 1 is the main route to Vancouver and other cities in the east. Residents can also use Highway 15, Highway 17, Highway 99, and Fraser Highway to get around town.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving and parking in all City of Surrey streets are regulated by the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bclaws.ca\/EPLibraries\/bclaws_new\/document\/ID\/freeside\/96318_00\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Province of British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act<\/a>. For maps and directions in Surrey,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.surrey.ca\/services-payments\/online-services\/maps-cosmos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of its efforts to increase awareness of high collision areas, the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/surrey.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Surrey RCMP<\/a>&nbsp;supplies traffic safety maps, to show the top collision locations in Surrey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/PublicTransport.jpg\" alt=\"SkyTrain going through Surrey\" class=\"wp-image-40132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153732\/PublicTransport.jpg 600w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153732\/PublicTransport-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>SkyTrain Expo Line&nbsp;connects Surrey to Vancouver.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-surrey-public-transit\">Surrey Public Transit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>SkyTrain Expo Line\u00a0connects Surrey to Vancouver. Buses are the main public transport mode for Surrey residents.  Currently, there are more than 1,300 bus stops. The fare system is divided into three zones. Passengers pay according to the number of zones they travel in.\u00a0However, passengers pay one fare regardless of the zones they cross after 6:30 pm on Monday to Friday, and on weekends and holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You must have exact change when getting on a bus because the driver does not accept bills or give change.\u00a0Make sure you receive Proof of Payment\/Transfers. Transfers are valid for 90 minutes. If you travel often, you can buy a monthly fare Compass Card. Read more in our <a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/vancouver\/public-transit-in-vancouver-get-around-with-ease\">Vancouver Public Transit<\/a> guide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-community-support-for-newcomers\"><strong>Community Support for Newcomers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Surrey supports newcomers through several immigrant support agencies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MOSAIC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Options Community Services Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pacific Community Resources Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sources Community Resources Society<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>S.U.C.C.E.S.S.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surrey Libraries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Newcomers to British Columbia may also be eligible for the Introduction to British Columbia program through the Immigrant Services Association of British Columbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-language-support-in-surrey\">Language Support in Surrey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Newcomers can receive language support and take classes through community settlement agencies such as the Fraser Health Authority, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, and Options Community Services Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-personal-finance-amp-banking\">Personal Finance &amp; Banking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting your finances in order once you arrive in Canada is an important step you cannot overlook. You can open a bank account at any local bank or credit union. Most banks offer special programs for immigrants to open a bank account, get a credit card, or line of credit, and even qualify for a mortgage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get more banking tips for newcomers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How Much Money Will I Need to Move to Canada?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Move to Canada | Transferring Cash &amp; Valuables<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-surrey-s-education-system\"><strong>Surrey\u2019s Education System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-elementary-and-high-school-education\">Elementary and High School Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In British Columbia, parents can choose to send their children to public schools, independent schools, or homeschooling. And because public schools are government-funded, many people choose to send their children to public schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Surrey School District&nbsp;has the largest student enrollment in British Columbia with: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over 100 elementary schools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>28&nbsp; secondary schools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Five learning centres<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three adult education centres<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A distributed online learning program, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A variety of satellite and inter-agency programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For a list of public schools click&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.surreyschools.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>. Independent schools offer specific religious, cultural, educational, or philosophical approaches. For information about independent schools&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.isabc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose to teach your children at home, you must register them with the Ministry of Education. You will also have to follow the curriculum guidelines that the ministry sets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-post-secondary-institutions\">Post Secondary Institutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Surrey is home to a third campus for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sfu.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Simon Fraser University<\/a> (SFU). On this SFU campus, students can enroll in the following programs:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applied sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arts and social sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mathematics, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Science.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Education.jpg\" alt=\"Simon Fraser University Surrey Campus\" class=\"wp-image-40134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153732\/Education.jpg 600w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153732\/Education-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Surrey is home to a third campus for Simon Fraser University.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kpu.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kwantlen Polytechnic University<\/a>&nbsp;has a Surrey campus that offers science, business, art, and health programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also several private post-secondary colleges such as Brighton College,&nbsp;Sprott Shaw College,&nbsp;CDI College, Western Community College, Sterling College, Stenberg College, Academy of Learning, Surrey Community College, Discovery Community College, and&nbsp;Vancouver Career College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more about education in Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MedicalCare-1.jpg\" alt=\"Surrey Memorial Hospital\" class=\"wp-image-40136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153733\/MedicalCare-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153733\/MedicalCare-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Surrey Memorial Hospital is one of the main hospitals in Surrey.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-to-get-medical-care-in-surrey-british-columbia\"><strong>Where To Get Medical Care in Surrey, British Columbia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In British Columbia, there are two main health insurance plans: the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/health\/health-drug-coverage\/msp\/bc-residents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Medical Service Plan (MSP)<\/a>&nbsp;and <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/health\/health-drug-coverage\/pharmacare-for-bc-residents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PharmaCare<\/a>. For those, who can not afford to pay the monthly MSP premium, there is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/health\/health-drug-coverage\/msp\/bc-residents\/premiums\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Premium Assistance.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three main hospitals serve Surrey residents: Surrey Memorial Hospital, Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre, and Peace Arch Hospital. In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.&nbsp;For prescription drugs and some services that British Columbia Health does not cover, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/partner.onlia.ca\/prepareforcanadatoday\/?utm_campaign=10147191-Onlia-Insurance&amp;utm_source=Prepare_for_Canada&amp;utm_medium=surry_blog\">buy additional&nbsp;health insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-find-a-family-doctor-in-surrey\">How to Find A Family Doctor In Surrey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get medical insurance coverage, you should find a family doctor. You&nbsp;can refer to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia for a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bccfp.bc.ca\/for-the-public\/find-a-family-doctor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">list of physicians accepting new patients.<\/a> If you require specialized care, your family doctor&nbsp;will refer you to specialists.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, if you are unable to find a family doctor, you can go to <a href=\"https:\/\/bc.skipthewaitingroom.com\/city\/surrey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">walk-in clinics<\/a>&nbsp;until you secure your doctor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-day-to-day-life-like-in-surrey\"><strong>What is Day-to-Day Life Like in Surrey?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-things-to-do-in-surrey\">Things to Do in Surrey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Surrey is an outdoor lover&#8217;s paradise. It is often called the City of Parks because of its 600 parks and 277 trails and walkways. Living in this city provides opportunities for hiking, biking, bird watching, and outdoor sports. For more information on Surrey Parks click&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.surrey.ca\/parks-recreation\/surrey-parks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>. Surrey also boasts some of Metro Vancouver\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.golfsurrey.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best golf courses<\/a> for all skill levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ThingsToDo-ree-Lighting-Festival.jpg\" alt=\"Tree Lighting Festival in the city of Surrey in Canada\n\" class=\"wp-image-40138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153735\/ThingsToDo-ree-Lighting-Festival.jpg 600w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153735\/ThingsToDo-ree-Lighting-Festival-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Surrey Tree Lighting Festival<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-public-spaces-amp-attractions-nbsp\">Public Spaces &amp; Attractions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Surrey hosts five annual city events. They are <a href=\"http:\/\/www.surrey.ca\/treelighting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tree Lighting Festival<\/a>, Party for the Planet, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.surrey.ca\/childrensfestival\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Surrey Children\u2019s Festival<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.surrey.ca\/fusionfestival\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Surrey Fusion Festival<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.surrey.ca\/canadaday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Surrey Canada Day<\/a>, Western Canada\u2019s biggest Canada Day celebration. Every year, thousands of people attend the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. And, this makes it the second-largest rodeo in Canada after the Calgary Stampede.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Every year on April 13, the Sikh community celebrates&nbsp;Vaisakhi, the largest parade outside of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-restaurants-amp-nightlife\">Restaurants &amp; Nightlife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This city is known as a great place to wine and dine. There are numerous local wineries in the area and many great restaurants with an international flavour. Be sure to try the iconic Old Surrey Restaurant. Other places to check out include Tap Restaurant, Afghan Kitchen, Vault Restaurant, and New York New York Greek Restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ThingsToDo-CrescentBeach.jpg\" alt=\"Crescent Beach - British Columbia\" class=\"wp-image-40141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153735\/ThingsToDo-CrescentBeach.jpg 600w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2022\/05\/16153735\/ThingsToDo-CrescentBeach-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>One of the most popular beaches in Surrey is Crescent Beach.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nature-amp-natural-landscapes\">Nature &amp; Natural Landscapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With over 600 parks and endless green space, it\u2019s easy to get lost in all the surrounding nature. Some points of interest to check out include Crescent Beach, Surrey Bend Regional Park, Darts Hill Garden, and Historic Stewart Farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sporting-events-amp-concerts\">Sporting Events &amp; Concerts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This city is not home to any professional sports teams. But it is host to the&nbsp;Canada Cup&nbsp;International Women&#8217;s Fastpitch Tournament. Cricket is a popular sport in the city. If you want to take in a concert, check out The Roxy, River Rock Casino Resort, Centennial Theatre, and The Cobalt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-culture-amp-diversity-in-surrey\"><strong>Culture &amp; Diversity In Surrey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-diversity\">Diversity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a truly diverse community. 57.8% of the population identifies as a visible minority. This is about 300,000 residents. The biggest minority community is South Asian with 32.4% of the population. This is followed by Chinese (7.7%), Filipino (6.2%), and Southeast Asian (2.5%). 2.6% of residents are Aboriginal. With a large South Asian population, Surrey hosts the <a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/living\/life-in-canada\/diwali-in-canada-2025\">Diwali festival<\/a> in British Columbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-worship\">Worship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Christianity is the predominant religion in Surrey. 38.2% of the population identifies as Christian \u2013 Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, or other Christians.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second-largest religious group, 22.6%, is the Sikh. Every year on April 13, the Sikh community organizes a big celebration of Vaisakhi. And this celebration often includes a Nagar Kirtan (parade). Surrey\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.gurunanakgurdwara.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guru Nana Sikh Gurdwara<\/a>&nbsp;is one of the leading Sikh Temples in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-weather-in-surrey\"><strong>The Weather in Surrey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a moderate, inter-coastal Pacific-Northwest climate that is&nbsp;appealing and comfortable. Winter in Surrey is mild with an average temperature of 5 degrees C. It rarely snows. However, getting many rainy and gloomy days or even rainy weeks in a row is not uncommon.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spring is also wet. Summer is sunny with an average temperature of 22 degrees C, and autumn is cool. Surrey enjoys about 1848.3 hours of sunshine per year (an average of 5 hours per day).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-questions-immigrants-ask-about-living-in-surrey\"><strong>Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Surrey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1760735171681\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is Surrey a good place for immigrants?<br\/><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Living in Surrey provides many great services and activities for families, making it a great choice for newcomers. It&#8217;s close to Vancouver with affordable housing, many schools, and a diverse community.<br\/><br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1760735197133\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the benefits of living in Surrey?<br\/><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Surrey is a popular destination for Asian immigrants. The city has more affordable housing compared to Metro Vancouver. It has a great hospital system and access to nature. It\u2019s a growing city that offers a great community for families.<br\/><br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1760735226057\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are some potential disadvantages of living in Surrey for new immigrants?<br\/><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Surrey is expensive compared to other large cities in Canada. Most people commute, so you\u2019ll likely have to drive out of the community to work each day. Traffic can be an issue.\u00a0<br\/><br\/><\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":247012,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[141],"tags":[622,621,142],"class_list":["post-39856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-surrey","tag-bc","tag-british-columbia","tag-surrey"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Living In Surrey, British Columbia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you looking for a city to settle in Canada? Learn about living in Surrey, career pathways, the housing market, education, and more!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Living in Surrey, BC: Everything You Need to Know\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Are you looking for a city to settle in Canada? Learn about living in Surrey, career pathways, the housing market, education, and more!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Prepare for Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PrepareforCanada\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-10T05:52:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-16T17:17:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2024\/10\/07144536\/What-to-Know-About-Living-in-Surrey-British-Columbia.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"628\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Corinna Frattini\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Prepare4Canada\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Prepare4Canada\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Corinna Frattini\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/2626f9be0d839b1d4e27195f4a6985c2\"},\"headline\":\"Living in Surrey, BC: Everything You Need to Know\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-10T05:52:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-16T17:17:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia\"},\"wordCount\":2361,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2024\/10\/07144536\/What-to-Know-About-Living-in-Surrey-British-Columbia.png\",\"keywords\":[\"BC\",\"British Columbia\",\"Surrey\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Surrey\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia\",\"name\":\"Living In Surrey, British Columbia\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/choosing-a-city\/british-columbia\/surrey\/living-in-surrey-british-columbia#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2024\/10\/07144536\/What-to-Know-About-Living-in-Surrey-British-Columbia.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-10T05:52:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-16T17:17:22+00:00\",\"description\":\"Are you looking for a city to settle in Canada? 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