subject: The Benefits of Living in Surrey, BC [print this page] The Benefits of Living in Surrey, BC The Benefits of Living in Surrey, BC
Incorporated in 1879, Surrey is the second largest city outside of Vancouver in British Columbia. It is predicted that by 2020, Surrey will actually surpass Vancouver as the BC's biggest city. Surrey, currently the home of 394,976 people, saw unparalleled growth in the 1980's and '90s as many newcomers, including numerous Asian immigrants, made Surrey their home. Surrey is therefore a very diverse city with almost half of the population consisting of ethnic minorities. Additionally, since 2001, Surrey has grown 13.6%.
There are six distinct communities in Surrey: Fleetwood, Whalley/City Centre, South Surrey, Cloverdale, Guildford, and Newton. In these neighborhoods, there are over 120 public schools and colleges like Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. One-third of Surrey residents are under 18, which is why the Surrey school system is the largest in BC.
One of the biggest events in Surrey each year is WinterFest. Each year this day of concerts, food, fireworks, crafts, and sports draws 15,000 attendees. Surrey also hosts the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, which is Canada's second biggest rodeo. Sports fans can also enjoy the annual softball tournament, the Canada Cup International Women's Fast Pitch Tournament. Surrey also has a hockey team, the Surrey Eagles.
Arts and cultural events are not amiss is Surrey, BC. The Arts Club Theater Company hosts everything from ballets to Peter Pan productions. The Surrey Art Gallery has contemporary Canadian art in its permanent collection and has temporarily housed paintings from the Artswest Society, local elementary schools, and the Fraser Valley Quilter's Guild. Furthermore, in 1998 the Surrey City Council adopted the Public Art Policy, which provides for art projects and workshops to be held publicly throughout the city, making art accessible to all. What about all of Surrey's children? They can enjoy the annual Surrey Children's Festival in Bear Creek Park every June.
The mayor of Surrey, Dianne L. Watts, writes on the city's website, "What other city can offer you beautiful urban forests, pristine beaches, championship golf courses, and a whole host of eco- and agri-tourism opportunities? With over 6,000 acres of parkland, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy Surrey's natural beauty." This begs the question...what about Surrey, BC, real estate?
As you probably already guessed by the rapid population growth, Surrey is a community in high-demand. The City of Surrey dishes out about 5,000 building permits per year. In fact, 17% of all new British Columbia homes are in Surrey. Currently, 40% of Surrey is residential housing, 10% is undeveloped land, and 8.5% is recreational and protected land. Surrey, BC, real estate ranges from 2.5 million dollar hillside hideaways to waterfront bungalows, country estates, and modern, urban-minded condos and townhouses. There is something for everyone in Surrey, BC!
The Surrey real estate market is made more vibrant by the fact that the city makes finding employment a cinch. With over 16,000 businesses and 20 million square feet of industrial buildings, jobs are abound in Surrey. Whether you are seeking work in the medical, industrial, corporate, or cultural sector, you'll find what you're looking for in Surrey, BC.
If you would like more information on moving to Surrey, BC, contact real estate agent Larry Anderson at TheSurreyRealtor.com.
