How Safe is Surrey, B.C.? A Guide to the Real Story
Regardless if you are a family, professional or retiree, safety would be on the top of your list when deciding where to live. Surrey, B.C. has long been characterized by a gentle mix of inexpensive houses and a culturally diverse population that attracts new residents at one of the fastest rates for any Canadian city; however, its good identity regarding safety was recently questioned. This begs the question, of just how safe is Surrey — and what makes it feel that way.
Take a closer look at the facts about safety in Surrey, B.C., with some practical advice to help both new and long-time residents feel safe.
QUICK LINKS FOR SURREY NEIGHBOURHOODS
Surrey is a sprawling, regional city broken up into separate neighbourhoods each with its own flavour, amenities and safety record. Neighbourhoods such as South Surrey, Cloverdale and Fleetwood are perceived to be relatively safe and family-oriented with schools, parks, and community centres nearby. In particular, South Surrey has been a steady growth area for residential communities and offers wonderful parks, shopping areas, and family-oriented neighbourhoods.
On the other hand, although parts of Whalley and Guildford have suffered from crime in the past, they are rebuilding their communities. Over the past few years community organizations have coordinated into programming that allows for public space settings and neighborhoods to create watch programs involving law enforcement which has proven successful in their reduction of crime.
Context: Where Surrey sits on the crime table
How does crime in Surrey compare to other large Canadian cities, and when taking big population numbers into consideration, context is everything. Statistics Canada recently released new statistics that show Surrey has an overall crime rate on par with many other urban areas of similar size, and a lower violent crime rate than Vancouver.
Utilize City Resources - The city makes resources available for crime prevention, safety tips for the neighborhood, and you can make contact with community officers should you have any concerns.
Tips for Staying Safe in Surrey
While Surrey continues to improve its safety measures, residents can also take steps to feel secure:
Get Involved: Join neighborhood watch programs or community associations to stay connected with local safety initiatives.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Like any urban area, staying vigilant, especially at night or in quieter areas, is always a wise approach.
Use Public Transit Wisely: Surrey has several major transit hubs; choosing well-lit and populated stations or routes can help ensure safe travel.
Take Advantage of Local Resources: The city offers resources on crime prevention, neighborhood safety tips, and access to community officers for any concerns.
The Reality: Is Surrey Safe?
So, how safe is Surrey? The answer mostly comes down to a specific neighborhood and lifestyle of your choice. Like any city intent on growth, Surrey faces challenges but is tackling them head-on with an eye toward safety. Though there are some areas that have yet to effect much change, a lot of neighborhoods remain safe and family friendly (with great resources!)
From a resident or possible newcomer standpoint, identifying the categories that suit your lifestyle and comfort best, is of utmost value. Surrey is fast becoming a safe and friendly city for all people, young and older, with ongoing work from the city continuing to focus on safety.
If you have any questions or would like help trying to find the best Surrey neighborhood suited to your needs, reach out - You want to move to Surrey to be as easy and safe as possible!