Q: Wondering what the job market is like there (I am a paralegal) and if there is affordable housing (under 200,000) for a couple (not condos or rentals). Also, is there public transportation to the city of Vancouver, and if so, how long is the ride to get there? Is is a pretty place to live, with good mountain and ocean views? Crime rate? Anything you can tell me helps!
A: Surrey isn't as bad as its reputation says. yes, yes.. I know all the Surrey jokes (what do Surrey kids get for Christmas? Burnaby kids' bikes...etc etc..), but Surrey is one of the largest cities in Canada by area and the city encompasses a large variety of areas. Public Transit is in the eye of the beholder. If you live off the beaten path, you will be spending more time in transit and having less quality service. South Surrey (don't let them try to tell you that they live in White Rock if they live north of 19th Avenue!!) and Panorama Ridge are quite expensive large homes.. you would be looking at houses STARTING in the $500,000 range. Cloverdale and Port Kells are much more rural. Cloverdale is developing and there are plenty of new housing developments in the area. It's a nice community that gives the illusion of not being part of Surrey. It's got a lot of history.. but you will be looking at houses in the $400,000 mark. Then there's Whalley and Guildford. And while these areas DO have problems with crime and drugs, just living in the areas doesn't mean that you will automatically fall victim to crime. Whalley is being developed and new townhouses and condos are going up as we type. My feeling is that in the next 5 years, Whalley is going to be a completely different place. But because of its reputation, the prices in Whalley will always be low. However.. low is always a relative thing. Right now even the worst houses in the worst areas will be over $200,000. It's the entire Lower Mainland (Metro Vancouver). It's awful the way housing prices are going through the roof. And if you're wanting a view, well.. that will add $$$ to the price. I'm not sure what the job market is like for a paralegal. The media is saying that there is a lack of employees out there.. If you are looking to live in Surrey, I would suggest to start your job search here. Perhaps you can get something without the commute! Good luck!!