Moving to or from Surrey, British Columbia: Your Insider’s Guide from the Atlas Network
Surrey is one of those places people often discover — and then wonder why they didn’t move sooner.
It offers space to breathe, strong schools, growing town centres, and easy access to Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and some of the best outdoor recreation in British Columbia. Families love the room to grow. Professionals appreciate the balance between urban convenience and suburban comfort. And newcomers quickly find a welcoming, connected sense of community.
From quiet residential streets to vibrant neighbourhood hubs, Surrey blends everyday livability with long-term opportunity.
And once you know how the city really works — its traffic rhythms, neighbourhood layouts, and lifestyle pockets — it becomes an incredibly easy place to call home.
That’s where local expertise matters.
With over 60 years of experience supporting long-distance moves across Canada, Atlas Van Lines Canada pairs national coordination with trusted local agents who understand Surrey’s communities, access realities, and seasonal moving patterns — helping every move feel smooth, predictable, and well planned.
Meet Your Trusted Atlas Agents Serving Surrey

Surrey is supported by Atlas Van Lines Canada’s established agent network across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley:
- Highland Worldwide / Highland Van & Storage
- LaPorte Moving & Storage Systems Ltd.
- Ellis Moving & Storage Ltd.
These teams regularly coordinate moves across Surrey’s growing residential neighbourhoods, evolving town centres, and mixed housing developments — from single-family homes to high-rise condos.
Atlas Agent Insight: “Surrey varies block by block. Coordinating parking, elevator access, and street restrictions early—especially for condo moves—makes all the difference.”
Welcome to Surrey: Growing Communities, Everyday Convenience
Surrey feels like a city built around daily life.
Neighbourhoods such as Fleetwood and Cloverdale offer quieter streets, schools, and strong community roots, while areas like Guildford and Newton provide shopping, transit access, and growing density.
What locals appreciate most:
- Space compared to Vancouver living
- Easy access to parks and green spaces
- Family-friendly neighbourhood layouts
- Expanding amenities close to home
Local tip: “Homes near Bear Creek Park or Green Timbers Urban Forest give you trail access and outdoor space without needing to commute into Vancouver for nature.
Living in Surrey: What to Expect Day to Day
Surrey’s population reflects its scale — young families, professionals commuting west, entrepreneurs working locally, and long-term residents who’ve watched the city grow.
Daily life tends to revolve around:
- School routines and community programs
- Local shopping centres and services
- Recreation centres and parks
- Weekend trips across the Lower Mainland
Local perspective: “Surrey feels like a collection of connected communities. Each area has its own rhythm, but everything links together through roads, transit, and green space.”
Housing in Surrey: Space, Variety, and Growing Demand

Surrey offers one of the broadest housing mixes in Metro Vancouver:
- Single-family homes in established and newer neighbourhoods
- Townhomes and duplexes
- Condos and apartments in centres like Guildford and Newton
- Master-planned communities with schools, parks, and pathways
Many people relocating from Vancouver or other provinces are drawn by:
- Larger living spaces
- More affordable ownership opportunities
- Family-oriented neighbourhood design
Demand varies by area, especially near transit hubs and new developments.
Neighbourhoods to Explore
Each Surrey community offers a different lifestyle:
- Fleetwood – Established streets, schools, and green space
- Cloverdale – Family-oriented with historic character and local events
- Guildford – Shopping, transit access, and suburban density
- Newton – Diverse, active neighbourhood with schools and services
- South Surrey / White Rock border – Coastal access, larger homes, recreation
Most newcomers choose based on commute tolerance, school planning, and proximity to parks or transit rather than a single “best” neighbourhood.
Schools, Work & Everyday Routines
Schools & Education
Surrey is served by School District 36, offering a wide range of public programs alongside Catholic, alternative, and specialized education options. Ongoing school expansion reflects the city’s rapid growth and family appeal.
Working in and Around Surrey
Employment spans healthcare, education, trades, retail, technology, and professional services. Many residents commute to Vancouver, while others work locally or remotely.
Local reality: planning around peak traffic hours makes a big difference for daily routines.
Getting Around Surrey
Most households rely on vehicles, but Surrey is well served by transit and SkyTrain routes into Vancouver. Bike lanes and pathways support shorter neighbourhood trips.
Lifestyle & Recreation: Built Into Everyday Living

Recreation isn’t something you travel far for — it’s woven into daily life.
Residents regularly enjoy:
- Neighbourhood parks and trail systems
- Community sports and recreation centres
- Local cafés, markets, and events
- Weekend trips across the Fraser Valley and coast
Atlas Network Tip: “ Moves near busy parks or older residential streets benefit from early access planning — especially during spring and summer peak season.”
Discover Surrey Like a Local
- Parks and trails woven into daily routines
- Community events and markets anchoring the week
- Seasonal weather shaping traffic and moving-day logistics
- Neighbourhood shortcuts simplifying errands and school runs
What You’ll Need to Set Up When You Arrive
- Utilities (BC Hydro, FortisBC)
- Internet & TV providers (Telus, Shaw)
- School registration and catchment verification
- BC Services Card for healthcare
- Vehicle registration and insurance updates
- Mail forwarding and address changes
Moving Logistics for Surrey
Access & Parking
- Some older streets are narrow
- Condos may require elevator bookings
- Suburban areas are truck-friendly but may need permits
Seasonal Timing
- Summer is busiest — book early
- Winter rain requires weather-aware planning
Decluttering & Storage
- Many long-distance moves benefit from decluttering first
- Atlas offers secure short- and long-term storage options
Special Considerations
- Large furniture, pianos, and specialty items require pre-move planning
Moving To or From Surrey with Atlas Van Lines Canada

Atlas Van Lines Canada supports relocations with:
- Professional packing and unpacking
- Flexible storage solutions
- Coordinated interprovincial and long-distance logistics
- Neighbourhood-specific planning
Your Atlas Agent manages access, scheduling, and timing — so your move stays efficient, predictable, and stress-free.
Start Your Move to Surrey with Confidence
If Surrey feels like the right next chapter, Atlas Van Lines Canada is ready to support your move with experience, local insight, and national coordination.
