Although it is often considered to be a part of the city of Vancouver, and indeed urban sprawl is such that in some places there are no distinguishable borders between the two, Surrey is a city unto itself. The city has a culture which is distinct from the city of Vancouver in almost all areas, from represented religions to demographics. In fact, Surrey is projected to grow larger in population that Vancouver within the next decade, as several factors are creating a magnet effect which has led to a growth spurt over the last two decades.
We think that growth is enough to merit Surrey separate distinction, and the best way to do that is to focus on the centres that make up the larger city of Surrey.
Fleetwood
Started as a natural resource town, Fleetwood became a part of Surrey in the 1970s. At this time, the rapid growth that was to continue in the area up to the present day had begun. The result in Fleetwood was a rapid expansion of commercial and residential real estate. Today, you will find a wide variety of people, from small families to business executives complete with blackberry pouches, living in the condo developments that mark Fleetwood.
Cloverdale
Cloverdale is one of the most attractive town centres in Surrey. It has less high density development than the other centres, and like Fleetwood has resisted any attempts at even light industrial development. It's also the place you are more likely to bump into a major film star talking on a cell phone to an agent in the US courtesy of an international SIM card, as many television shows and movies are filmed there.
Whalley
Whalley is the heart of the city of Surrey. It is the most densely populated part of the city, as well as the most important part commercially. Almost a third of the city's population calls Whalley home. This is where you will find high end shopping and advice on trading gold mutual funds in Surrey.
Guildford
Guildford is the place to go if you are looking to shop or get some exercise in Surrey. The malls here are expansive, and you will find everything from Old Navy to Wal-Mart here. You can also expect to find a lot of special offers, including car sweepstakes, designed to attract people to the different stores. Guildford is home to the Guildford Recreation Centre.
Newton
While Whalley is the most densely populated part of the city, Newton has the greatest number of people. Another third of the population lives in this centre, which is larger than the downtown core. Here, you will find a Polytechnic University (students learn to develop and operate a wide range of tools such as a pressure calibrator and other industrial devices), and the Surrey City Hall.
South Surrey
Although you will find a good spread of ages in South Surrey, this centre is best known for its older residents. A fifth of the people who make their homes in this centre are over the age of 60. That means you can expect a relatively quiet neighbourhood.
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