The worst area in Surrey is Whalley. North Delta is kind of close to Whalley, but I think it is already far enough such that things aren't nearly as bad as Whalley.
The important thing about traffic is that you have to beat the morning and evening rushes. How flexible are your work hours? Can your family schedule accommodate your need to beat the traffic rush? Those are questions we cannot answer for you.
In addition to Central Richmond and Delta, have you also considered the Queensborough area? There are a lot of new developments there, and I am pretty sure there are units in your price range as well, although I don't know how spacious those units are. Queensborough is definitely a new booming community.
i haven't lived in surrey, but i have been going back and forth from richmond to surrey for school everyday b4. i can just tell you, i hate it. my time is more valuable than suck in the traffic. when there is an accident, it is common that you have to be stuck for 2+hrs
i think i would stay in richmond as it is more convenient, unless, you don't need to get out from surrey often
Normal practice for "PURE" investment (not including self residence), buy a smaller place in the city area is always better than a larger place in sub-urban (no worries about renting out and the rent income is quite stable).
But for self residence, there are always some factors you have to take into account.
1) Daily travel time to work and shopping;
2) Quality of living;
3) Schools and facilities for children if you have any;
4) Security of the local community (security is usually better in new community);
5) Environment;
... etc. you name it...
Have you considered Ladner?
The spot you pick in the Surrey area has a bit of problem in terms of the unconditional and uncontrolable smell generating from the sewage treatment plant on Annacis Island nearby, especially in the summer...
We now live at Queensborough and we love it. But we don't go to Richmond for work, so our case is different than yours.
Queensborough : It is located in between Richmond and Surrey, half of your traffic jam time. At least there is no bridge between Queensborough and Richmond. Price in Queensborough is in between Richmond and Surrey. It is close to Annacis Island but the location we at, I never notice the smelt that people complaint about from the sewage treatment plant. It is an Indian community but not as strong as those in Surrey. We have Walmart and Casino, but don't have any Chinese restaurants like Richmond (except Kirin which I can't afford to go everyday).
Have a look at the Queensborough and Hamilton area.
If I were you, I personally won't concern too much about the location of work must be closed to my home. Unless I planned to work for the current company or to work in the same area for at least quite a few years. Or else, how if I move to another work location, then I "have to" move again all because of the job changed?
In fact, not all areas in Surrey are bad. For example, South Surrey is much better than North Surrey to my POV. And yes, house prices could vary a lot in different cities/areas. You have to set your priority and comfort/sacrifice level to choose the home that fits most of your needs. All cities/areas have their own pros and cons, but no, nothing is going to be "perfect", the idea is to make your "best" choice among the selection within that period of time.
If I were you, I would still pick Richmond. Because as you said, you would need to buy a new car if you move to Surrey. Gas, maintainance all cost $$$. Also, time spent on traffic...I wouldn't prefer to do so.
And if you need bigger space because of kids, also consider the school district as well.
發表於 2011-10-28 10:21
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At least there is no bridge between Queensborough and Richmond. Price in Queensborough is in between Richmond and Surrey. It is close to Annacis Island but the location we at, I never notice the smelt that people complaint about from the sewage treatment plant. It is an Indian community but not as strong as those in Surrey.