Why live in White Rock?
White Rock, British Columbia is a lovely place to call home. Situated on the water, it is simply idyllic. So why live in White Rock? White Rock boasts close proximity to both Vancouver and the U.S. border, a stunning waterfront locale, a safe, tight-knit community, and plenty of amenities, like restaurants, shops, and more. What more could you want?
Quality and diversity of education in White Rock
The Surrey School District operates a broad range of public elementary, middle, and secondary schools in White Rock, as well as in nearby Surrey and Barnston Island. You can also find several private and Catholic schools here. Some of the most notable include White Rock Elementary School, Peace Arch Elementary School, and St. John Paul II Academy. Post-secondary options range from CDI College - South Surrey to the wide variety of internationally recognized colleges and universities in Vancouver, like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Capilano University, Vancouver Film School, the Art Institute of Vancouver, and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
Most populous cities in White Rock
The most populous neighbourhoods in White Rock include South Surrey, Ocean Park, Morgan Creek, Sunnyside, Crescent Beach, Grandview Heights, Pacific Douglas, and King George.
Quality of infrastructure for White Rock
White Rock is served by the Vancouver International Airport, which offers flights all over Canada and the world. A few other airports that can be found nearby include Abbotsford International Airport, Langley Regional Airport, Boundary Bay Airport, and Pitt Meadows Regional Airport. White Rock residents can also enjoy train service to the rest of Canada through Via Rail’s Vancouver station. In terms of local transit, Vancouver’s TransLink public transportation system extends to the City of White Rock, with many bus routes running all through the city and connecting it with downtown Vancouver. Meanwhile, healthcare services in White Rock can be accessed via the Peace Arch Hospital, though Vancouver’s hospitals are also nearby, including Richmond Hospital, Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, and Vancouver General Hospital.
Safety and security for White Rock
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are responsible for servicing White Rock. Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 in cases of emergency. That said, White Rock is known to be one of the safest cities in British Columbia, with low crime rates across the board.
White Rock property market
The housing market in White Rock is extremely lucrative. Due to its close proximity to Vancouver, waterfront location, and family-friendly feel, it is a popular place to buy a home in BC. The good news is that buyers have all kinds of housing options here. Due to its increasing popularity, there are all kinds of property types here, like bungalows, semi-detached homes, detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, condominiums, and apartments.
Standard of living in White Rock
The quality of life in White Rock is unbeatable. The city has an attractive housing market, a range of outdoor activities, including beaches and hiking trails, as well as highly-rated schools and healthcare facilities. Ultimately, White Rock offers many of the same perks as living in Vancouver, which was recently ranked the fifth most liveable city in the world (and the number one most livable city in Canada) in The Global Liveability Index 2023’s Liveability Report. This report ranked cities based on criteria like stability, healthcare, culture & environment, and education.
Something wonderful about White Rock
The City of White Rock gets its name from a large white boulder located on the beach near the promenade. The boulder in question weighs 486 tons and was believed to have washed up here during the last glaciation. For many years, it retained its white hue due to shellfish-eating birds whose excrement covered the rock. It was so white that sailors dating back to the 19th century used it as a beacon. Today, it is kept white via the City of White Rock’s Parks Department, which paints it white on a monthly basis. Further, the city’s white rock after which it is named is located near White Rock Pier, a 470-metre-long pier and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to take a romantic sunset stroll or enjoy some fresh fish and chips, you can do so at White Rock Pier (after marvelling at the infamous white boulder, of course).
