Hello Everyone. I recently moved to Surrey, and I always find myself asking more about this city. So I thought I would start a generic post i.e. a Q&A on Surrey. Hope people will participate.

My first set of questions were

1) Recreation. Been looking for a bunch of guys (adults please) who play soccer (football) for recreation. But no luck yet. Know of any place wheere guys meet up maybe on a sunday. I know of places in Coquitlam .. but Surrey is where I want to go.

2) Badminton: I searched Surrey rec and the badminton rec is quite pricy. Wondering if there are cheaper options. In ontario people used to run badminton "leagues" just in schools at much better prices ($100 for 4 months - winter season).

3) Desi/USA sat. TV: Although I am not sure I want it, but I haven't noticed anyone pitching/using/selling the DreamTV/shared key satellite boxes. Was curious to find a provider and compare costs.

4) The local Hindu temple is quite active. And I quite impressed with the scale of events they have here. Any other active Hindu/Desi communities e.g. some Indian cultural society etc.?

5) Popular, family-safe camping areas near by (max 4 hour drive but prefer under 2 hours)

Many more questions to come.

1) Not sure, as I am not a Soccer fan myself. You can try and browse some groups on 'Meetup.com'.

2) I go to Cloverdale Rec Centre for Badminton, and pay about $5.50 for one visit. I think you can buy a pack of 10-20 tickets for the some discount. There're also badminton courts each in South Surrey Rec and Guildford as well.

3) Again, no idea. I live in a Townhouse and while I am interested, am out of luck due to the restrictions on the Satellites. I have subscribed to the crapy (and expansive) South Asian bundle from Shaw - less said the better. My appetite for the quality Indian shows, sports (cricket) and music have largely been unfulfilled since I immigrated. My Dad who recently migrated always talks about how they were getting 1200 channels in Delhi, to which I find myself speechless.

4) Try meetup.com. I think if you go to the temple regularly, you might end up making some friends there as there might be more like you.

5) There are a lot. Never been to camping so can't comment on the specifics. Try this site: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/‎" rel="nofollow">LINK

Vancouver, being low on immigration (relative to Toronto), there always remains a challenge to find likeminded and young people. Early Desi immigrants keep to themselves and have their own way of life here, to which the new immigrants are not able to relate.

By the way, how do you compare Milton with Surrey? I personally found Milton to be more upscale and affordable than Surrey. What's your overall view of lower mainland vis-a-vis jobs, housing? I won't ask about climate as it's much much better than Ontario, to which there's no comparison between the two cities.

is it easy to get a job in BC, I am in Toronto and am thinking of moving to BC as sick and tired of nasty weather. Please reply.

What is your field or specialization? If in IT, I would recommend contacting local Vancouver recruiters from Toronto. Even Toronto recruiters can find you job leads. It's possible, as I myself was landed in an interview while being in Toronto.

Having a job in hand before your move always works in your favour. Less stress, I would say.

Ontario weather sure sucks, but consider Metro Vancouver's house prices as well. A decent 8-10 year old 3 story detached house costs about $600,000. This is if you want to live in Surrey. In other places, such as South Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Coquitlam, Burnaby, and Vancouver, you will not find a decent detached house for less than a million. Trust me!

You lose some you gain some, depanding upon what your priorities are. Choose between relatively good weather(rainy) + expansive/unaffordable housing and bone chilling cold + cheaper housing.

Universal logic: Move with the job in hand. Saves you from unnecessary stress, especially if you have a family.

Lots of soccer very popular with Canadian born desis and fiji indians. Try Newton park or sikh temple grounds scott road. My daughter plays for Akal FC. Word of caution: Can get very competitive! Pressure for every player to become the next Messi. Over 40 and over 50 leagues going on..

Lots of areas for Badminton, very popular here. Chuck Bailey Rec, Newton Rec, Sungod Delta. Many schools try princess margaret.

Lots of desi satellite boxes. Cannot mention here..

Lots of social places and activity all around. Try cycling along Fraser river, hiking at crescent beach, harrison hot springs, cultus lake.

Lots of indian music programs. Check local newspaper.

You will just love it. Mate, you have made the best decision of your life.

Febpreet, I am a regular for badminton at cloverdale. I will playing this friday. see you there. what color t shirt?

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"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb." (Nelson Mandela)

Welcome Wall-E to Vancouver area. I hope you will enjoy here.

Parag, you are never going to move as you are asking these same questions for last 6-7 years.

How is everything Febpreet?

Febreet thanks .. cloverdale sounds great (http://shar.es/BZzZ1)

I will definitely try it out. If you looking for company I don't mind tagging along (let me know)

Tourist some more soccer specific details please .. I am looking for something like I know this bunch of adults playing soccer on field xyz on Sunday mornings

Regarding Milton (GTA) vs Surrey (GVA) .. here goes:

Pro Surrey
- Weather of course
- Nature, sight seeing, nice parks
- Slightly more relaxed attitude of people
- The Hindu temple is well run, full of activities and more pleasant
- Basement suites to help in mortgage
- Much easier garbage disposal


Anti Surrey
- Crime/ appearance of crime (my car was broken into already)
- Weird looking characters (druggies) hanging around .. especially whalley area
- Costlier homes -> longer commute (1h 10mins one way)
- Some really weird desi homes (pink carpets, lions on staircase entrances, mega mega large chandeliers ... like 80s bollywood films)
- Higher costs -> grocery, insurance (car/home) etc.
- Bad street lighting (can't see a thing at night .. I hate this .. they are so dim)
- Terribly slow/incompetent drivers
- All roads lined up with cars (basement suite parking)
- Many desi restaurants .. but not as good as GTA
- I miss Hindi .. too much Punjabi on radios/everywhere ( I don't know punjabi)
- And this one may spark some fires, but fewer like-minded professional educated desi people of my age group here .. or I haven't bumped into them yet. I miss talking about technology/current affairs/english movies with social company.

From my list it may sound like I hate Surrey, but no I like my move .. since the weather and nature makes up for everything