Pros and Cons to Consider if Moving to White Rock, B.C.

If you’re tired of big city life in Vancouver, and are looking for a new suburb to move to, we’ve got an idea: White Rock. In this article, we’ll discuss pros and cons of living a White Rock lifestyle.

The pros of moving to White Rock, B.C.

Here is a list of reasons why you would want to move to White Rock:

It’s got a beautiful beachfront. The beach and promenade are probably what most Vancouverites identify with White Rock. And maybe the actual, white rock on that beach. The area is reminisce of a California beach haven – so much so, the TV show Psych is filmed there to represent Santa Barbara! There are plenty of seafood restaurants, funky cafes and artsy tourist stores along the shore. And that wonderful, limited, long-walk pay-parking you associate with a tourist destination.

The beach promenade is probably losing its rails. Who thought of putting a train track there, right? It’s dangerous, and politicians are recognizing that. This would have been in the ‘cons’ section, but since motion is happening on the matter, we figure now is a great time to move to enjoy the beach without trains running through it.

It’s got better weather. Yes, it’s true. It’s not far from Vancouver, but apparently, it gets more sunshine, and fewer rainy days!

It has development plans. If you’re planning to move to White Rock as an investment, or as a retiree, now may be the time to do it. According to this article, senior living is about to improve, and expand greatly in the White Rock town centre. You can also check out upcoming city development projects here.

It is close to the U.S. border, and other nearby communities in Canada, reachable by public transport.

The school district is joined with Surrey, and offers several programs. If you have a preference for French Immersion, fine arts or other educational focuses, the school district White Rock is a part of may be just right for you.

It’s got lots of arts and culture. White Rock hosts yearly community events like the Tour de White Rock and the Taste White Rock festival. It also has artistic events, such as those listed on the city’s website here. And, guess what? Street performers are encouraged!

It comes with all the amenities you’d expect of a Metro Vancouver municipality. We found a list of websites you can look to if you’re trying to find out more about living in White Rock, and what your options will be in terms of community services, business improvement associations, libraries, attractions, local events and more: https://chambermaster.blob.core.windows.net/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/1109/CMS/convert/www.sswrchamberofcommerce.ca/files/1739.pdf

Cons of moving to White Rock, B.C.

And, here are some cons that may make you think twice before moving to White Rock:

The shoreline businesses have had some serious departures. It’s a problem that needed a task force: businesses started leaving White Rock a few years ago. But this article says revival is on its way, and probably from foreign investment.

The water is gross sometimes. The water source in White Rock has spurred debate as residents notice their water turning brown, like coffee, on some days. White Rock manages its own water, unlike other Metro Vancouver municipalities, which mostly share water sources. See our related article on this topic: Where to move for groundwater access in B.C

There are some local bylaws you may not like, depending on your lifestyle. For example, while most B.C. residents are used to smoking bylaws, any international movers to the area should know that smoking in public places, or near public places, can get you up to a $2,000 fine. And, on page 15 of this bylaw document, you can read that homeowners must remove snow from sidewalks bordering their home by 10 a.m. except on Sundays! Dogs are also not allowed on most promenade areas (which the business improvement association feels is a problem), and you can only have two dogs per residence.

It’s far from the big city. Depending on your feeling of what’s ‘far’ for you, the drive to the city in Vancouver can be prohibitive if you want to work there, and live in White Rock. But that said, for some, it is so worth it. Here is the story of one couple who opted out of a downtown Vancouver condo, for a beachside home in White Rock, and they loved it.

Not sure where to move? Remember, White Rock is close to other communities!

If you just can’t stand the bylaws and the idea of brown water, but also can’t settle for busy Vancouver streets, remember that White Rock is near other communities. So, if you want to be close to a beach, you can opt for a South Surrey home. Or, ditch the beach idea and consider moving near farms in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Langley. Vancouver and the Fraser Valley have a lot to offer!

See our other articles on places to move in the Metro Vancouver area

• 3 reasons why moving to Chilliwack is a great idea!
• Moving to Abbotsford? 3 reasons why it’s a good choice!
• Getting to Know Coquitlam BC
• Best Benefits of Moving to Surrey, B.C.
• Moving to Richmond? 5 Reasons for a Richmond Move
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Move To New Westminster
• Moving to Metro Vancouver: 5 great reasons to move to a suburb in the Metro Vancouver area