Introduction
Ocean Park in Surrey’s southwest corner is truly a park by the ocean with stunning views and majestic old trees. Ocean Park is bordered on the west and south by the ocean, as its name suggests. It’s northern edge runs along 20th Avenue from Ocean Park Road to Nichol Road. On the east, its border runs along Nichol Road from 20th Avenue to the oceanfront.
Lifestyle
Ocean Park began as a small cottage town in the 1920s and after the Second World War, became a suburban neighbourhood with homes on large lots. But recently, Ocean Park has become a very attractive place to live and older, smaller homes are situated side by side with newer, high-end homes. Ocean Park beachfront properties are some of the most desirable in the Metro Vancouver area.
The Vibe
Ocean Park is a residential area with services located at 16th Avenue and 128th Street. It’s always been desirable for families since there are several elementary schools and a high school in the area. Proximity to the ocean, especially with the Blackie Spit Park in nearby Crescent Beach makes it a destination area. However, the area is becoming out-priced for middle-income families as new house prices are soaring.
Meet the Neighbours
According to Statistics Canada, the average income in South Surrey is considerably higher than in the rest of the city. The population of Surrey reflects Canada’s multiculturalism. Overall in Surrey, according to Statistics Canada, English is the first language of half the population, and Punjabi is the second most common language with more than 20 per cent reporting it as their first language.
In the Area
Ocean Park is a community unto itself with a true village feel. There is plenty of shopping and recreational activities as well as schools, parks, and community spaces. The Fraser Regional Library System has a branch in Ocean Park, right in the heart of the community. But Ocean Park is also situated within close proximity to services in White Rock and South Surrey.
21 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Buses and shuttle buses connect Ocean Park to many nearby services and some shopping, and those with a penchant for cycling will find the quiet neighbourhood ideal. Ocean Park residents who prefer hopping across the border to do their bargain hunting know it’s a short drive to two major border-crossings.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Like all residential areas experiencing change, many long-time residents are seeing their neighbourhood transform from a sleepy, family-oriented community into a high-end playground for the wealthy. Small cottage-style bungalows are being replaced by large, luxury homes. Long-time residents are also trying to stop developers from chopping down large trees that they feel are integral to the neighbourhood.
Dollars & Sense
While house prices continue to escalate higher in Ocean Park, shopping has not become too exclusive. There’s a unique mix of independently owned gift stores, clothing shops, delis and specialty stores are located side by side with standard grocery stores and other services in Ocean Park that should be explored.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Dogwood Park
Dogwood Park is a forested park, located at the north end of the Ocean Park neighbourhood, with trails and an off-leash dog park. Dogwood Park connects to other smaller parks in the vicinity.
more info1001 Steps
It’s like a mini Grouse Grind, but with stairs. Located at the western end of 15A Avenue, a set of steps, aptly named 1001 Steps, takes walkers and runners to the oceanfront along a pathway.
more infoOcean Park Community Hall
Ocean Park Community Hall dates back to 1926 when the community was still cottage country. The hall is used for a variety of community events and is also available for rentals.
more infoOcean Park Library
Ocean Park Library, located in the commercial centre of Ocean Park, is part of the Surrey library system and offers lots of programs for all ages, promoting literacy and life-long learning.
more infoKwomais Point Park
Locals love to walk or cycle to Kwomais Point Park, located at the southwest corner of Ocean Park, where they are greeted by stunning views of the ocean and Point Roberts in the distance.
more infoWare Park
Ocean Park is dotted with community parks like Ware Park, donated to the city by Wilhelmina Ware for community use. Other neighbourhood parks in Ocean Park include Fun Fun Park, named by a local child.
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