Surrey suffers from an image problem - though it is important to note that it has a lower crime rate than many other cities in British Columbia. One is advised to stay away from the Whalley area at night as poverty and homelessness are prevalent in this area. Interestingly enough, Surrey is attempting to rebuild the area and has even attempted to rid the area of the "Whalley" name as it carries with it negative connotations. The area is now often called "Gateway" or "Surrey Centre" and there are many new residential and business buildings in various stages of completion in the area. In this regard, the area is in a stage of transition, as although new million dollar developments are sprouting up, homelessness and drug dealing can be found within the same city blocks in some cases.
