In the name of spring and new beginnings, you might be in search of a cool place to get a fresh start. Maybe you’ve already been eyeing the Abbotsford real estate market for a while now and you’re only waiting for the perfect home to pop up to help set things in motion. But before you call the movers, you need to be aware of a few things when it comes to living here. So, we did some thorough research and put together a list of 5 essential things you should know before moving to BC’s largest municipality outside of Metro Vancouver.
Easy Access to Everything
The city’s location in the south-western end of Canada, close to the international border, promises easy access to numerous cities and amenities. Larger cities like Richmond, Burnaby and Vancouver are less than an hour’s drive away and can also be easily reached by public transport. The city’s proximity to the US border similarly offers plenty of possibilities. Abbotsford International Airport connects the city to other parts of North America through both domestic and international flights.
Since the city is reasonably spread out, owning a car definitely helps with getting around here. Parking is generally cheaper than in larger Canadian cities and the plenitude of parking stalls means that finding a vacant spot shouldn’t prove to be too difficult. The Central Fraser Valley Transit System connects the main points of interest in the city via regular and reliable bus routes.
Cost-Effective Housing
Purchasing your very own property is much more affordable in Abbotsford than in the neighbouring Metro Vancouver Area. The average price of a detached home here is currently around $842,075, while a town home generally costs about $519,020. Apartments will set you back $333,680 on average.
If you’d rather rent than buy, you should be aware of the fact that the vacancy rate in the Abbotsford-Mission area is below 1%, so chances of finding available rental units in the city are pretty low. However, if you happen to get lucky and score a lease, you’ll need to pay an average of $627 monthly for a bachelor unit and around $765 for a one-bedroom apartment. Two-bedroom properties cost around $934 per month on average, while a 3-4 bedroom home may set you back over $1K per month.
Family-Friendly Base
Abbotsford is one of the top choices for families when it comes to relocating to the Fraser Valley region. One of the main reasons for this is its prime education system, offering 46 public schools, 4 private schools as well as 8 post-secondary institutions. The University of the Fraser Valley is one of the biggest university colleges in the country and has numerous campuses here.
The tight-knit community of Abbotsford puts an emphasis on a vibrant social scene for residents of all ages with special attention given to families with children. A large number of local institutions offer a wide array of family-friendly programs from educational activities to leisure pastimes. The 70 playgrounds scattered around the city are another great outdoor recreation option for kids.
Abundance of Fresh Produce
Agriculture plays an important role in Abbotsford, since 70% of its lands are part of the Agricultural Land Reserve. The city is home to over 1,300 farms and more than 22,000 hectares of developed farmlands employing over 7,000 people. More than one-fifth of the farms sell their fresh produce directly to residents ensuring they have easy access to healthy, locally-grown food.
Numerous restaurants here prioritize the farm-to-table concept, preparing delicious meals from domestically-grown and often organic ingredients. Regional initiatives such as the Taste of Abby food festival further stress and showcase the importance of locally-sourced produce grown in the Fraser Valley.
Outdoor Adventurer’s Paradise
Lovers of the great outdoors will be happy to find that Abbotsford serves as the perfect base due to its proximity to both the mountains and the ocean. Within a few hours’ drive you can either sunbathe on one of the many beaches of the Pacific or do some hiking in the magnificent Cascade Mountains.
The city’s devotion to a healthy community is further emphasized by the more than 100 kilometers of nature trails, perfect for hiking, running and cycling. A large number of sports fields and courts can also be found in the city, along with a 25,000-square-foot skate park.
As you can see, Abbotsford is quite the charmer! Sometimes known as The City in the Country, it is the perfect place to settle down for those in search of tranquillity, proximity to nature and a safe place to call home. The city’s idyllic location and cost-effective housing options only add to its appeal. Anyone thinking of moving here should learn all about the ins and outs of daily Abbotsford life and we’re positive that the city will reward them in more ways than one.