Why live in Abbotsford?
Interested in moving to the “Farming Capital of Canada?” Abbotsford, British Columbia has so much to love, from the affordable housing market to the scenic surroundings and close proximity to Vancouver. So why live in Abbotsford?
Abbotsford boasts the perfect blend of urban and rural living. Known as the Farming Capital of Canada, the region is surrounded by picturesque farmland, and yet, it's only an hour outside of Vancouver. Even better, it offers a low cost of living that is hard to find anywhere in the Lower Mainland. It’s no wonder Abbotsford has become one of the fastest-growing cities in North America.
Quality and diversity of education in Abbotsford
The Abbotsford School District is in charge of operating 46 schools in the Fraser Valley, including those in the city of Abbotsford. Nearly 20,000 students attend one of the Abbotsford School District’s elementary, middle, and secondary schools annually. Meanwhile, if you want a quality post-secondary education, you won’t have to go far in Abbotsford. The city is home to the University of the Fraser Valley, Summit Pacific College, Ashton College, CDI College Abbotsford, and Columbia Bible College. Further, due to the city’s close proximity to Vancouver, Abbotsford residents will also have access to the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Capilano University, Vancouver Film School, the Art Institute of Vancouver, and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
Most populous cities in Abbotsford
The most populous neighbourhoods in Abbotsford are West Abbotsford, Clearbrook, South Poplar, Sumas Prairie, Mill Lake, Bradner, Auguston, Huntingdon, Townline Hill, and Matsqui Prairie.
Quality of infrastructure for Abbotsford
Residents of Abbotsford will benefit from its incredible infrastructure. First, it has its own international airport, Abbotsford International Airport, though the largest airport in the province, Vancouver International Airport isn’t far away. Local transit is operated by the Central Fraser Valley (CFV) Transit System, which connects Abbotsford and Mission with other cities in the area, such as Langley and Chilliwack. eBus service can also be used to reach Vancouver, and once there, TransLink public transit is available to you, which includes the SkyTrain. Meanwhile, if you require medical attention, the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is located in the city.
Safety and security for Abbotsford
Always call 9-1-1 in cases of emergency. The Abbotsford Police Department is tasked with keeping the city safe, and it consists of over 200 police officers, 100 volunteers, and 80 civilian staff. The good news is that Abbotsford has a low crime rate in terms of both violent crime and property crime.
Abbotsford property market
The Abbotsford housing market is booming, just like most places in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland area of British Columbia. That said, it remains one of the most affordable options, especially compared to Vancouver, where the cost of living has ballooned in recent decades. The good news is that as Abbotsford has continued to grow, so too have its housing options. Now, buyers can find everything from bungalows, semi-detached homes, and detached homes to duplexes, triplexes, condominiums, and apartments.
Standard of living in Abbotsford
Abbotsford offers a standard of living that Canadians dream of. Pastoral scenery, a thriving economy, top-notch healthcare and education services, and an affordable housing market can all be found here. Plus, it’s located roughly an hour from British Columbia’s largest city, Vancouver, which recently ranked as the fifth most liveable city in the entire world in The Global Liveability Index 2023’s Liveability Report. This gives Abbotsford residents access to all that Vancouver has to offer, including big city amenities, like world-class shopping, dining, and a scenic coastline.
Something wonderful about Abbotsford
Abbotsford is a hub of culture and recreation. It hosts several famous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Historic Downtown Abbotsford Car Show, the Berrybeat Festival (did you know that Abbotsford is the berry capital of Canada?), the Abbotsford International Airshow, the largest airshow in western Canada, and the Bloom Tulip Festival, which features 2.5 million flowers and 40 varieties of tulips annually. The city also has over 100 kilometres of hiking, walking, and biking trails, and tons of craft breweries, like Field House, Ravens, Old Abbey Ales, and Loudmouth.
