Why live in Chilliwack?
Chilliwack, BC is a mountain oasis in the Lower Mainland. Roughly one and a half hours east of downtown Vancouver, this Fraser Valley community is a gem. Between the fantastic quality of life, quiet, rural setting, stunning scenery, and affordable housing market, you truly can’t go wrong by choosing to call Chilliwack home. With a population of just over 100,000 people, Chilliwack offers a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of the big city. Yet, despite its location outside the city, it still has plenty to do and enjoy for those who live there. Some of the city’s top attractions include Cultus Lake Waterpark and Chilliwack Cultural Centre, in addition to the many parks and lakes nearby, like Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, Elm Mountain, Lindeman Lake, Chilliwack Lake, and Cultus Lake. Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve is also a must-visit. It has over 300 acres of wetlands along the Vedder River and is one of the largest breeding grounds for the Pacific Great Blue Herons. With all this green space comes plenty of opportunities to get outdoors year-round, whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, golfing, canoeing, camping, swimming, or mountain biking. Another reason to settle in Chilliwack is the cost of living. Real estate in this Fraser Valley city is surprisingly affordable, and given Vancouver’s major affordability issues, this makes Chilliwack even more appealing. One last benefit of moving to Chilliwack is that it''''s on the rise. The city is expanding, which means new, state-of-the-art infrastructure that residents will get to enjoy for years to come. Fun fact: The name Chilliwack has its origins in the word, “Ts’elxwéyeqw,” which means “as far as you can go up river” in the indigenous language of Halq’eméylem. This is fitting given that Chilliwack has two large rivers passing through it, the Vedder River and the Fraser River.
Quality and diversity of education in Chilliwack
The Chilliwack School District, or BC School District No. 33 operates 19 elementary schools, five middle schools, and three secondary schools in the region. This school district is also responsible for educating students in the nearby communities of Cultus Lake, Sardis, Vedder, Greendale, Yarrow, and Rosedale. Beyond public schooling options, there are several post-secondary options in the vicinity, with the largest being the University of the Fraser Valley. However, several colleges, like Summit Pacific College, Ashton College, CDI College Abbotsford, and Columbia Bible College are also nearby. Due to the fact that the city isn’t far from Vancouver, residents will also have access to the many universities and colleges in Vancouver, like 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 Chilliwack
Chilliwack’s main neighbourhoods include Camp River, Downtown Chilliwack, Rosedale, Fairfield Island, East Chilliwack, Atchelitz, Greendale, Sardis, Ryder Lake, Vedder Crossing, and Yarrow.
Quality of infrastructure for Chilliwack
Chilliwack has its own public transportation system separate from that of Metro Vancouver’s TransLink system. Public transit in Chilliwack is provided by BC Transit, which offers efficient transportation via several bus routes. Although BC Transit does not transport people from Chilliwack to Vancouver, the eBus offers daily services between the two cities. In Vancouver, you will have access to Vancouver International Airport, multiple BC Ferries ferry terminals, as well as a Via Rail train terminal and several coach bus services. Meanwhile, Abbotsford International Airport is only 30 minutes by car from Chilliwack. For drivers, Chilliwack is conveniently located along the Trans Canada Highway, which means easy access to Metro Vancouver, as well as the BC Interior. As far as healthcare facilities go, the Chilliwack General Hospital is located in the city and the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is also nearby.
Safety and security for Chilliwack
The Chilliwack Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) keeps Chilliwack safe, though crime rates are well below average. Residents should always call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Chilliwack property market
Chilliwack’s property market is largely known for its affordability, so if you’re looking for a return on your investment, Chilliwack might be the perfect place for you. Unlike most other regions in Metro Vancouver, Chilliwack’s housing market is strong and steady, with housing prices that remain relatively low. Although it’s quickly growing, Chilliwack’s rural setting has resulted in a mix of property types that mostly include bungalows, semi-detached homes, townhomes, and detached homes, though there are some condos and apartments in the area too.
Standard of living in Chilliwack
Between the peaceful, rural lifestyle it offers combined with the dramatic natural scenery, thriving economy, and low cost of living, Chilliwack boasts a fantastic quality of life. This makes sense given the fact that Vancouver, which is not far from Chilliwack, was recently ranked as the fifth most liveable city in the entire world. The Global Liveability Index 2023’s Liveability Report, which assessed a variety of factors, like education, healthcare, culture, and stability, awarded Vancouver this top honour.
Something wonderful about Chilliwack
Chilliwack is a haven for nature lovers. Of the many parks and lakes nearby, a few of the top natural attractions include Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, Elm Mountain, Lindeman Lake, Chilliwack Lake, and Cultus Lake (which is also home to Cultus Lake Waterpark). Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in western Chilliwack is also worth a trip. The area features 325 acres of forests and wetlands on the Vedder River. It earns its name from the fact that it is home to one of the largest breeding grounds for the Pacific Great Blue Herons. Ultimately, whether you’re looking to hike, paddle, fish, or boat, you will find a place to do it in Chilliwack.
