Relocating or moving to Abbotsford BC can be overwhelming, but with the right information, you’ll settle in faster and feel right at home.

This post is designed to give you the right information.

My name is Dilpreet, I have lived in the Abbotsford area for 32 years and I want to help make your move as smooth as possible.

I work as a school teacher for the Abbotsford District. I also have my real estate license and focus on clients who are relocating or moving to Abbotsford BC. So if you’re looking to buy or sell – reach out to me here!

What do You Need to Know Before Moving to Abbotsford?

If you’re considering a move to Abbotsford, BC, here are seven key things you need to know to make the transition as smooth as possible.

1. Abbotsford’s Location

You’re going to want to know where Abbotsford BC actually is in Canada. Abbotsford sits in the heart of the Fraser Valley, making it a 30 minute drive to Chilliwack or Surrey.

Downtown Vancouver on the other hand is approximately an hour and fifteen minute drive away.

While the US border only sits 10-15 mins away and crosses in Abbotsford.

I love the location of Abbotsford because it’s convenient for commuting to larger cities and exploring the nature the region has to offer. Highway 1, runs right through Abbotsford and offers many exit/entry points.

2. Transportation Options

I think the best way to get around Abbotsford is with your own car. 

The city has well-maintained roads and low traffic compared to larger cities. Rarely will you find yourself stuck in traffic for long periods of time.

For those of you who don’t drive or have a vehicle, bussing is available. In comparison to larger cities, the bussing here is very mediocre. If taking the bus is your only option then you will be happy to know that it can get you almost anywhere around the city.

In my opinion the issues with bussing here are limited bus routes, infrequent service and it’s time consuming trying to get to neighboring cities.

3. Abbotsford’s Local Amenities

Even though Abbotsford is considered a distant suburb of Vancouver, you have everything you need here to feel at home.

There’s 2 big shopping malls, High Street Mall and West Oak Mall. These malls aren’t huge but they have all the stores you need to get most types of clothing. If you really want to go to better malls, just make a trip to Langley or Surrey.

I love to eat and try different kinds of food and the dining scene in Abbotsford offers options from local favorites to international cuisines.

I’m also an outdoor enthusiast and Abbotsford has been the perfect base for me.

Not only does Abbotsford have tons of trails and things to do outdoors, but it also is a good central location to explore more nature in the rest of the Valley.

There’s no shortage of family friendly things to do in Abbotsford but I will say it lacks any night life. There aren’t many options for people who like clubbing and partying. 

I’m not much of a partier anymore so it doesn’t bother me but I do enjoy going to breweries and bars. There are plenty of breweries and bars if you still enjoy going out for some drinks.

If you are family focused, Abbotsford is the right place for you.

4. Community and Lifestyle

My favorite thing about Abbotsford is the strong sense of community. People here are generally very friendly. The city hosts events year round, making it easy to meet neighbors and get involved.

The city has a rich cultural diversity so you’ll find a blend of cultures reflected in the city’s festivals, restaurants and community events.

Some of the major events held in Abbotsford are the International Airshow, Berry Festival, Vaisakhi Parade, Christmas Lighting, and many more!

The lifestyle in Abbotsford BC is very balanced. You can work, play, and relax all in one place.

What more could you need?

5. Housing and Real Estate Market

One of the first things people ask me about when moving to Abbotsford is about housing.

The real estate market in Abbotsford is competitive but it’s generally more affordable than Vancouver. There are options from single family homes to modern condos and townhouses.

I do believe that Abbotsford still has a ton of growth potential. We saw a boom in Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Area. Surrey felt a large boom in the past 10 years and now Langley is one of the largest growing cities in the country.

It’s only a matter of time before Abbotsford has its moment.

In my Cost of Living Guide, I dive deeper into market prices and rents. You can read about it here.

6. Education Opportunities

If you’re moving to Abbotsford, your family will be happy with the education system.

At the time of writing this post, I am a middle school teacher in the district. I did make a whole post on the Best Schools in Abbotsford. Don’t miss it if you want the best opportunities for your children in the public system.

There are also private schools in Abbotsford and I will make a post about them in the near future. Feel free to reach out to me to get more information.

Along with schools for kids and teens, University of the Fraser Valley, is available for post grad education.

I attended UFV for my undergrad and had a great experience. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to pursue higher education.

7.  Job Market and Economy

Abbotsford’s economy continues to grow

Key industries include agriculture, manufacturing, and aviation, but opportunities are expanding in tech, healthcare, and education. 

As a teacher in the district, I can say that they are desperate to find qualified teachers. Many new teachers are able to walk into full time jobs and kick start their careers without having to worry about layoffs.

If you’re job hunting, you’ll find a variety of options across sectors. The best place to look for a job is on Indeed.

If you decide you would rather work for yourself instead, the business friendly environment here is great for entrepreneurs.

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Final Thoughts on Moving to Abbotsford BC

Moving to Abbotsford offers countless opportunities for a fresh start in a welcoming community. With its strategic location, excellent amenities, and vibrant lifestyle, it’s no wonder so many people choose to call Abbotsford home.

If you’re planning your move and have questions about settling in or finding the perfect home, feel free to reach out to me from my homepage.