Abbotsford has become a hotspot for families, young professionals, and retirees looking for a blend of urban convenience and rural charm. One question that comes to your mind is Abbotsford a good place to live?
In this guide, we will unpack the pros and cons of living in Abbotsford to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Is Abbotsford a Good Place to Live in 2025
My name is Dilpreet, you can call me Dil, and I am currently a middle school teacher and a realtor in Abbotsford.
I have lived here my whole life and I work with a team of Abbotsford real estate agents who can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
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Pros of Living in Abbotsford
- Affordable Real Estate Options: Abbotsford BC real estate is more affordable in comparison to Vancouver and the whole Greater Vancouver Area.
Usually, land is the largest cost of a property. I just looked on the MLS and there is currently a vacant lot in Vancouver on sale for $1.3 million. This lot is 3000 sq ft. That works out to $430/sq ft.
The smaller piece of land I can currently find in Abbotsford is 4000 sq ft. and is on sale for 700k. This works out to $175/sq ft. So just for the land alone, expect to pay over $250 more per sq ft in Vancouver.
The land is Vancouver is more than DOUBLE. Let me help you find an Abbotsford realtor that will fit your needs perfectly. That may not be me so reach out and I’ll let you know who can serve you best. - Natural Beauty: Stunning landscapes, access to hiking trails, and nearby parks. While driving to work this morning and seeing the snow capped mountains in the clear blue sky looked absolutely phenomenal. Even though I have lived here my whole life, the views are still breathtaking.
I love to go hiking and Abbotsford is perfect for it. There are tons of hikes but I’m also less than a 30-45 minute drive to major hikes in other cities. So if you love nature and you’re wondering is Abbotsford a good place to live, you betcha! - Strong Community Feel: There is a very family friendly environment and many people do move from larger cities to give their children a nice place to grow up without big crowds.
- Thriving Agriculture and Local Markets: Abbotsford is BC’s agricultural hub and even called the City in the Country. There is access to fresh produce, farm markets and agri-tourism hotspots like Mann Farms.
- Educational Opportunities: I have done a post before on the best high schools in Abbotsford, so I believe we have great education.
Abbotsford also is home to the University of the Fraser Valley, which I believe is a great place for higher education. I went there and had a great experience. - Proximity to the US Border: If you have family in the US, like to go shopping in the US or have other reasons to frequent the US, the border is just a short drive away.
Cons of Living in Abbotsford
- Traffic and Public Transportation Challenges: I personally drive or walk around everywhere but for people that rely on public transit, Abbotsford really has a long way to go. Transit is OK in Central Abbotsford but everywhere else it is not great.
If you rely on transit, expect infrequent stops and late buses. The city just built a new bus exchange last month, which I believe will improve the transit system over time, but it’s too early to tell. - Weather Considerations: The lower mainland all share very similar weather patterns so if you’re planning on moving here, expect a lot of rain throughout the year. If you’re living in the farm areas, expect flooding.
In 2021, Abbotsford experienced one of Canada’s largest flood disasters as a river in the USA overflowed and filled up the Sumas prairie area. Population wise this affected a small portion but this was a LARGE amount of farmland and many farmers took a big hit. - Limited Entertainment Options: I’m not one to go out much anymore at night, however, my least favourite thing about Abbotsford is the lack of nightlife. There are no clubs left and the few bars we do have close at 1.
There are tons of restaurant and food options but one of my favorite things to do is go to comedy shows and Abbotsford definitely lacks in this area. There is the occasional show but I know I have to drive to Surrey or further to catch a good show. - Air Quality Concerns: Due to Abbotsford being surrounded by farmland, expect to smell manure at times throughout the summer. I grew up on a farm, so this doesn’t bother me but I know it can be an issue for others.
In recent years, there are times where air quality has suffered due to forest fires in the interior. There has yet to be any major fires in Abbotsford but smoke has travelled into the area and caused low air quality. - Homeless Camps: Homelessness isn’t as bad as major cities in Abbotsford, however, there are certain parts of Abbotsford where it is a problem. What I like least about it is that there is a homeless camp setup right in the loop of the Clearbrook exit and the city seems to do nothing about it. If they do, the camps just move to other parts of the city.
Who Should Consider Moving to Abbotsford?
- Ideal for families looking for space and affordability. The cost of land is more than double in Vancouver, property taxes would be higher and insurance too. You will save a ton of money in Abbotsford.
- Retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle with natural surroundings. There are many 55+ residences in Abbotsford which come at a HUGE discount. My fiance’s parents moved into a park with a 2 bedroom home for under $400,000.
- Young professionals that are open to commuting for work opportunities. If you’re willing to commute, as a lot of people here, you will be able to save more towards your future.
Key Tips for Living in Abbotsford
- Choose the right neighborhood.
Not all areas in Abbotsford are the same. Make sure you pick the best neighborhoods to live in. If you need some help, make sure you leave your information on my homepage 🙂 - Sort out transportation. If you don’t have a car, start planning on how/when you can get one because it will make your life so much easier. If driving just isn’t for you, pick a neighborhood with good transit!
- Get involved. Become a member of the community, meet new people and thrive in this city. The more people you can meet and interact with, the better your experience will be.
Final Verdict: Is Abbotsford a Good Place to Live in 2025?
I Encourage you to check Abbotsford out for yourself before you make a decision.
I’m biased because I love Abbotsford and I don’t plan on living anywhere else anytime soon. All my friends and family love it here too.
It’s safe, friendly, family friendly, offers a relaxing lifestyle and has natural beauty that will take your breath away.
However, it’s essential to weigh the challenges, like transportation and weather, before deciding. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s charming rural vibe or its growing opportunities, Abbotsford could be the perfect place for your next chapter.
Ready to learn more? Let’s connect here and figure out how this vibrant city can fit your lifestyle!