Abbotsford can be a great place to live if you’re relying on public transport. However, not all areas in Abbotsford have the same level of service. In this guide, I’m going to explore with you the top 5 areas to live in Abbotsford for public transport.
f you need to have a transit friendly lifestyle in Abbotsford, you need to make sure you pick the right areas to live. There are many parts of Abbotsford that have infrequent bus stops and I don’t want you to regret moving to those areas.
What are the Best Areas to Live in Abbotsford for Public Transport?
In this guide, I’m going to explore with you the top 5 areas to live in Abbotsford if you want to prioritize public transport.
My name is Dilpreet, I am a middle school teacher and realtor whose goal is to make your move to Abbotsford easy. I have lived here most of my life and I’m going to cover the following areas and topics below:
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Why Public Transport Accessibility Matters in Abbotsford
Abbotsford is the largest city, by area size, in BC. Although the largest by size, it’s not close to being the largest by population so the demand for public transport isn’t as high as some major cities.
Because of this, there are certain parts of town that have less frequent bus stops and if you decide to move there, you’re going to regret it.
Living near these transit hubs is going to save you time, offer more convenience, and keep more money in your pocket.
Mill Lake Area
Abbotsford’s most established bus exchange is located right beside Mill Lake and Seven Oaks Mall in Central Abbotsford.
Mill Lake is amazing and I would consider it the best park in Abbotsford.
As for Seven Oaks Mall, it’s mediocre but is Abbotsford’s largest shopping hub.
This area is popular among families, students and people who prioritize walkability. There are tons of restaurants and facilities near this area which makes it ideal.
You can find all types of housing in this area from condos, apartments, and single family homes.
I think this area provides the best bus access, however, it’s nowhere near the nicest part of town.
The second area I want to discuss with you, houses Abbotsford’s newest bus exchange.
Downtown Abbotsford Area
I would consider downtown Abbotsford the most walkable area in Abbotsford. With the new Montrose bus exchange, it is also becoming very public transit friendly.
In the downtown area you can find trendy cafes, restaurants, shops and attractions.
It’s an ideal location for younger professionals who like a lively urban environment.
You won’t find many single family homes in the area but there are tons of apartments and rentals. This area is also under construction as more high-rises, apartments and townhomes are being built.
What I dislike most about this area is you are likely to find the most homelessness here. The city is working to clean it up but there is a long way to go.
If you’re a single female and you want to prioritize safety, this may not be the area for you. I know as a man I am less worried about safety concerns at night so it’s all going to depend on your situation.
The next area I’m going to discuss is not far away but would be perfect for University students.
McCallum Area
The McCallum Exit area is situated around McCallum road. The key benefit of this area is it’s right next to University of the Fraser Valley and the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
The location makes it the perfect area for University students and healthcare workers. You can easily walk to both places in under 15 minutes.
I like this area because it still offers good walkability, maybe not as good as Downtown Abbotsford BUT there is way less homelessness in this area.
You can find every type of housing in this area so regardless of what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. There is an abundance of apartments here as many students do live in this area.
The next area I will talk about is better if you’re going to have a family because I believe it is safer and it is the same area I live in.
Clearbrook Area
The Clearbrook area is walkable and offers ton’s of different amenities nearby. It also connects right to the highway for easy transport.
I would consider Clearbrook to have less homelessness than the areas I’ve already covered and it’s definitely the most safe in my opinion.
There are some apartments in the area that are very affordable, as they are older. However, the Clearbrook area is mainly single family houses with the majority of them having basement rental suites.
I’ve lived in this area since 2011 and always have felt safe. My nephews and nieces have grown up in the area and we have never had any issues.
My tenants rely on public transport to get around from the area as they don’t have a car and I haven’t heard anything bad from them about access to public transport.
The last area I want to cover is good for public transport but by looking at the city plans, it’s only going to keep improving.
Highstreet Area
The Highstreet area is continuing to expand with new apartment developments. The major attraction in this area is the Highstreet Shopping Centre.
Highstreet is ideal for shoppers, families and commuters as this link to the Mt.Lehman exit, the last exit in Abbotsford when heading west towards Vancouver.
This area also has the least amount of homelessness in the area in comparison to the others that we have discussed.
Looking at the city plans, the main public transit corridor runs from University of the Fraser Valley, to McCallum, Downtown and Clearbrook. However, by 2050, they are looking to extend this to Highstreet.
Tips for Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Before you make your decision, you need to consider your commuting needs, look at proximity to schools and work, lifestyle preferences and housing costs.
Use google maps to look at amenities nearby and find the distances to the places you need to go.
You can use Central Fraser Valley trip planner to find out how long bussing would be and how available they are to areas.
If you’re looking for a place to rent, my favourite is still Facebook Marketplace.
Conclusion
Abbotsford is home to a variety of transit-friendly neighborhoods that cater to diverse needs.
From the central convenience of Mill Lake Area and the urban vibe of Downtown Abbotsford to the regional access of the McCallum Exit Area, the affordability of Clearbrook, and the modern amenities of Highstreet, there’s a perfect neighborhood for you.
Ready to explore these top transit-friendly neighborhoods? Whether you’re moving for work, school, or lifestyle, these areas offer unmatched convenience and connectivity.
If you need help with anything, make sure you reach out! Hit the link below and fill in your info so I can get back to you ASAP.