5 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Langley, BC

Thinking about moving to Langley, BC? Whether you're relocating for work, a change of lifestyle, or better affordability compared to Vancouver, Langley offers a lot. But before you make the move, there are some key things you need to know. From real estate prices to transportation and safety, let’s break down everything you should consider before settling in Langley.

1. Home Prices & Cost of Living

Langley offers more affordable housing compared to Vancouver, but it’s still pricey by Canadian standards. Here’s a breakdown of current benchmark home prices:

• Detached Homes: $1.62 million (Langley) vs. $2.46 million (Vancouver)
• Townhomes: $889,000 (Langley) vs. $1.32 million (Vancouver)
• Condos: $669,000 (Langley) vs. $791,000 (Vancouver)

Langley is seeing a surge in new developments, particularly condos and townhomes, while still maintaining a selection of heritage homes and larger properties on acreages. If you're looking for more space than Vancouver offers, Langley might be the right place for you.

Rent Prices in Langley vs. Vancouver

Renting in Langley is significantly cheaper than in Vancouver:

• 1-bedroom apartment: ~$1,600 (Langley) vs. ~$2,400 (Vancouver)
• 2-bedroom apartment: ~$2,300 (Langley) vs. ~$3,500 (Vancouver)
• 3-bedroom townhouse: ~$3,000 (Langley) vs. ~$4,700 (Vancouver)

If you’re looking for even more affordability, basement suites are an option, typically 15-20% cheaper than standard rentals.

2. Weather in Langley

Langley enjoys milder weather than most of Canada but still gets its fair share of rain. Here’s what to expect:

• Winters: Rainy, cool, occasional snow (but it melts quickly). Average daily lows hover around just above freezing.
• Summers: Warm and sunny, with highs in the mid-20s°C and occasional heat waves over 30°C.
• Rainfall: Less than Vancouver but still frequent in winter months.

While Vancouver is nicknamed “Raincouver,” Langley often enjoys brighter and slightly warmer weather than the city, making it a great place for those who prefer a drier climate.

3. Foreign Buyers & Real Estate Regulations

If you’re a foreign buyer, there are some important rules to be aware of:

• 20% Foreign Buyer’s Tax applies in Langley for non-residents purchasing property.
• Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban (2023-2025) restricts non-citizens and non-permanent residents from purchasing homes, except for certain exemptions.
• If you’re applying under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you may be exempt from additional property taxes.

Always check up-to-date regulations before purchasing as a foreign buyer.

4. Transportation & Commuting

Langley is well-connected but lacks rapid transit—though that’s about to change. Here’s what you need to know:

Driving Times from Langley

• Downtown Vancouver: ~40 minutes
• Burnaby: ~30 minutes
• Surrey City Centre (SkyTrain): ~25 minutes
• Abbotsford: ~20-30 minutes
• Langley Memorial Hospital: ~15 minutes
• Vancouver Airport: ~60 minutes
• US Border: ~30 minutes

Public Transit

• Currently bus-only, with the main transit hub at Carvolth Exchange.
• Future SkyTrain Extension (by 2028) will extend from Surrey to Langley City, significantly improving transit options.
• If you rely on transit, Willoughby, Langley City, or Walnut Grove are the best areas to live for accessibility.

During rush hour, Langley’s main roads—200th St. and 208th St.—can be heavily congested, so plan accordingly.

5. Safety in Langley

Langley has a mix of very safe neighborhoods and some areas with higher crime rates. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Langley Township (larger area, including Willoughby, Walnut Grove, Brookswood, Fort Langley, etc.) ranks much lower in crime than Langley City.
• Langley City (a smaller area within the township) has higher crime rates, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
• Aldergrove also has some pockets of higher crime but is still safer than many Metro Vancouver areas.

Crime Rankings (Violent Crime Severity Index, Canada-wide)

• Langley City: 45th in Canada, 12th in BC
• Langley Township: 115th in Canada, 29th in BC

For comparison:

• Vancouver: 59th in Canada
• Surrey: 115th in Canada
• Chilliwack: 41st in Canada

Overall, most of Langley is very safe, with crime concentrated in specific areas of Langley City.

Final Thoughts

Langley, BC, is an attractive option for those looking for more affordable housing, great amenities, and a quieter suburban lifestyle while still being close to Vancouver. Whether you're drawn in by lower home prices, great weather, or upcoming transit improvements, Langley is a growing city with a lot to offer.

If you’re considering moving to Langley and want to explore which neighbourhoods would suit you best, I’d be happy to help!

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