Top 5 WORST Neighbourhoods to Live in Langley British Columbia

Top 5 WORST Neighbourhoods to Live in Langley, BC

Langley is divided into two municipalities: Langley Township and Langley City. Each has its unique features and appeals, but it's essential to understand the differences for anyone considering moving or investing in the area.

Key Characteristics:

• Location: Central to the Lower Mainland, bordered by cities such as Surrey and Murrayville.
• Real Estate Market: Generally offers lower home prices than Langley Township, which may appeal to first-time buyers.
  • Detached Homes:
    • Langley City: $1.288 million
    • Langley Township: $1.635 million
  • Townhomes:
    • Langley City: $832,000
    • Langley Township: $879,000
  • Apartments:
    • Langley City: $572,000
    • Langley Township: $618,000
• Development Trends: Properties mostly constructed between the 1960s and 1990s, with ongoing projects, especially around the planned SkyTrain extension set to improve transit accessibility.

Neighborhoods to Avoid

While Langley has its attractive features, certain neighborhoods are deemed less favorable. Here, we outline the five neighborhoods you might want to think twice about before making any housing commitments.

1. Aldergrove

   • Location: Easternmost point of Langley Township.
   • Demographics: Approximately 16,000 residents with mixed-use land (residential, commercial, agricultural).
   • Concerns:
     • Crime rates are 26% higher than the rest of Langley and a staggering 286% above the national average.
     • High levels of poverty and homelessness, particularly in downtown areas.
   • Transportation Issues: Slow rush hour traffic; owning a vehicle is almost necessary due to the area's limited walkability.
   • Future Development: Plans for the Aldergrove Town Center could improve the area's appeal.
   • Real Estate Prices:
     • Detached Homes at $1.222 million,
     • Townhomes at $629,100,
     • Apartments at $510,800.

2. Willowbrook

   • Location: Near the Surrey-Langley border.
   • Challenges:
     • Crime rates here are 29% higher than the Langley average and 298% above the national level.
     • The presence of a large shopping center draws in a diverse crowd, which can sometimes lead to undesirable situations.

3. Nicomekl

   • Location: Northwest corner of Langley City.
   • Demographics: This is the most densely populated area in Langley City, with 80% of the recent housing starts happening here.
   • Areas to Avoid: The eastern region past 200th Street is advised against; the west side tends to be safer.
   • Crime Statistics: Crime is 47% higher than Langley, with a 352% increase above the national average.

4. Downtown Langley City

   • Location: Central area within Langley City.
   • Features: Home to over 500 businesses, shops, and restaurants.
   • Concerns:
     • A higher concentration of services for homeless individuals leads to increased crime, with rates 55% higher than Langley and 378% above the national average.

5. Douglas

   • Location: Northeast corner of Langley City.
   • Characteristics: This area comprises much of downtown and has a high population density.
   • Issues:
     • Notable for its visible issues related to homelessness, especially near the Langley bypass and Glover Road.
     • Crime rates are 58% higher than Langley and 386% above the national average.

Future Outlook and Considerations

While these neighborhoods come with their challenges, it's worth noting that areas often perceived as undesirable can hold potential for future investment. As Langley develops, especially with the anticipated SkyTrain extension, there's a chance for revitalization and growth.

Investment Perspective

• Hope for Improvement: Langley City is poised for enhancements similar to those seen in Surrey City Center over the past decade, suggesting that these neighborhoods could see a turnaround in attractiveness and value over time.
• Long-term Growth Potential: now may be a unique opportunity for savvy investors to capitalize on lower property prices, anticipating escalation as the community evolves.

Final Thoughts

Remember, potential buyers and investors should consider multiple factors, including neighborhood crime statistics, demographic trends, and future developments, prior to making decisions. Consulta relocation expert or real estate agent can provide invaluable insights tailored to your specific needs.

If you’re serious about buying or investing in Langley, reach out to professionals who can guide you through the process, ensuring you find the right neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle or investment goals.

A balanced understanding of Langley, BC, will empower you to make informed decisions on where you want to live or invest.