Living in Langley, BC: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

Langley, BC, is becoming one of the most desirable places to live in Metro Vancouver. With its affordable housing (compared to Vancouver), excellent schools, thriving job market, and strong sense of community, it’s no surprise that more and more people are considering making the move.

But what’s it really like to live in Langley?

I’ve spent my entire life between Surrey and Langley, and I currently call Langley home. In this guide, I’ll give you a first-hand, honest look at what it’s like to live here, covering everything from housing and employment to schools, transportation, shopping, and more.

Where is Langley, BC? (Location & Accessibility)

Langley is a bustling suburban community located in Metro Vancouver at the easternmost point of the Lower Mainland.

📍 Location Highlights:
✔ 45 minutes from Downtown Vancouver
✔ 30 minutes to the US border (via Highway 99)
✔ 15 minutes to Abbotsford
✔ Near major highways (Trans-Canada Hwy & Fraser Hwy)
✔ Easy access to Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Mission via Golden Ears Bridge

Langley is also unique because it consists of two municipalities:

1. Langley Township – The larger area, mostly suburban and rural.
2. Langley City – The urban core with shopping, restaurants, and businesses.

Most people refer to them collectively as "Langley," which I’ll do throughout this guide.

Housing in Langley, BC: Affordability & Options

Langley’s real estate market is significantly more affordable than Vancouver, making it an attractive option for families, first-time buyers, and those looking for more space.

🏡 Average Home Prices:
✔ Detached Homes: $1.46M (compared to $2.26M in Vancouver)
✔ Townhomes: $800,000 (compared to $1.24M in Vancouver)
✔ Condos: $549,000 (compared to $774,000 in Vancouver)

💰 Rent Prices:
✔ 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,000/month
✔ 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,400/month
✔ 3-Bedroom Townhome: $3,200/month

Langley offers a diverse range of housing options, from condos and townhomes in the urban areas to large detached homes, farms, and equestrian properties in the outskirts.

✔ Family-friendly neighborhoods with parks & schools
✔ New developments in areas like Willoughby Heights
✔ Quiet, upscale communities in Murrayville & Brookswood
✔ Rural acreage properties in Campbell Valley

🏆 Fun Fact: Over the past 40 years, Langley’s home prices have appreciated by an average of 7% per year.

Employment & Job Market in Langley

Langley is not just a commuter city—it has a growing job market, particularly in the retail, tech, construction, and healthcare industries.

🏢 Top Industries & Major Employers:
✔ Retail & Hospitality: Willowbrook Shopping Centre, major chains, and local businesses.
✔ Manufacturing & Construction: Growing development projects.
✔ Healthcare & Education: Langley Memorial Hospital, local school districts.
✔ Tech & Startups: Emerging tech companies moving into the area.
✔ Remote Work: Many professionals are choosing Langley for its affordability while working from home.

💼 Commuting to Work? Langley is well connected to Vancouver and Surrey via Highway 1 and Fraser Highway, making it easy to travel to major job hubs.

Education in Langley: Schools & Post-Secondary Options

Langley has a great education system, with highly rated public and private schools and two post-secondary institutions.

🏫 Public Schools (K-12):
✔ Elementary Schools: Strong academic programs
✔ Secondary Schools: Advanced STEM & arts programs

🏅 Best Private Schools in Langley:
✔ Credo Christian School
✔ Langley Christian School
✔ Fraser Valley Elementary School

🎓 Post-Secondary Education in Langley:
✔ Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) – Business, tech, and trades programs.
✔ Trinity Western University (TWU) – A well-regarded private Christian university.

Community & Lifestyle in Langley

Langley has a strong community feel, with plenty of local events, farmer’s markets, and volunteer opportunities.

🌟 Community Highlights:
✔ Downtown Langley: Bustling with restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.
✔ Langley Farmers’ Market: Local produce and handmade goods.
✔ Annual Festivals: Langley RibFest, Cranberry Festival, and more!
✔ Equestrian & Farming Culture: A rural lifestyle still exists in areas like Campbell Valley.

Residents love supporting local businesses, which gives Langley a small-town feel despite its growing population.

Transportation & Commuting in Langley

🚗 By Car:
✔ Near Highway 1 & Fraser Highway for easy commuting.
✔ Golden Ears Bridge connects to Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge.

🚆 Public Transit (Currently Limited, But Expanding!):
✔ Bus service: TransLink operates local routes, but coverage is better in West Langley.
✔ SkyTrain Expansion (Coming by 2028!): Langley will soon have direct SkyTrain access to Vancouver, significantly improving transit options.

Langley is a car-friendly city, but the SkyTrain expansion will make it easier for commuters to get to Metro Vancouver.

Parks, Recreation & Outdoor Activities in Langley

Langley is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and has plenty of parks, trails, and recreational activities.

🏞 Top Parks & Outdoor Destinations:
✔ Campbell Valley Regional Park – Over 1,300 acres of trails, picnic areas, and wildlife.
✔ Derby Reach Park – A scenic spot along the Fraser River.
✔ Aldergrove Regional Park – Great for hiking, picnics, and horseback riding.
✔ Williams Park – A hidden gem with walking trails and creeks.
✔ Langley’s Golf Courses – Multiple top-tier courses for golf enthusiasts.

🚴 Outdoor Activities:
✔ Hiking & Biking
✔ Horseback Riding
✔ Fishing & Boating
✔ Golf & Sports

If you love the outdoors, Langley has plenty of space to explore while still being close to urban amenities.

Shopping & Dining in Langley

🛍 Top Shopping Destinations:
✔ Willowbrook Shopping Centre – Over 100 stores & restaurants (currently expanding).
✔ Willoughby Town Centre – A newer hub with shopping, dining, and fitness centers.

🍽 Best Restaurants in Langley:
✔ Atlas Steak + Fish – High-end dining.
✔ Ban Chok Dee Thai Cuisine – Authentic Thai food.
✔ Trading Post Brewery – Great craft beer & casual bites.
✔ The Italian Osteria & Cheesebar – A must-visit for Italian food lovers.

Langley has a diverse food scene, offering everything from casual eats to fine dining.

Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Langley?

Langley offers affordable housing, great schools, a growing job market, and a fantastic community, making it a great place for families, young professionals, and retirees.

✔ More affordable than Vancouver
✔ Great for families & outdoor lovers
✔ SkyTrain expansion will improve transit
✔ Strong job market & education system

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

📞 Book a call with me today to discuss your options: Schedule a Consultation
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