Geographically, Fraser Valley is a broad, flat valley that emerges from the Fraser Canyon into the lush farmland that runs to the municipalities of Richmond and Delta. Most residents of the Lower Mainland understand it as the area "south of the Fraser" where the region's booming suburbs lie.
Real estate-wise, it includes North Delta(the south part is within the area of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver) and municipalities east to Abbotsford.
The valley's agricultural history is steadily being surpassed by newer industries, from logistics companies to biotech and environmental firms. Agriculture still plays a big role in the region, with dairy, poultry and berries being big contributors to the local economy.
The pastoral landscape offers plenty of getaways and recreational opportunities, from cycling and fishing to skydiving and various cultural endeavours. Public schools are complemented by a number of private institutions. Trinity Western University, a major post-secondary school, is based in Langley.
The average house price for the Fraser Valley is around $600,000 and expect to pay around $330,000 for a townhouse and about $220,000 for a Fraser Valley apartment.
Fraser Valley Amenities
Fraser Valley Shopping
Suburban in character, the Fraser Valley's historic downtown shopping districts now stand in the shadow of auto-oriented shopping centres. Key agglomerations are along the 200th Street corridor in Langley and Sumas Way in downtown Abbotsford.
Schools and Education in Fraser Valley
Primary and Secondary Schools
Considering schooling in the Fraser Valley? Check with the school district operating the public schools in your area of choice:
- School District 34(Abbotsford)
- School District 35(Langley)
- School District 36(Surrey)
- School District 37(Delta)
Post-secondary
Fraser Valley Cafés and Restaurants
Eat! Fraser Valley, held in Abbotsford each September, is an introduction to some of the great cuisine the region has to offer. Restaurants specializing in local fare abound, and some local wineries also have high-profile restaurants (such as Domaine de Chaberton). Wired Monk is a local alternative to the ubiquitous Tim Hortons, Blenz and Starbucks if you're looking for coffee.
Fraser Valley Sports and Recreation
Golf courses and boarding stables give a genteel air to the sporting life of the Fraser Valley. There's a club for just about any pursuit, however. Recreation centres in each community provide various programs. A rich mix of cultures also ensures a diverse calendar of cultural events.
Fraser Valley Transportation
Highway 1 is the main route through the Fraser Valley. Public transit is limited relative to downtown Vancouver, but the terminus of SkyTrain in Surrey connects commuters to various suburban bus services running out to Langley. Commuters travelling to Mission and Abbotsford have the West Coast Express, which runs primarily at rush hours. Abbotsford International Airport is a key air hub for the Fraser Valley.
Fraser Valley Property Statistics
Home prices* Houses $598,609 Townhouses $329,235 Apartments $224,068
*Source: Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, average MLS® prices as of February 2011
Fraser Valley Demographics
Population* 257,031 (2006) *Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
Age* 60+ 19.4% 40 to 59 28.2% 20 to 39 25.2% 5 to 19 21.1% 0 to 4 6.1%
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
Occupancy* Fully owned 74.7% ("Owners") Rented 24.9%
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
Dwellings* Detached 56.4% ("Houses") Semi-detached 10.9% Apartments 30.1%
*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
