Why Families Are Moving to Chilliwack, BC: Neighbourhoods, Commutes and Moving Tips
Families move to Chilliwack for more space at a lower price than Metro Vancouver, quick access to lakes, rivers and mountain trails, and a full set of schools and services in a city of about 93,000 people (2021 Census). The trade-off is distance: Chilliwack is roughly 100 km east of Vancouver on Highway 1, so a daily commute into the city is long. Here is what to know about the neighbourhoods, getting around, and planning the move.
Chilliwack at a Glance
| Chilliwack | |
|---|---|
| Population | About 93,200 (2021 Census) |
| Region | Fraser Valley, east of Abbotsford |
| Main route to Vancouver | Highway 1 (Trans-Canada), about 100 km |
| Transit link west | BC Transit’s Fraser Valley Express to Abbotsford and Langley |
| School district | Chilliwack School District (SD33) |
| Post-secondary | University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack campus |
| Hospital | Chilliwack General Hospital |
Why Families Choose Chilliwack
- Space for the money. Detached homes with yards, and newer townhouses, generally cost less than comparable homes in Metro Vancouver.
- The outdoors on the doorstep. Cultus Lake, the Vedder River, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park and Bridal Veil Falls are all a short drive away.
- Services in town. Schools, a hospital, a university campus, recreation centres and shopping mean most errands stay local.
- A growing city. New subdivisions in the south and on the hillsides keep housing options coming.
Neighbourhoods to Look At
- Sardis and Vedder Crossing: south of Highway 1, with established family streets, schools and shopping close together. Garrison Crossing, on the former military base, has newer homes and townhouses.
- Promontory: a hillside area with newer houses and views. Expect steep driveways and stairs, which matter on moving day.
- Chilliwack Proper and downtown: older homes, apartments and condos, the most walkable part of the city.
- Rosedale, Yarrow, Greendale and Ryder Lake: rural and semi-rural areas with acreages and farmland, quieter but farther from services.
- Eastern Hillsides and Chilliwack Mountain: newer hillside developments with larger lots.
Commuting and Getting Around
Most families who commute work in Abbotsford, Langley or Surrey rather than Vancouver. Highway 1 is the main route west and is the slowest part of the trip at rush hour. The Fraser Valley Express bus connects Chilliwack with Abbotsford and with Langley, where you can transfer toward SkyTrain. Within the city, a car is the norm, and local BC Transit routes cover the main corridors.
Before You Buy or Rent: Check the Floodplain
Parts of Chilliwack sit on the Fraser River floodplain and are protected by dikes. The November 2021 atmospheric river closed Highway 1 and flooded farmland in the eastern Fraser Valley. Check the City of Chilliwack’s floodplain information for any address you’re considering, and ask your insurer about overland flood coverage.
Planning Your Move to Chilliwack
- Allow for the drive. From Metro Vancouver, budget at least an hour and a half each way for the truck, more in traffic. The distance is part of the price.
- Book early for summer and month-end. Family moves cluster around the end of the school year and the first of the month.
- Describe access accurately. Hillside homes often have steep driveways and exterior stairs; rural properties can have long gravel lanes.
- Watch the winter forecast. Snow and freezing rain hit the eastern Fraser Valley more often than Vancouver, so keep a backup date from December to February and check DriveBC the day before.
- Set up services early: BC Hydro, FortisBC for gas, internet, and school registration with SD33.
Tingsapp accepts bookings anywhere in BC, including moves from Metro Vancouver to Chilliwack. Enter both addresses on tingsapp.com/order to see a fixed price and check availability for your date.
Sources
- Statistics Canada — 2021 Census of Population profile for Chilliwack (statcan.gc.ca), 2026
- City of Chilliwack — neighbourhoods, parks, and floodplain information (chilliwack.com), 2026
- Chilliwack School District (SD33) — schools and catchments (sd33.bc.ca), 2026
- BC Transit — Fraser Valley Express and Chilliwack routes (bctransit.com), 2026
- BC Parks — Cultus Lake and Chilliwack Lake provincial parks (bcparks.ca), 2026
- DriveBC — Highway 1 conditions (drivebc.ca), 2026
Related guides
- Is Abbotsford Still BC’s Most Affordable City to Live?
- Living in Maple Ridge
- Renting or Buying in Langley
- Moving Checklist for BC: 8 Weeks to Moving Day
- Get an upfront moving price
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Chilliwack from Vancouver?
About 100 km east on Highway 1, typically an hour and a half by car without heavy traffic.
Is Chilliwack cheaper than Metro Vancouver?
Generally, yes. Comparable homes, especially detached houses with yards, cost less than in Metro Vancouver, which is the main reason families relocate.
Which Chilliwack neighbourhoods are best for families?
Sardis, Vedder Crossing and Garrison Crossing are popular for schools and amenities close together. Promontory and the Eastern Hillsides offer newer homes with more space.
Can you commute from Chilliwack to Vancouver?
You can, but it’s a long daily drive on Highway 1. Many residents work locally or in Abbotsford, Langley or Surrey. The Fraser Valley Express bus links Chilliwack to Abbotsford and Langley.
Is flooding a concern in Chilliwack?
In some areas. Parts of the city are on the Fraser River floodplain behind dikes. Check the City of Chilliwack’s floodplain information for a specific address and ask about overland flood insurance.
Can Tingsapp move me from Vancouver to Chilliwack?
Yes. Bookings are accepted anywhere in BC. Enter both addresses to see a fixed price and available dates.
