Why More Young Families Are Choosing Langley Over Vancouver

For decades, Vancouver was seen as the place to be. The city offered everything—jobs, culture, schools, and the lure of big-city living. But in 2025, the tide is shifting. More and more young families are packing up their condos in the city and heading east to Langley, British Columbia.

Why? It comes down to affordability, space, lifestyle, and community. Langley has transformed from a “commuter town” into one of the fastest-growing and most desirable places to live in the Fraser Valley. Families who want more for their money—and a better quality of life—are realizing Langley offers just that.

If you’ve been wondering whether Langley might be the right move for your family, this guide will break it down for you.

The affordability gap between Vancouver and Langley is one of the biggest reasons families are making the move. In Vancouver, the cost of living has reached all-time highs. Detached homes average over $2 million, and even condos often stretch past the $700,000–$900,000 mark. For many young families, saving a down payment or upgrading from a starter condo feels impossible.

Langley, on the other hand, offers homes at a fraction of Vancouver prices. As of mid-2025, the benchmark price for a detached home in Langley sits around $1.35 million, townhomes average around $850,000, and condos hover near $600,000. While not cheap, families can stretch their budget further and actually get the space they need. Langley real estate offers more affordable family homes than Vancouver, making it one of the top destinations for buyers looking for value in the Lower Mainland.

For families with kids, a backyard is worth its weight in gold. Whether it’s a trampoline, a swing set, or just grass for playing tag, Langley delivers the kind of outdoor space that’s rare in Vancouver. Instead of squeezing into a 900 sq. ft. two-bedroom condo, families can find spacious townhomes or detached homes with 3–4 bedrooms in Langley. That extra space means home offices, playrooms, and guest rooms become possible without breaking the bank.

Langley is more than just houses—it’s a patchwork of unique neighbourhoods that each offer something special. Willoughby has modern master-planned communities with excellent schools, parks, and new townhomes. Brookswood is known for its established, tree-lined streets with large lots—perfect for families who want character and room to grow. Murrayville brings historic charm and convenience, with a strong community feel and walkability. Aldergrove is more affordable, up-and-coming, with a growing number of shops, restaurants, and new developments. And Walnut Grove remains one of Langley’s most family-friendly hubs, with great schools and easy access to Hwy 1 for commuters. If you’re looking for the best neighbourhoods in Langley BC for families, Willoughby, Murrayville, and Walnut Grove consistently top the list.

Education is another huge factor when families choose where to live, and Langley doesn’t disappoint. Top-rated public and private schools serve the community, along with French immersion and specialty programs that offer variety. For post-secondary, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Langley campus and Trinity Western University provide opportunities close to home. Families also love the abundance of preschools, daycare centers, and after-school programs, making child care and education more accessible.

Langley offers that rare balance: a close-knit, family-friendly community with quick access to Vancouver when needed. The new SkyTrain extension (coming in the next few years) will make commuting even easier, solidifying Langley as a prime choice for working parents. Outdoor opportunities are endless. Campbell Valley Park offers hiking, horseback riding, and picnics. Derby Reach Park has scenic riverside trails and camping. Aldergrove Regional Park features family-friendly walking and biking trails. Add in sports fields, recreation centres, and community programs, and you’ll see why families thrive here.

Families don’t need to leave Langley for shopping or entertainment. Willowbrook Shopping Centre is a major retail hub, but it’s complemented by trendy breweries, family-friendly restaurants, and local farmers markets. The blend of local boutiques and big-box stores means convenience is never far away.

Langley consistently ranks as one of the safer communities in the Fraser Valley, with strong neighbourhood watch programs and active community associations. For parents, peace of mind is everything, and Langley delivers it.

Langley isn’t just great for living—it’s also smart for investing. Population growth, planned infrastructure like the SkyTrain, and steady demand for family housing mean values are projected to stay strong long-term. Investing in Langley real estate offers buyers strong growth potential and lifestyle benefits compared to Vancouver properties.

The best way to understand the shift is to hear real stories. A Vancouver couple traded their 2-bedroom condo for a 4-bedroom home in Willoughby—now they have space for a home office and a backyard for their toddler. A family in Murrayville fell in love with the heritage charm and walkable schools. First-time buyers in Aldergrove purchased a townhome and now have equity they couldn’t have built in Vancouver. These are the stories happening every day as families choose Langley.

If you’re a young family, here are the key takeaways: Langley offers more home for your dollar. Larger homes, bigger lots, and room to grow. Neighbourhoods designed with families in mind. Long-term investment potential that’s hard to beat. Langley isn’t just an alternative to Vancouver—it’s a thriving, family-focused community that stands on its own.

If you’re feeling the squeeze in Vancouver and dreaming of more space, better schools, and a true community, Langley may be exactly what your family needs.

I specialize in helping families make the move to Langley—whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or buying your very first home. Let’s sit down, talk about your goals, and find the neighbourhood and home that’s perfect for you.

👉 Ready to start your Langley real estate journey? Contact me today for a personalized consultation, and let’s make your next move the best one yet.