The first city that will be discussed in this series is the city of Abbotsford. Located in Western Canada, in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, border, and only one hour drive from Vancouver.
Abbotsford calls itself “The City in the Country”, and is a thriving city surrounding by the lush and fertile Fraser Valley. Abbotsford is close to Vancouver, near the sandy ocean beaches, mountains, lakes, parks and farms.
Abbotsford’s population is currently 135,000.
A few features of Abbotsford are that it has one of Canada’s mildest climates. It is temperate and sunny; with mild summers and rainy winters, with little snow.
Abbotsford holds a diverse economy that includes agriculture, industry, business, government service and retail. 62% of employed Abbotsford residents work in the city of Abbotsford itself. While most of the remaining 38% commutes to Vancouver and its suburbs.
The international airport and great highway links to Canada and the US can be found as well. Abbotsford International Airport is hosts the Abbotsford International Airshow which is held annually with a minimum attendance of 125,000.
Most of the Abbotsford residents own their own homes, however the area does offer a mix of rental townhouses and high rise apartments, prices much lower than Vancouver.
Abbotsford has 48 public elementary and secondary schools for children and it offers extra support for students speaking English as a second language and special education programs for children with disabilities.
For higher education, Abbotsford offers full degree programs at the University College of the Fraser Valley, with Simon Fraser University’s Surrey Campus and Kwantlen University College.
The City of Abbotsford is truly a city that any family can create a home in and it offers all the amenities any of the larger cities offer. If you are considering coming to Canada, this Abbotsford is definitely a home that must not be overlooked.
Glen Chapman
Broker of Record with Club “100″ GMAC Real Estate
www.club100realestate.com
