Moving to Chilliwack BC, Everything You Need to Know

Moving to Chilliwack is one of the better decisions you can make if you're looking for a city that offers outdoor lifestyle, genuine community, affordable living relative to Vancouver, and a growing local economy. Whether you're relocating from the Lower Mainland, another province, or further afield, here's everything you need to know before you move to Chilliwack.

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Why people are moving to Chilliwack

Chilliwack has seen consistent population growth over the past decade, and it's not hard to see why. The city sits at the foot of the Coast Mountains in the Fraser Valley, about 100 kilometres east of Vancouver. It offers a quality of life that's hard to replicate in larger urban centres, mountains and trails on your doorstep, a genuine community feel, growing local businesses, and housing that's significantly more affordable than Metro Vancouver. For families, outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers, and people ready to trade commute time for lifestyle, Chilliwack has become an increasingly attractive place to land.

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Cost of living in Chilliwack

Chilliwack is considerably more affordable than Vancouver and many other BC cities. Housing costs both rental and ownership are lower, and day-to-day living expenses follow suit. While costs have risen across BC in recent years, Chilliwack continues to offer better value than most Fraser Valley neighbours closer to the city. Rental options range from apartments and basement suites to townhouses and single-family homes across a range of neighbourhoods. For buyers, Chilliwack offers a mix of established family neighbourhoods, newer developments like Promontory, and more rural properties on the city's edge.

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Chilliwack's neighbourhoods, where should you live?

Sardis

Sardis is one of Chilliwack's most popular residential areas and a great choice for families. It has excellent schools, a walkable local business strip along Vedder Road, parks, and easy access to the Vedder River trails. It's well-serviced and has a strong community feel. Many people who move to Chilliwack end up in Sardis.

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Vedder

Adjacent to Sardis and growing quickly, Vedder is a popular choice for families and younger households. It sits close to the Vedder River Rotary Trail and has a growing selection of local businesses and services. A great option if you want proximity to nature without sacrificing convenience.

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Promontory

Promontory is one of Chilliwack's newer residential developments, sitting on higher ground with mountain views. It's popular with families seeking newer builds, quieter streets, and a more suburban feel. It has grown significantly in recent years and continues to develop with new homes, schools, and local services.

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Downtown Chilliwack and District 1881

The downtown core and heritage District 1881 area offer a more urban experience within Chilliwack. Independent shops, local cafés, galleries, and walkable streets make it an appealing option for those who want to live close to the city's social and cultural centre. It's also where you'll find the most character-filled housing stock in the city.

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Greendale and Rosedale

If you're drawn to a more rural lifestyle, the Greendale and Rosedale areas offer acreage, farm properties, and a quieter pace of life while still being within easy reach of Chilliwack's amenities. Popular with hobby farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking space and privacy.

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Schools and education in Chilliwack

Chilliwack is served by School District 33, which covers a wide range of elementary and secondary schools across the city. There are also several independent and faith-based school options. For post-secondary education, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has a campus in Chilliwack, offering degree programs, trades training, and continuing education courses. UFV's presence makes Chilliwack a practical option for students and families with post-secondary plans.

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Healthcare in Chilliwack

Chilliwack General Hospital is the city's main hospital, offering emergency care and a range of medical services. The city also has a network of family medical clinics, specialist services, dental practices, physiotherapy, and allied health providers. Finding a family doctor in Chilliwack can take time as in many parts of BC so registering with the Health Connect Registry as soon as you arrive is advisable. Walk-in clinics are available across the city for more immediate needs.

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Getting around Chilliwack

Chilliwack is a car-dependent city for most daily needs. Highway 1 runs through the city and connects it to Abbotsford (30 minutes) and Vancouver (about 90 minutes in normal traffic). BC Transit operates bus routes within Chilliwack, but coverage is limited compared to larger urban centres. If you're moving from Vancouver, budget for a vehicle if you don't already have one.

The upside: traffic within Chilliwack itself is generally manageable, parking is widely available and often free, and getting around the city takes minutes rather than the hours many Lower Mainland residents are used to.

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Things to do and community life in Chilliwack

One of the biggest surprises for people who move to Chilliwack is how much is actually here. The outdoor lifestyle is exceptional hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing on the Fraser and Chilliwack Rivers, Cultus Lake in summer, and snowshoeing in winter. The city also has a growing local food scene, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre for arts and performance, a strong sports community, and a farmers market scene that reflects the agricultural roots of the Fraser Valley.

Chilliwack genuinely rewards community involvement. Local businesses, community events, and neighbourhood connections are all very much alive here in a way that can feel harder to find in larger cities.

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Finding local services when you arrive

When you first arrive in Chilliwack, finding trusted local businesses quickly matters. Chilliwack Connect is the city's local business directory with over 2,500 listings across every category from trades and health services to food and retail. It's the fastest way to find trusted local businesses in your new community, all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions about moving to Chilliwack

Is Chilliwack a good place to live?

Yes, Chilliwack consistently ranks as one of the more liveable cities in the Fraser Valley. It offers a strong outdoor lifestyle, genuine community, more affordable housing than Metro Vancouver, good schools, and a growing local economy. It's particularly well-suited to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and remote workers looking for lifestyle over urban density.

How far is Chilliwack from Vancouver?

Chilliwack is approximately 100 kilometres east of Vancouver, roughly a 90-minute drive under normal traffic conditions via Highway 1. During peak hours, especially westbound in the morning and eastbound in the evening, travel times can be longer. Many Chilliwack residents who commute to Vancouver do so occasionally rather than daily.

What are the best neighbourhoods in Chilliwack for families?

Sardis is consistently considered one of the best family neighbourhoods in Chilliwack, with good schools, parks, walkable amenities, and a strong community feel. Vedder and Promontory are also popular family choices, with newer housing stock and proximity to outdoor spaces.

Is Chilliwack affordable compared to Vancouver?

Yes, Chilliwack is significantly more affordable than Vancouver for both renters and buyers. Housing costs, both purchase prices and rental rates, are considerably lower. While costs have risen across BC in recent years, Chilliwack continues to offer better value than most Lower Mainland communities.

What should I know before moving to Chilliwack?

A few practical things: a car is essential for most daily needs, finding a family doctor can take time so register with BC's Health Connect Registry early, Chilliwack's weather is milder than Vancouver's in winter but can bring hot dry summers and occasional flooding near the river. And the outdoor lifestyle is genuinely exceptional trails, lakes, and mountains are all within a short drive.