Moving to Chilliwack
Mountains on every side, a lower cost of living than Metro Vancouver and a community feel that is hard to find anywhere else. Here is what to know.
Why people move here
More home, more outdoors, more time
Chilliwack sits about 100 km east of Vancouver along Highway 1, between the Fraser River and the Cascade Mountains. People come for the space and stay for the lifestyle: Cultus Lake in summer, trails up Mount Thom and Elk Mountain, the Vedder River out the back door and farms selling fresh produce down the road.
It is also one of the more affordable places to own in the Lower Mainland. The typical Chilliwack home benchmarked at $705K in August 2026, with detached homes around $859K and townhomes around $583K.
Your local guide
A born and raised local in your corner
I have lived in this valley my whole life, and my neighbourhood videos are how a lot of families moving here first meet me. Here is my honest take: the biggest divide in town is Highway 1. Sardis, south of the highway, costs more for newer homes, the Vedder River and Cultus Lake close by. The Chilliwack side is more affordable and has a lot of upside.
I grew up a south side kid, and still the biggest mistake I see is people writing off the Chilliwack side completely. Most of it is great. You just need someone who knows which streets.
- A free intro call about your budget, timeline and must haves
- A short list of neighbourhoods that actually fit your life
- A guided tour of those streets before you ever book a showing
- New listings the day they hit the market
Living in Chilliwack
Commuting
Highway 1 connects you to Abbotsford in about 25 minutes and Langley in about 45 outside rush hour. Many residents work locally or hybrid. Chilliwack Airport serves private flights, and Abbotsford International is close.
Schools
Chilliwack School District 33 runs public schools across the city, with independent and faith based options too. University of the Fraser Valley has a campus at Canada Education Park in Sardis.
Healthcare
Chilliwack General Hospital serves the city, with walk in clinics across Chilliwack and Sardis. Ask me for current options when you arrive.
Outdoors
Cultus Lake, Chilliwack Lake, Bridal Veil Falls, Cheam and Elk Mountain hikes, river fishing and golf at The Falls and Chilliwack Golf Club.
Shopping and food
Cottonwood Mall and Luckakuck Way, the Vedder Road strip in Sardis, Garrison Village and District 1881 downtown, plus farm stands all summer.
Community
Farmers markets, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, minor sports, churches of every kind and the friendliest small city feel in the valley.
Five kinds of Chilliwack
North of the highway, south of the highway, up the hill, out on the farm or a short drive away. Start here.
Chilliwack Urban
Sardis Urban
Hillside Communities
Rural OutskirtsFind the part of Chilliwack that fits your life
Twenty nine neighbourhoods in five types, with the homes for sale in each, typical asking prices, drive times and what each area is like to live in. Tap any area to explore it, then ask me for the listings.
Moving to Chilliwack questions
Is Chilliwack a good place to live?
For many people, yes. You get more space for your money than in Metro Vancouver, quick access to lakes, rivers and mountains, and a strong community. Commuting west and summer heat are the trade offs to think about.
How far is Chilliwack from Vancouver?
About 100 km, or roughly an hour and a half by car outside rush hour.
Which side of Chilliwack should I live on?
North of Highway 1 is the original city with older homes and lower prices. South of the highway, Sardis and Vedder have newer subdivisions, more families and the main shopping strip. The hillsides offer views and quiet. Explore the map to compare.
Does Chilliwack flood?
Parts of the valley floor sit in floodplain areas protected by dikes. Some streets and rural areas have more risk than others. I will help you check the flood maps and insurance for any home you consider.
Nahum Hoeppner
604.703.4090
Planning a move to Chilliwack?
Tell me where you are coming from and what matters to you. I will send a short list of neighbourhoods and homes worth seeing.