A Comprehensive Guide to Living in Langley, BC

Langley, BC is a small town located southeast of Vancouver, just a short drive from the US border. It’s considered to be part of the greater Vancouver metro area, but it has a quiet, small-town vibe. It’s also a little more affordable than living in Vancouver proper.

If you’re an immigrant considering where you’ll live and work in BC, Langley is a great choice. Here’s everything you need to know about life in this British Columbia small town.

Langley: An Overview

Living in Langley means joining a community of roughly 145,000 people. You’ll be living in the heart of farm and wine country without having to sacrifice the ability to sit and eat at an upscale bistro. You won’t sacrifice your ability to go shopping, either: there are dozens of boutiques, specialty shops, and more. 

The people here are friendly, active, and involved in their community. It’s a safe, low-crime area where you can raise a family or retire in peace. 

The area might not be sleepy forever: it’s growing and developing rather fast. The regional population is projected to double by 2040. This will probably mean more opportunities, but might drive prices up as well. That means it’s a perfect time to get in on the ground floor! 

Cost of Living

While you’d need over $77,000 per year to live comfortably in nearby Vancouver, you can settle in Langley on a yearly salary of about $58,120. Cost of living covers everything from the price of milk to the price of housing, but it’s a decent estimate.

Yes, it’ll take you a little longer to get to the heart of Vancouver’s attractions, but you might find the trade-off to be worth it when you have more money to actually enjoy what the metro area has to offer.

Housing in Langley, BC

The average home sale price in Langley is just over $600,000. You can find townhomes and condos for just over $400,000. 

Property tax rates are reasonable; you’ll pay about $1500 to $2000 per year depending on your assessed property values.

If you prefer to rent, a 1-bedroom apartment goes for about $1,555. 

Climate in Langley, BC

One of the best parts about living in BC is the warm, temperate climates. You’ll get to experience all four seasons here, not just relentless winter. There are over 10 hours of sunshine in July, and temperatures rarely exceed 18ºC.

In the winter, temperatures rarely drop below 2ºC. It’s a little warmer than the rest of the Vancouver metro area, something the residents very much enjoy. 

Education in Langley, BC

Langley has a strong K-12 school system. There are also several colleges and universities, including Trinity Western University. Of course, you’ll have access to the rest of Vancouver’s colleges and universities, too.

Health in Langley, BC

Langley has plenty of hospitals, clinics, and health services. In addition, you’ll be covered by British Columbia’s health plan. And, of course, if you want to seek specialized care south of the border, the United States and its own health system is just a short drive away. 

Recreation in Langley, BC

There are a ton of things to do in Langley. You’ll find gorgeous farms which are open for tours, art galleries, and outdoor activities galore. There are enough shopping and dining opportunities to keep the average resident busy without ever forcing them to leave the city limits.

There are also dozens of festivals to enjoy, from the Polar Bear Swim on January 1 to the May Day Fair and Parade in May. The Arts Alive festival in mid-August will let you enjoy and purchase works from local artists. There are several food festivals, including Ribfest and the Fort Langley Food Truck Festival. There are several gorgeous Christmas events every year. 

Of course, if you do get bored you’ve got dozens of other options in Surrey and Vancouver. 

In short, you’d have to work pretty hard to get bored living here! 

Employment in Langley, BC

Langley has a healthy job market for a town of its size. Western Investor Magazine named it one of the top investment towns in the nation.  The major sectors are the automotive sector, tourism, paper, plastics, and metal fabrication. There are plenty of agricultural jobs as well.

Top employers include SAP, Microsoft, Fortinet, Lululemon, and Apple.

Don’t see your industry or employer of choice here? Many residents also commute to Vancouver or Surrey, though the commute can take 45 minutes to an hour. It’s also a great town for self-employed individuals, or individuals who have a remote position. 

Community Activities in Langley, BC

There are a number of community organizations to join, including:

• The Langley Community Services Society
• The Langley Garden Club
• The Rotary Club of Langley
• Metis Nation of British Columbia
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Langley
• The Langley Elks
• The Langley Little Theatre Society 

You can also plug in at one of 8 community and recreation centers where you’ll find public pools, ice arenas, cardio and weight rooms, and room rentals. These centers often run community events and offer many opportunities to meet new friends and get involved.  

See also:

Things to do in Langley, BC

Things to Do in Fort Langley, BC

Need help immigrating to Langley?

If you are a skilled professional, British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a great way to start your life in Langley. British Columbia also has generous programs for investors and entrepreneurs. If neither of those programs will work for you, then family sponsorship might be your route “in.” We also help people navigate federal programs.

Our experienced immigration attorneys will be happy to help you find the immigration program that’s right for you. We’ll ensure your application is as strong as possible the first time out so you get your best shot at a visa approval. If something does go wrong we’re also here to help you on an appeal.

Our attorneys speak fluent Punjabi and Mandarin, which means if you’re from China or India you can get help in your native language. 

Get started by calling  (604) 394-2777 to make an appointment today. Our team is ready to work with you!