Should You Move from Vancouver to Langley? Lifestyle, Commute & Costs Compared

Are you considering moving from Vancouver to Langley? Whether you’re searching for homes for sale in Surrey or eyeing the quieter, suburban vibe of Langley, it’s crucial to understand how these two areas compare—especially when it comes to lifestyle, commute, and costs. As a local Langley Realtor and Surrey Realtor, I’m here to break down everything you need to know before making this big move.

Moving to Langley: What You Need to Know

Langley is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the Fraser Valley. But what exactly makes it so appealing? And how does it compare to Vancouver, Surrey, and other nearby areas? Let’s take a look.

🌆 Lifestyle: Why Langley is Gaining Popularity

Langley offers the perfect balance of suburban living with easy access to the big city. It’s popular with families, retirees, and professionals who want a more relaxed pace of life but still need to commute to Vancouver.

Here’s why people are loving Langley:

• Growing Communities: Langley is a thriving region that’s home to several well-established neighborhoods like Willoughby, Murrayville, and Walnut Grove. These areas are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful parks, and excellent schools.

• Parks & Nature: Langley boasts over 300 parks, nature trails, and outdoor recreation spaces, perfect for those who enjoy spending time in nature. Willoughby, for example, is surrounded by stunning green spaces and offers a variety of parks.

• Vibrant Town Centers: Langley’s historic Murrayville and Willoughby town centers offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, giving you a charming, small-town feel without sacrificing convenience.

• Access to Amenities: You’ll find plenty of modern amenities like the Langley Events Centre, Willoughby Town Centre, and easy access to larger malls like Willowbrook Shopping Centre.

🏡 Housing: Cost Comparison Between Langley, Surrey, and Vancouver

Housing prices are a significant consideration when moving from Vancouver. Compared to Vancouver, Langley offers more affordable homes while still being relatively close to the city.

Homes for Sale in Surrey vs. Langley

As of March 2025, here’s what you can expect:

• Langley:

  • Detached home benchmark: $1,635,200

  • Townhomes: $865,100

  • Condos: $611,900

  • Townhome sales have increased due to demand, with average sales occurring in about 27–30 days.

• Surrey:

  • Detached home benchmark: $1,634,900

  • Townhomes: $862,500

  • Condos: $528,500

  • While prices in Surrey are similar to Langley, Surrey’s real estate market tends to be more competitive, especially in areas like Cloverdale and Clayton Heights, where detached home prices can exceed $1.7M.

Despite the price similarities, Langley typically offers more space for your money. Larger homes and bigger lots are common, particularly in areas like Willoughby or Murrayville.

🚗 Commute: How Long Does It Take to Get from Langley to Vancouver?

Langley’s proximity to Vancouver makes it a great option for those who work in the city but want to enjoy a quieter home life.

• Average Commute: The commute from Langley to downtown Vancouver is around 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic and the route you take. Many Langley residents drive via Highway 1 or use the Carvolth Exchange to catch the SkyTrain from Surrey.

• Future SkyTrain Expansion: Langley will also benefit from the upcoming Surrey-Langley SkyTrain Extension, set to open in the near future. This will make commuting even easier for Langley residents, providing a fast connection to the city.

In comparison, Surrey is a closer option to Vancouver, with average commute times from neighborhoods like Cloverdale or Clayton Heights being around 30–45 minutes by car or public transit. However, Langley’s larger homes and more open spaces offer more value for the same commute.

🌟 Neighborhood Spotlight: Willoughby in Langley

One neighborhood that stands out in Langley is Willoughby. Willoughby offers everything from large, modern homes to new townhomes, making it a hot spot for families and first-time buyers alike.

• Pricing in Willoughby: Detached homes in Willoughby are priced at $1.6M–$1.8M, depending on size and location. Townhomes are typically priced around $800K–$900K, and condos are priced closer to $550K.

• Key Features:

  • Excellent schools: Willoughby’s proximity to both Langley Secondary and Willoughby Elementary makes it a great place for young families.

  • Parks and Green Space: Willoughby offers a number of parks, including Willoughby Community Park, which features walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds.

  • Shopping & Amenities: The Willoughby Town Centre is home to local cafes, grocery stores, and restaurants, offering convenience within the community.

📊 Local Market Trends and Stats

As a local Langley Realtor and Surrey Realtor I know that understanding the market trends in Surrey and Langley is vital when buying a home. Here are some recent statistics from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) to give you an idea of what’s happening in the market:

• Fraser Valley total sales (March 2025): 1,036

  • Up 13% from February, but still down 26% year-over-year.

  • Active listings: 9,219 – up 49% from last March and 59% above the 10-year average.

• Surrey and Langley have seen a steady rise in inventory, which provides more options for buyers. Homes are selling in about 30–45 days, with prices increasing at a moderate pace, making it a great time to buy in both areas.

🏡 Is Moving to Langley Right for You?

Whether you’re moving from Vancouver, or just looking for a change,  As a local Langley Realtor and Surrey Realtor I can say that Langley provides an excellent option for buyers seeking affordability, space, and an easy commute to the city. Willoughby stands out as one of the top areas for family living, offering a great mix of new homes, green spaces, and community.

On the other hand, Surrey offers a more established market with competitive prices in areas like Cloverdale, Clayton Heights, and Crescent Beach.

But how do you get started?

Want to Learn More?

Download my FREE Surrey & Langley relocation guide. It includes:

• Neighborhood breakdowns

• Best schools

• Commute tips

• Buyer traps to avoid

👉 Just click here or message me for a copy!