I have listed a new property at 49300 Trans Canada Highway in Boston Bar / Lytton. See details here
Nearly 12 acres of quiet and privacy. Zoned R-5 offering several opportunities including campground, micro cannabis, outdoor recreational, residential and more. Build your new home or simply enjoy as-is. Located in Boston Bar with a beautiful 45-60 minute drive to growing community of Hope.
With wide-open farmland on one side and mountain views on the other, Abbotsford, BC strikes a rare balance between small-town comfort and big-city convenience. In 2025, as real estate trends shift and more buyers look east of Vancouver, two questions keep popping up: Is Abbotsford a cheap place to live? And is it a good place to retire?
Let’s unpack both from a local perspective with a practical lens.
If you’ve ever looked at homes in Vancouver, you know the prices can feel sky-high. Abbotsford, on the other hand, gives you more space for less money. A detached house here is usually hundreds of thousands cheaper than in Metro Vancouver, and condos or townhomes often come in well below what you’d expect in Burnaby or North Vancouver. According to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, the average detached home in Abbotsford was around CAD 1.2M in mid-2025
Day-to-day life is also easier on the wallet. Groceries, dining, property taxes, and even transit all come in lower than Vancouver’s. Abbotsford may not feel “cheap” compared to small Prairie towns, but if you’re moving from the Lower Mainland, the value is hard to miss.
Bottom line: Abbotsford is more affordable than Vancouver and many other BC cities, especially if housing is your biggest expense.
Curious about current homes for sale? Browse Abbotsford listings here to see what’s on the market right now.
In a word: yes. And not just because it’s more affordable than other cities. Retirees are moving to Abbotsford because it offers something uniquely balanced: peace and quiet without being in the middle of nowhere.
Mild climate year-round. Winters are gentler than in the Prairies or BC’s Interior, and summers are warm without being extreme.
Strong sense of community. Abbotsford is home to faith groups, hobby clubs, volunteer programs, and senior centers, making it easy to stay connected.
Nature at your doorstep. From a stroll around Mill Lake Park to trails on Sumas Mountain, fresh-air escapes are always close by.
55+ communities and low-maintenance living. Areas like Clearbrook and East Abbotsford are known for strata properties and senior-friendly housing options.
Smart downsizing potential. Many retirees selling in higher-priced areas are able to move to Abbotsford, buy a comfortable home or condo, and still have equity left over to enjoy life.
In short: Abbotsford combines affordability, accessibility, and community in a way that makes it highly attractive to retirees.
Thinking of retiring or investing in Abbotsford? Contact the RM Real Estate Team for a free, no-pressure consultation tailored to your goals.
Whether you’re retiring or simply looking for a wise real estate investment, Abbotsford holds long-term promise. It’s one of BC’s fastest-growing cities, supported by a strong economy built on agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. Growth in infrastructure and development means the city is preparing for the future while keeping its community roots intact.
Real estate investors and downsizers alike appreciate:
Stable home values compared to more volatile markets nearby.
Consistently low rental vacancy rates, making income properties reliable.
A steady flow of new residents moving in from across the Lower Mainland, ensuring housing demand remains strong.
Bottom line: Buying in Abbotsford is not just about today’s affordability—it’s also a play for tomorrow’s stability and growth.
If you’re craving more space, less stress, and a community with both heart and hustle, Abbotsford deserves a spot on your radar.
It may not be “cheap” by traditional standards, but in BC’s current market, it’s value-packed and future-focused. And if you’re thinking about retirement? Abbotsford isn’t just a good place to settle down—it’s a great one.
Yes. While Abbotsford isn’t “cheap” by small-town standards, it is much more affordable than Metro Vancouver. Homes typically cost less, and day-to-day expenses like groceries, dining, property taxes, and transit are easier on the wallet.
Absolutely. Abbotsford offers a mild climate, strong community connections, and easy access to parks and trails. There are many 55+ communities and low-maintenance housing options, especially in Clearbrook and East Abbotsford. Downsizers moving from higher-priced areas often find they can upgrade their lifestyle while keeping extra equity.
Abbotsford is one of BC’s fastest-growing cities. It has stable home values, low rental vacancy rates, and a steady flow of new residents moving in from the Lower Mainland. This combination makes it appealing for both retirees and investors.
Wondering what your current home is worth? Request a free home evaluation and see how your equity could work for you in Abbotsford.
I have listed a new property at 35940 Sundew Place in Abbotsford. See details here
This is the location you've been waiting for! In this quiet cul-de-sac you'll find this clean home offering over 2700 sq/ft of living space! You can have 3 or 4 bedrooms with a versatile layout. The lot offers over 16,000 sq/ft with tremendous potential - your private and quiet backyard awaits! Only a short few mins away from Hwy 1, tons of shopping, amazing schools and even 2 golf courses!
I have listed a new property at 1093 Mckenzie Road in Abbotsford. See details here
This 1.79 acre property is flat and fully usable - plus it's dry with no creeks! Ideally located in Abbotsford, in close proximity to UFV, Abbotsford Arena, shopping, dining, Hwy 1, US Border, Costco, Maan Farms and so much more! This small acreage gives you the peaceful setting you've been seeking, while still being close to everything that's important to you. Offering 150' of frontage and just under 520' of depth, you have plenty of room! This property is in the ALR - giving you the choice of planting crops, raising animals, or you could do both, or do none - the options are endless! Are you looking to build your dream home? This property has city water, gas, and Mt Baker Views!
I have listed a new property at 29 34230 Elmwood Drive in Abbotsford. See details here
This is Ten Oaks! Welcome to this desirable townhome community in an ideal location within great school catchment and short walk to Clayburn Shopping Center. You will appreciate this nearly 1400 square foot END unit home hosting 4 (no closet in basement) bedrooms and three bathrooms. Find an open and bright main floor with plenty of kitchen, dining and living room space. Above features three bedrooms including nice ensuite and full family bath. Basement has added office/bedroom and access to your double garage. Enjoy the hard-to-find double driveway with room to park two more full sized vehicles. Ten Oaks is a pet friendly strata welcoming two dogs (any size), or two cats or one of each. Front fenced grass area plus community playground. Make Ten Oaks your home!
I have listed a new property at 34898 Laburnum Avenue in Abbotsford. See details here
East Abbotsford! You will appreciate this great neighborhood in Bateman catchment with all level of schools within a short walk. Also in close proximity to Bateman park including dog run, creek, fields and more. Three bedroom (could be four) and two bathroom home situated on large lot. You will enjoy the backyard privacy! Find two bedrooms, open kitchen, living and dining areas with walk-out to back patio on main floor. Basement has bedroom, rec room, flex area, bathroom and laundry area.