Originally Posted by bc2015

North Shore to Langley is do-able but not pleasant. If you wanted to do it, I would advise picking somewhere close to Second Narrows (Lynn Valley, Seymour etc...) Google says ~40 minutes from where we are on North Shore to Langley and I think you would be going against the traffic flow to downtown. This is over the Port Mann bridge which is tolled now, so you may need to work around that.

We also enjoy living on North Shore - plenty to do for kids, a nice community feel and not too far from downtown (15 minute drive at most times of the day). I would certainly pick it over somewhere like Langley or South Surrey.

Originally Posted by Jsmth321

It takes on a good day about 1 hour to get to Langley from North Vancouver once on the highway, I've done this trip numerous times and I have never been able to make it in 40 mins and this was not in rush hour times. North Vancouver to central part of Langley which is not right off the Hwy 1 so if working right off Hwy 1, you can probably do it in 40-50 mins.

Originally Posted by bc2015

That's why I said to live close to Second Narrows. We join the highway just before the bridge and rarely encounter heavy traffic



What has the age of the bridge got to do with anything?

Originally Posted by Jsmth321

The older bridges lack the capacity to handle the traffic volume and back up considerably more and for longer parts of the day then the newer one's do.

Originally Posted by el_richo

Second Narrows is a pain in the armpit during rush hour.

The newer bridges are much better simply because Canadians are cheap as **** and would rather sit in traffic for an extra 30 minutes, spend an extra $3 in fuel, than pay the $3.15 bridge toll.

Originally Posted by el_richo

Second Narrows is a pain in the armpit during rush hour.

The newer bridges are much better simply because Canadians are cheap as **** and would rather sit in traffic for an extra 30 minutes, spend an extra $3 in fuel, than pay the $3.15 bridge toll.

Originally Posted by Rejess

The visa issue is a little complex, as we are major Investor/shareholders in a start up company based in BC employing locals. We also own half of a well established connected uk company, so it is a case of transferring his skills to enable crucial development of the canadian side of the business, the decision right now (and why I called it a job offer to simplify) is as to whether or not he is needed more there or here (demand), if that makes sense? And whether we can replicate his skill through local employment/training etc (unlikely). At this time there has been no specific decision made, but it is leaning very much in the direction of the move to BC where he would then be employed as a director of the company we have invested in, We have been advised that a visa shouldnt be a problem, although we obviously need to determine exactly which one is relevant to this particular instance, I presume we will probably need to hire an immigration lawyer/expert to help guide us through the process? ������ Trust me, Im sure I will pitch up on the immigration board asking lots of questions at some point! Lol!

Our intention, if we come, would be on a permanent basis, and I would very much hope we can eventually become citizens, as we are most certainly excited by the idea and possible opportunity of a new adventure! This may all seem premature in terms of asking for area info, but if the decision is taken, it could all happen relatively quickly, and I want to be sure we have done as much research as possible and that we know what to expect so that we can settle quickly.

Originally Posted by Rejess

This is my first post here, so please forgive me if its in the wrong place!

We are a family with 2 children, one teenager (yr 11) and the other primary age, we currently live in a little lincolnshire village with not much nearby and a rubbish bus service! Lovely countryside, but not much happening unless you fancy a walk or dinner at the pub! Anyway, there is a very real possibility of my husband needing to relocate for work in the Langley area within the next year to 18 months and although I am trying to do as much research as possible, I am struggling to figure out the best areas for us as a family.

If we do come out, we will obviously rent for 6 months to a year first, but because of the kids and settling in schools etc, I want to be sure as much as possible, that we are landing where we intend to stay, As I dont want to move them between schools again if they are settling well.

I anticipate our eventual house purchasing budget to be between $650/$750k (ish) and am noticing some obvious differences between certain areas in terms of what you get for your money. We would be looking for a good sized 4 bed (min) home, in a nice safe area, countryside would be a special bonus, and proximity to amenities and stuff for the kids to do etc is important as we lack this where we are currently, schooling is obviously a high priority as my kids are both in good schools and I dont want that to change.

Obviously we are excited about living nearish to such a great city, so accessibility to vancouver would be desirable too.

The areas I have pinpointed are
North langley, walnut grove, willoughby heights etc...
South surrey
Maple ridge
Fort langley
Coquitlam
Port moody


I would really appreciate any help or advice on some of these areas, schools, amenities, safety, acessibility, commutability/accessibility to langley/vancouver, attractiveness of the local areas and community feel, obviously living in a small village, we know everyone! And although I dont feel the need to have My business out there for all, it is vital that we are somewhere we can easily integrate and make friends etc, somewhere that values community.

I am quite attracted to some of these townhome developments with club house facilities etc, it seems like something the kids would enjoy, but in reality are they just souless developments with not much community feel? There seem to be a few of these in south surrey, and I am attracted by the prospect of being near to white rock... As I think my kids (especially teenager) would enjoy that.

I just dont know! There seems to be so many different options and so much pricing variability,, its so hard to get a real feel for these places... I have watched you tube videos, google earthed, scanned forums etc... And although helpful, it doesnt give you that local insider knowledge.

Do we choose larger home over location? Vice versa? Or is there a way to do both? Sorry if my questions are vague, will happily narrow them down if anyone has any thoughts. Please help! Suggestions and local knowledge welcomed!! Thanks ;-)

Originally Posted by Shirtback

Re bolded: it certainly does seem as if it could be quite complex. I notice Aviator commented, but otherwise the visa issue seems to be rather swept aside

Originally Posted by Shirtback

Re bolded: it certainly does seem as if it could be quite complex. I notice Aviator commented, but otherwise the visa issue seems to be rather swept aside ... Personally, before getting too excited/into the logistics of a move, I'd be finding out exactly what visa you & husband are eligible for, and how to apply/get it. In general, visas often take a lot longer to materialise than most people expect.

Originally Posted by rivingtonpike

Is the business already established in Langley? (premises and stuff). I only ask in the context of whether you could move the whole enterprise to somewhere a bit more rural if that's what you prefer. I'm not a city person anymore and your Lincolnshire rural setting sounds lovely. Langley? Hmmmm.
I suppose best would be to come over for a visit and tour around. Horses for courses and all that!

Originally Posted by Rejess

It certainly is lovely, if not a little 'local' if you get my drift! Lol! also as pretty as it is, there really isnt much going on, and my kids are bored... Not even takeaways deliver here! Not the be all and end all I know and village life can be charming, but still... It would be nice to order in occasionally! Tbh unfortunately We dont have much say in the location of the business itself, as our canadian business partner is handling that side of things, so we are largely at the mercy of local factors and decisions there... Langley is expected to be the location.