Anybody live in Walnut Grove, Langley. We are a young family and I really think we need to get out of where we are. It's been a negative experience here. My hubby works in Maple Ridge so Langley would be good. Any advice would be appreciated especially some info about french immersion schools in Langley.
Thanks

All i can say that its supposed to be very nice. If your hubby works in Maple Ridge why move to Langley? Houses are cheaper in MR and Pitt Meadows than on the other side of the bridge.

Walnut grove is nice. A lot of cops live out that way which is why we call it cop land at work.

What are the negative issues that you have had so far? And where were you living.

We are living in Mission and I have had doubts since we came here. There are a lot of positive things going on here but there is something missing.

I can't say I blame you. No offense to those happy in Mission, but it wouldn't be my cup of tea either. If that's your first taste of life in BC or Canada in general, I'd be disappointed as well.

Saying that, what are you seeking in a community? If you can be specific, all the better.

What drew you do Mission in the first place? There are some really nice rural areas out there, such as Miracle Valley.

Seconded - when I have to go out there for work, I always call it 'Mission Impossible'

It's too bad that the best areas of vancouver are so unaffordable.

Ok, why we moved here? House price. It was simply a lot of house for our money. Big, big mistake. Now we are 5 and the schools here bother me. It's more the parents than the schools. I cannot envisage raising our children here. We are looking for good community with differents kinds of people. Lots of activities for kids in the area. Lots to do in the area, movie theatre, shops etc and good schools. When money is not an issue, we could buy ourselves a couple of acres in Mission and build a house and not have a lot to do with many people. However, when you have a limited budget, you have to careful about the neighbourhood. There are beautiful areas in Mission and the place itself is so pretty. For me, people in Mission lack vision for themselves and their kids. Am I making sense? The people are really friendly but it is the mentality that really bothers me.

It is better now than is used to be in the early 90s too. Mission has been trying to pull itself up for many years, but never seems to quite make it.

Hi
Yes, Walnut Grove is a nice place to be with young kids - lots to do at Walnut Grove Rec Centre (Fantastic pool), nice play parks and trails along the ravines. Not much new housing development now as most of the building space between the Fraser and Highway 1 has been used up.
Talk of new crossing under Highway 1 and Terminal for Rapid Bus into Burnaby to be built here in next couple of years
Willougby (South of Highway1) is growing fast - lots of new development.
Schools all seem pretty good (very pleased with ours) and loads of organised sport (and sports facilities ) for kids, but Langley school district had an $8million overspend last year, so there are some serious budget cutbacks for the next 3 years
On the downside, coming from Mission, you may be very surprised as to how small the new lots are - compact lots are tiny (even by English standards)

Hope this helps
AA

Thanks for all the replies. I wonder sometimes if we think the grass is greener when in reality it isn't and every place has its issues. Mission is developing. Maybe I should try and look at what there is rather than what there isn't.

True, but I don't think your assessment of mission is wrong. I personally don't like anywhere out in the valley, but then i'm more of a city guy, some one who likes large, private, isolated properties would disagree. The natural beauty aside, i find places like Abbotsford, Mission and Chiliwack to be soulless, in fact most of the burbs are. But it does come down to affordability, it's easy for me to be fickle as I don't have kids.

I just moved to the north shore after 17 years in Vancouver (mostly kits). I was highly resistant but the OH talked me into it. Have to say I like it. Have great views of downtown, the lions gate bridge, the lions and grouse. i find the people here way friendlier than vancouver. We are only a 5 min walk from the seabus and my oh is at work downtown in less than 20 mins. Too bad it's not more affordable.

I think you should go with your gut, if it don't feel right it probably isn't.

Goodluck.

I guess horses for courses. Having to travel to YVR frequently for work, a 75 minute drive was a small price to pay for living in the peace and quiet of a rural area with views of mountains and forests. I could not have been paid enough to live in a city. Whenever I have to go to Vancouver I am always pleased to leave and get back to the Valley. Views of concrete blocks and steel structures do nothing for me. The soul of the country is the peace, quiet, dark nights and views of the natural world we live in. Having to wait in lines of traffic everytime I wanted to go ut, or time when I go out by the volume of traffic would drive me nuts in no time. Never can see the attraction.

I think I understand what you mean and it is difficult to put it into words. In Walnut Grove you will not lose it completely - there is still something of the Valley mentality in Langley - but some of the city as well.

I agree with the traffic. However, I like being around people. True energy is the city. As you say, horses for courses and all that.