Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Too many cops? http://forums.mg-rover.org/images/smilies/hysteria.gif

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

I agree too. Again, hard to put into words but louise's use of the phrase "lack of vision" really rings true for me. That, and a lack of interest in the world beyond.

And I love steel structures and industrial views :p

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

My 2 cents about Langley. We have family friends living there. It seems to be developing and urbanizing fast. It's probably a good time to get in before it, too becomes relatively inaffordable. Allegedly transit will be improving one day. I don't entirely get it about Langley - it's kinda flat and generic - but lots of people seem to like it so there must be a reason. I think for you, it makes sense because it's much closer to Van than Mission and yeah, developing fast, so new peeps moving in.

I'm glad you're gettng out of Mission because you don't seem happy there.

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

yeah, I pushed hard for Strathcona but the OH put his foot down and burnaby it was. *sigh*. though it's getting more urban here too, yay

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Thanks for the input. Here's a question for you guys. Knowing that we have kids, should we stick with a single family home and nice size garden in Mission, hoping that the place will change in the next few years and try to settle knowing that we can afford more space here or downsize to townhouse in Walnut grove and start our immigration experience again in a new place? I really need you guys to help me on this. By the way, my eldest son is 7 and so we need to make our mind up soon as it will get harder as he gets older.
Thanks

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Unless a larger garden is a must, I think townhomes are a viable alternative here. I feel that most north americans live in too much house anyway. It may give you more options in terms of where you can afford etc.

It may be wise to rent for a bit and try on some different areas. I've been here 17 years and it has taken me years to feel out the pros and cons of the area.

Mission may get better, but then again, it may not....

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

I highly recommend renting.

I also recommend getting out of Mission. Mission, to me, has always felt like it's one of the more isolating places in the Lower Mainland. And out of curiosity, have you been able to venture away from Mission now and then to experience other cities and towns? Have you been able to explore the region outside of Mission much?

Although I don't know you, I doubt Mission will change before your feelings about it do. The infrastructure may change, but from my understanding, your issue is the people and the overall mentality of those you interact with. So do yourself a favour and choose a more like-minded community.

Which to pick, well... you'll have to start exploring them to get a proper sense of each place.

I agree with dboy that renting would allow you a bit more flexibility, for sure. Have you looked into Fort Langley? What about other communities outside of the valley, like North Burnaby, or Port Moody? As mentioned above, valley life isn't for everyone. It's rural living. People move there to escape civilization, to live a more simple life. People also move there because it's perhaps all they can afford. But sometimes places are cheap for a reason.

There are certainly some fantastic areas to bring up families in and around Greater Vancouver - areas with a diversity of cultures, demographics, and things to see and do. Unfortunately these areas are often pricey, but that's the price you have to pay by living in this part of Canada. But it may be worth the sacrifice for your own happiness and your own sense of belonging. With renting, at least it'll be more affordable and you won't feel stuck if you don't feel like the neighbourhood's a good fit.

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Fortunatley lots of people like to live in cities, otherwise it would get way too crowded and that would spoil valley life.

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Exactly.

I have family living out in rural Aldergrove. I love where they live and I love visiting the area. It's just a different lifestyle. It's country living. It's not English country living - it's Canadian country living. And some people don't fully grasp or fully appreciate the lifestyle. I think this is what has happened above.

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Maybe. Mission is not an area I would choose either, better now than it used to though. I like it out Deroche and Kent, but it's too way out if you have to travel to town.

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

I'm going to ditto the others and say you should move and rent. I really agree with what dboy says about it taking a long time to find where you 'fit'.

I really don't believe Mission is going to change fast enough for you. I mean, in 15 years I'm sure it will be a more happening place, (I hope, err) but that's a long time to wait if you're already unhappy, y'know? I don't see it changing that much in a 'few' years, what's the push/pull factor for interesting people to move there? I don't see it. And I think it's debatable whether it even will change, as others have alluded.

I know you like villagey-ness, have you considered somewhere like Tswassen or Ladner? For some reason brits never consider these places, but they are more diverse and interesting while still being small town. $$$ like everywhere though.

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Ok, so renting is the way to go. Thanks Lychee for the advice. You hit the nail on the head. It's the mentality not the place itself. The big question is where to go. We used to live on the edge of a city in the UK. I liked that as we were not in the thick of the action but we had access to it. Some parts of Langley have that feel and Port Moody would be great but I'm not sure what the commute is like these days to Maple Ridge. It shouldn't be too bad.
Oh, the irony of it all. When we first came here we bought a townhome in Coquitlam but decided to sell it before living in it as we realised we may need a bigger place. Hahaha!!!! It makes laugh, the terrible mistakes we have made. In the words of Kirsty and Phil off' Location, location, location,' it's all about this. We should have learnt this a long time ago.:o

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Fortunately lots of country bumpkins like to live in the valley and don't spoil the city life:p

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Mission is also great if you have someone doing time at slave lake or ferndale institiution. A lot of inmates get released from ferndale so many set up shop in mission, lots of prison wives too. I can't tell you how many ex cons we round up in the mission area. Tons and tons of paroled cons in the area - trust me I know.

Mission Impossible .....................

Re: Walnut Grove, Langley
 

Port Moody is nice, but not the cheaper option it once was. Fort Langley as already mentioned is nice and is close to Maple Ridge. White Rock is also nice, not much use for maple ridge though and is also pricey.

Good luck - sure you will find somewhere.