Central Abbotsford Real Estate & Homes For Sale
Central Abbotsford is made up of the Babich, Mill Lake and Historic Downtown communities, located in the heart of the City of Abbotsford, with all the conveniences and amenities imaginable. Very pedestrian-friendly; residents are typically a few minutes walk from coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, two malls, the library or local art gallery, and parks.The population is roughly 9,000 (2011 census). Homes in Abbotsford Central are primarily single-detached houses and low-rise apartments, with a nice mix of older and newer buildings. Central Abbotsford is the most densely populated of the city's districts. Main attractions include Mill Lake Park and charming Historic Downtown Abbotsford. It's a young vibrant community, with the dominant age group between the ages of 20 and 29.
Mill Lake is a neighbourhood with a rich heritage, and strong sense of community, located in a quiet natural setting. It offers a mix of low-rise apartments and single detached houses. Mill Lake Park has Sevenoaks Mall immediately to the north, and is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods on the other three sides. It's the perfect place for a scenic evening walk, on the 2 km path around the lake. The park also has an outdoor swimming pool, 3 playgrounds, sheltered picnic areas, benches for watching birds and wildlife, and breathtaking views of Mount Baker from the boardwalk. Mill Lake Park is also a popular spot with trout fishermen and joggers.
Babich is located just north of Historic Downtown. The median age of its residents is 40, and this community is less densely populated than other neighbourhoods in Central Abbotsford. It's still close to amenities, but the quiet community atmosphere has made Babich particularly popular with families. Most of the houses and condos were built after 1981. The Discovery Trail passes through Babich, connecting residents with other Abbotsford neighbourhoods, and it provides a lovely paved walkway for a quiet evening stroll.
The Historic Downtown Abbotsford has become a thriving neighbourhood, with restored heritage buildings, cafes and chic shopping boutiques. New businesses are popping up to target millennials, creating a charming blend of new and old; and Historic Downtown is becoming the new trendy place to invest in a condo.
Abbotsford is known for its comfortable oceanic climate. The hottest days of summer are typically between 29 and 34 ºC. On average, 53 days of the year see temperatures dip slightly below 0 °C. Precipitation averages 1557 mm, and there are usually a few showers even in the months of July and August.
Central Abbotsford Homes For Sale
Employment Opportunities
Central Abbotsford is the business hub of the city of Abbotsford, and there are many opportunities for employees and entrepreneurs. The unemployment rate in Abbotsford is only 6.4% (2014 Stats Canada). Abbotsford's economy is both stable and diverse.
Primary industries are agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, retail and the health industry. The Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre has 2,500 employees, making it the largest employer in the city. 200-500 officers and support staff are employed in the area's 3 federal prisons. Abbotsford's aerospace industry is also growing, providing new jobs. Abbotsford is known as the city in the country. It's surrounded by very fertile land, and this provides opportunities in farming.
65% of the population of Abbotsford both live and work in the city. But Abbotsford is close enough to Metro Vancouver to make commuting a popular option.
Education
The housing subdivisions of Central Abbotsford are close to outstanding schools. There are 6 elementary schools: Alexander Elementary School, Dr. Roberta Bondar Elementary, École Centennial Park Elementary, Godson Elementary School, John MacLure Community School and Terry Fox Elementary School. École Centennial Park Elementary offers a French Immersion program.
For students grades 6 through 8, Abbotsford Middle School offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and students are achieving success in many of areas. Abbotsford Senior Secondary School is the primary high school, offering an International Baccalaureate diploma, as well as other career programs. Abby Senior also is invested in the performing arts, and has a strong soccer program. The school is connected to the new Abbotsford Community Library and is close to the Abbotsford Arts Centre.
The Information Technology Center offers special programs in IT. Abbotsford Central has 2 private school options: Cornerstone Christian School and Dogwood Independent School.
There are two post-secondary options: Sprott Shaw College Abbotsford and The University of the Fraser Valley. Located in Historic Downtown Abbotsford, Sprott College offers programs in business & administration, healthcare, community support, tourism, trades and post-graduate language. The University of the Fraser Valley is located just south of Hwy. 1, and is accessible by walking, public transit, or a short drive from most locations. UFV is a fully accredited, public university that enrolls approximately 15,000 students per year. They offer more than 100 programs, including two master’s degrees, 15 bachelor’s degrees, majors, minors, and extended minors in more than 30 subject areas, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs.
Shopping/Dining
Central Abbotsford includes 3 shopping centres within its boundaries: Sevenoaks Shopping Centre, Fraser Ridge Shopping Centre and McCallum Junction. And just across the street from Sevenoaks mall, in neighbouring West Abbotsford, you'll find West Oaks Mall. A short drive into the west-end and shoppers can enjoy the new Highstreet Shopping Centre. And Historic Downtown Abbotsford has become a trendy city-wide destination for shopping, entertainment and gathering. There are 10 convenience stores in the area.
In addition to the usual fast food restaurants, Central offers a variety of ethnic options, from Greek, to Japanese, Thai and Bavarian. If you're looking for a casual meal, with pizza or a sandwich, Duft & Co. is likely perfect. Mitch Miller’s offers tasty gluten-free fare. And if you're planning a special night, Bow & Stern, Restaurant 62 or The Keg Steakhouse may have just the atmosphere and food you're looking for.
Transportation
Most of Abbotsford Central's residents drive to and from work. Hwy 1 is very accessible, via exits 90 and 92, and connects Abbotsford with Vancouver, with a commute time of roughly an hour. The Abbotsford-Mission Highway (Hwy 11) runs along the eastern boundary of Central Abbosford, and connect residents with the Huntingdon Canada–US border crossing to the south, and Mission and Hwy 7 to the north.
Public transit in Abbotsford is excellent, with efficient bus connections to the whole city. There are two main exchanges: Bourquin Exchange at Sevenoaks Mall, and one on Montrose Avenue in Historic Downtown Abbotsford. The exchanges provide access to the University of the Fraser Valley, and the Fraser Valley Express has links with Langley and Chilliwack. There's also a connector to West Coast Express train in Mission. In addition to public transit, Greyhound Bus has a depot in the area.
Arts and Entertainment
Central Abbotsford is a nucleus for cultural activity. There are two museums: Gur Sikh Temple and Sikh Heritage Museum and Tretheway House Heritage Site. The Gur Sikh Gurdwara (Gur Sikh Temple and Sikh Heritage Museum) was designated a National Historic Site in 2002. The religious building was constructed by struggling settlers in 1908. It's a proud testament to their vision for a new life in Canada, and their steadfastness. The Tretheway House was built in 1919, for lumber baron J.O. Trethewey. Trethewey led the company through the boom years in the 1920s. Today it tells not only the Tretheway story, but also that of Abbotsford, over the past century.
There are two libraries for Central residents: Abbotsford Community Library and Fraser Valley Regional Library. Abbotsford Art Gallery showcases the work of local artists. Two theatres offer live performances: Theatre Junkies Anonymous Fine Arts and Abbotsford Arts Centre.
Abbotsford is deeply rooted in the arts and entertainment. The Abbotsford Arts Council regularly produces free music shows in Mill Lake Park. They give out their annual Arty Awards, put on the Christmas Artisan Gift and Craft Fair, the Art and Heritage Unity Festival and the Historical Downtown Art Bench Project.
Sports and Recreation
With the beautiful lakes, lush green space and mountains as a backdrop, Central Abbotsford offers many outdoor activities year-round. Running, hiking, swimming, fishing, golfing and horseback riding are just a few of the many options. The Discovery Trail passes through Abby Central, and traverses the city East to West. The trail is completely paved, making it a favourite with runners, cyclists and rollerbladers four seasons of the year.
Abbotsford has well-maintained parks with gentle meandering trails, foot bridges and ponds. Parks located in this community include Babich Park, Berry Park, Garibaldi Park, Jubilee Park and Ravine Park. Sports fields are located at Abby Panther Field, Babich Park and Berry Park. While there are no sports arenas within the boundaries of Abbotford Central, MSA Arena is just across the Gladwin Road boundary to the west, and Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC) is located in McMillan/Abbotsford East.
Golfers enjoy the convenience of having Valley Golf Centre, just across Downes Road to the north. Valley Golf has a 9 hole golf with four par 4s and five par 3s, of varying length, and a driving range. Other 18-hole golf courses a short drive away are Ledgeview Golf & Country Club and Fraserglen Golf Course.
Investing in Abbotsford Central
Abbotsford Central is a growing hub of the City of Abbotsford. It offers convenience, good schools, ease of transportation, excellent job opportunities; while retaining a friendly 'local' atmosphere. One of the primary reasons Abbotsford is so appealing is its cultural diversity, community support and the family-friendly lifestyle. Abbotsford also has a very manageable cost of living. West Abbotsford is an outstanding place to start and raise a family, or upscale a career or education.
For those looking for an investment property, Abby Central is very popular with young families, seniors, and students. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) annual report (2017), Abbotsford's rental vacancy rate of just 0.2 per cent.
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