The cities’ top three neighbourhoods

1—Albion, Maple Ridge

Located in Maple Ridge, Albion runs along 240th Street. It is one of the oldest settled areas in the region and features many historic homes. However, recent developments have added a number of newer homes to the housing supply. After years of impressive home price growth, the benchmark price of home in Albion was $1,116,921 in December 2021. At that time, prices were 29% higher than they were one year earlier, 31% higher than three years earlier and 70% higher than five years earlier—giving it a value score of 3.7 out of 5. It also ranks highly on neighbourhood economics, with a solid score of 5 out of 5.

Albion has a long history of being a quiet, rural farming community, but in the last 15 years, the region has been heavily developed. Thankfully, Albion has not lost its historic character, and there are still a number of heritage buildings and locations, including the Albion Wharf, the Jackson Farm House, the Kohy Residence and the Spencer Milk House. Residents have access to nature via forested trails like the Albion Trail. There are two elementary schools and a technical high school to serve the 56% of households that have kids. While the area has access to transit, its accessibility score is just 0.4 out of 5.

View Zoocasa’s real estate listings in Albion. 

2—Thornhill, Maple Ridge

Thornhill is a neighbourhood in Maple Ridge heavily forested and dotted with residential homes, farms and nurseries. It’s located on the south slope of Grant Hill and is part of the historical community of Whonnock. Thornhill is particularly affordable for B.C. The benchmark price of a home in December 2021 was just $338,182, after experiencing steady growth over the years: prices were 14% higher than they were one year earlier, 35% higher than three years earlier, and 39% higher than five years earlier. Those numbers contribute to the neighbourhood’s value score of 3 out of 5. On neighbourhood economics, it gets a perfect 5 out of 5. 

Albion is known for its hiking and horseback riding trails located near 256th Street, and there are a number of other great opportunities for residents to get outside throughout the year. Many enjoy the hilly 14-hole disc golf course or attend community events at Thornhill Hall. Residents are known to be friendly, giving Albion a small-town feel. About 56% of households have children, and their kids are able to attend Whonnock Elementary School. Thornhil’s accessibility score is, unfortunately, just 0.4 out of 5.

View Zoocasa’s real estate listings in Thornhill. 

3—Walnut Grove, Langley

Located in northwest Langley, Walnut Grove has easy access to the Golden Ears Bridge that connects Maple Ridge to Pitt Meadows. The community has a number of amenities, including trendy restaurants, breweries, shops and a movie theatre. Homes in Walnut Grove sold for an average of $986,051 in December 2021. By year’s end, prices were 35% higher than they were one year earlier, 30% higher than three years earlier and 55% than five years earlier. That price growth helped contribute to its value score of 3.2 out of 5. Like the other neighbourhoods on our list, Walnut Grove impresses on neighbourhood economics, with a score of 4.7 out of 5. 

With golf courses, a trampoline park, hockey rinks and a community centre—everything an active family might want—Walnut Grove is the perfect home for sporty types. It’s also close to a number of great hiking trails, including Birch Grove Hatchery Trail and the Fort to Fort Trail. Not up for a hike? The locals also like to hang out in Walnut Grove Community Park and Forest Hills Park. Walnut Grove Secondary School and Walnut Grove Public School serve the 47% of households with kids. The area has an accessibility score of 3.2 out of 5—much higher than the other top neighbourhoods on our list.

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