Introduction
Aldergrove-Gloucester is much more than a stop along the highway – home, industrial and business options abound here. The urban area of Aldergrove is bounded by 24th Avenue although many consider the Canada-U.S.A. border its southern-most tip. Its northern edge is along 60th Avenue. Its eastern edge is the Langley-Abbotsford border.
Lifestyle
A few kilometres south of central Aldergrove along 272nd Street, a Hitchockian scene unfolds – a creepy house and an equally undesirable looking motel can be seen, the set of Bates Motel which has been filmed in Aldergrove for several seasons. But this piece of Hollywood North is an illusion and doesn’t reflect the friendly feeling of this small, tight-knit community located halfway between downtown Langley and Abbotsford.
The Vibe
Many people speed through Aldergrove’s main drag, Fraser Highway, and never stop, but those who do will discover a small town atmosphere - Aldergrove is a community where you know your neighbours. The north side of Fraser Highway tends to have more affluent homes, whereas older homes south of the highway are more affordable.
Meet the Neighbours
The overall population of Aldergrove was almost 13,000 when the 2011 Census was done, and the vast majority, almost 11,000, are native English speakers. It seems that no other ethnic group dominates the neighbourhood; rather, the area has attracted an even mix of new Canadians from all around the world.
In the Area
Almost everything you need can be found in Aldergrove from shopping to schools to recreation. But residents who want more variety can drive either 15 minutes east to Abbotsford or 15 minutes west to downtown Langley. Recreational amenities are centred around Aldergrove Secondary School on 29th Avenue with a library, community centre and outdoor playing fields.
16 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Fraser Highway is the main street of Aldergrove and it connects Abbotsford to the east to Langley and Surrey to the west, so many commuters only know Aldergrove as a place they pass through. Taking a bus around the neighbourhood can prove challenging and commuting by bus can be time consuming so residents tend to depend on their personal vehicles for travel.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Aldergrove has a definite dingy undercurrent and part of the population struggles with poverty and homelessness, concentrated along the main strip of Fraser Highway. This is not helped by the many vacant storefronts along the main road. But the residential areas with single-families homes are as safe as anywhere else in Langley.
Dollars & Sense
Aldergrove may have a reputation of being a bit seedy, and there are no high-end boutiques to be found in the neighbourhood. But all the services you need from banks, doctors and dentists as well as grocery stores and hardware supplies can be found in Aldergrove. Fast-food restaurants and mom-and-pop eateries dot the main drag of this neighbourhood.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
The Milsean Shoppe
The Milsean Shoppe in Aldergrove is famous for its Irish-inspired sweets made by the Robinson family. But the store also offers lunch fare, coffee and they sell a variety of giftware and locally crafted items.
more infoAldergrove Community Garden
Gardening enthusiasts can share a space with other gardeners at the Aldergrove Community Garden – a small fee guarantees a plot where you can grow your own vegetables, berries or some blooms.
more infoAldergrove Regional Park
Aldergrove Regional Park is a destination for those wanting to hike trails, exercise their dogs, go horseback riding or have a picnic. This Metro Vancouver park also has a campsite run by the Elks.
more infoAldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre
Recreational and fitness programs for all ages from babies to seniors are offered at the Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre. The Aldergrove branch of the public library is located in the same building.
more infoAldergrove Athletic Park
Mountain biking, skateboarding, soccer, tennis, lacrosse - Aldergrove Athletic Park is the place to be for those looking for some physical activity – but you can also drop by the park for a picnic.
more infoThe Greater Vancouver Zoo
Where do you go to find a lion in Aldergrove? The Greater Vancouver Zoo, of course. This zoo has been in existence since 1970 and visitors will see exotic animals like lions, zebras, giraffes, snakes and lizards from around the world.
more info