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A reader reached out to me and asked for my thoughts on living in Tsawwassen. I shared my first year experience last year but I thought I would write another advertisement for this seaside town. In this post, I am going to share the 5 reasons why you should move to Tsawwassen.
With the weather getting better and the media ramping up their coverage on the warming housing market (note, not hot in Tsawwassen yet), many of you are looking to move to a city that offers more space. Even though I am moving to Ladner (10 minutes away) this Summer, I believe Tsawwassen/Ladner are pretty much the same to out of towners. If I have to sum these two cities up in one sentence: the perfect suburban life without sacrificing convenience.
Click here for all of my Tsawwassen posts.
Its Nickname ‘Sunny Tsawwassen’ Is Not An Exaggeration
After living here for almost two years and working from home full-time for one of those, I can confirm that the sunny days are plenty here. Even though I didn’t gather data personally, the Sunny Tsawwassen claim is in fact backed by data. When we lived in Abbotsford, our west-facing unit would get unbearably hot in the summer without air conditioning. The West orientation also meant that we would only get the sun as it set. Our home in Tsawwassen faces East so we have been taking full advantage of the plentiful sunshine. Last summer, we contemplated installing an AC since our unit didn’t have one and we were working from home. We didn’t end up installing one because it would not look visually pleasing. Luckily, the summer temperatures were mild so most days were fine with just the windows open.
You Got Plenty of Shopping Options: The Big Brands at Tsawwassen Mills or The Small Businesses at the Town Center
There is everything you need in this seaside town between Tsawwassen Mills and the small businesses in the Town Centre. For groceries, you have the big chains (Thrifty Foods, Walmart and Save On Foods) and small local grocers (Joe’s Farm Market or the seasonal Backroads Family Farm Market). For clothing, you can pick from large retailers you are familiar with at Tsawwassen Mills or smaller boutiques like Xtreme Clothing Boutique. For home goods, you will find everything you need to furnish your space at Home Sense, Beach Grove Cafe or Ma Maison + Co. You will also find a wide variety of home-based businesses operated by local residents on the local FB group. Just for your pierogies-craving, there are 2 excellent options: Mr. Mom’s World and Ladner Pierogies.
Leasehold Or Not – You Simply Get More Space For Less Money
In Tsawwassen, a 2 beds + den 900 sq. ft. new condo on leasehold sold for ~$630/sq. ft. in March 2021. If you want freehold and don’t mind something that is no longer covered by the 2-5-10 years warranty, a 14-year-old 2 beds + office condo sold for $515/sq. ft. the same week. At this price, you other options would be either North Surrey, Langley or further out in the Valley (Abbotsford or Chilliwack). A comparable unit in Richmond sold for $730/sq. ft. at around the same time.
Depending on your lifestyle and goals, the cheaper leasehold might or might not be suitable for you. If you want to learn more, this article does a really good job explaining the pros and cons with a leasehold. The good news is, most of the leasehold near Tsawwassen Mills started in 2019 or later so there will be plenty of years left in the prepaid 99-year lease.
~ More Tsawwassen Posts ~
Best Stores in Tsawwassen Mills – An Indoor Outlet Mall
My First Year Experience Living In Tsawwassen
5 Things To Do This Christmas in Tsawwassen & Ladner 2020
My Favourite Local Businesses in Tsawwassen
Where To Live In Tsawwassen? New Condo, Townhouse & Single Home 2021
The Beaches & Stunning Views Are Only Steps Or A Short Drive Away
I mentioned in my first year experience post that I am not a beachgoer but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating being so close to several. The Tsawwassen Beach, Beach Grove Beach and Centennial Beach are all within a short drive away (maybe even steps if you live close to one of them). Metro Vancouver even offers a free shuttle bus to Centennial Beach on the weekend in the summer as parking can fill up quickly.
If you are not a beachgoer like me, maybe the stunning ocean view (featured pic of this post) from the view point at Fred Gingell park will convince you to pack your bags. Even though the popular stairs have been closed due to the pandemic, the view point remains open. The only regret I have is not finding out about this spot sooner.
You Would Feel Safe Walking Down The Street
I lived everywhere on the Lower Mainland in the past 10 years. From Abbotsford to Tsawwassen and places in between. Some cities I would not consider again because of the lack of food and some I simply would not consider because I would not feel safe walking down the street alone at night. I was flashed once in broad day light in East Vancouver where my office used to be. I was yelled at over the short week-and-a-half working in my other office in Gastown. I would be lying to you if I tell you there is no crime in Tsawwassen. However, I can tell you I never felt unsafe walking home at night.
