Sarah and Jerad Forsberg moved to Abbotsford five years ago when they bought their first home.

They found they could get more for their money here, and thought it would be a good place to raise a family.

Now, they’re staying put for the long haul.

The couple, who have been married almost eight years, both grew up in Mission, but moved west as young adults. After they married, they lived in a basement suite in Coquitlam.

Sarah was pregnant with their first child – Ireland, now almost five – when they decided to buy their first house. Affordability was an issue.

Jerad’s dad is a realtor, and he gave them some advice.

“He said, ‘If you want a house and yard, you look in Abbotsford,’ “ Jerad said.

They took his words to heart, despite having to commute to work. Jerad is an accountant in Delta, and Sarah works part-time as a colour consultant and sales associate at a paint store in Maple Ridge.

They moved into the home just 16 days before Ireland was born. Their second child, Parker, is now 2 1/2.

Now that they have built up some equity, they want a bigger home – something with a family room and more space in general. They started looking in Langley, just to be closer to their jobs.

But Sarah couldn’t do it.

“I kind of pulled out the tears and said, ‘I don’t want to leave,’ “ she said.

Abbotsford has grown on them. They love the amenities – such as the rec centres, the playgrounds and the new Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre – and the big-city feel without as much traffic.

Then there are the people.

The couple lived in downtown Vancouver for a brief time. They would walk down the streets there, and it was like everybody was a stranger, Jerad said.

Here, people actually say hi when they pass by..

“We have a really great community,” Sarah added