Greater Vancouver’s Tri-Cities region – which includes the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody – is one of the Lower Mainland’s hidden gems.
Lush and beautifully forested, this region stretches from the Fraser River’s northern banks up past the Burrard Inlet. Residents delight in their robust communities and outdoor activity options. They also relish the easy commute into Burnaby and downtown Vancouver.
This combination of natural beauty with urban access and amenities has inspired steady growth in the Tri-Cities for the last several decades. Meanwhile, these cities have maintained their infrastructure and accommodated growth with ease. Longtime residents and newcomers alike value this measured approach that makes the Tri-Cities a strong destination for homebuyers.
Why You Should Look at the Tri-Cities
While these three cities partner with one another and embrace the grouping, they each bring their own flavour to the Tri-Cities.
Coquitlam
Coquitlam is the largest of the three municipalities, with a steadily growing population (currently estimated to be 176,000). Nationally recognized as a top community, Coquitlam has been praised for its widespread internet access and community amenities.
It’s home to one of British Columbia’s largest malls – Coquitlam Centre – which features nearly 200 stores. Residents also benefit from its strong public and private school offerings, in addition to a Douglas College campus. Moreover, the City of Coquitlam has invested heavily in community infrastructure, with local parks, recreation facilities, and programming for all ages.
Port Coquitlam
Located directly to the east, Port Coquitlam was initially part of the larger city. It was incorporated in 1913, due to the opening of a Canadian Pacific Railway station that spurred rapid industrial growth. Since then, the city has blossomed into a rich community, with a gorgeous downtown and strong residential community emphasis.
True to its natural setting, Port Coquitlam also boasts 275 hectares of parkland, golf courses, and walking trails. Families love these outdoor offerings, along with the public, private, and French immersion schools that have been established in the city.
Port Moody
Beautifully centred around the Burrard Inlet, Port Moody is perhaps most famous for its arts and culture. (It even refers to itself as “The City of the Arts.”) The municipality often hosts theatre performances and operates an arts centre in a heritage building. Driving through Port Moody’s downtown centre is a treat, as you can enjoy both modern high-rises and historic architecture.
Port Moody is also home to a vibrant industrial sector, located largely on the waterfront. Also in this neighbourhood is a thriving microbrewery scene, including the locally renowned “ale trail” on Murray Street. And not far away is the beautiful Rocky Point Park, one of Port Moody’s many attractive greenspaces. Simply put, there’s something for everyone here in this small, well-loved city.
Future Real Estate Outlook
Historically, the area has been quietly popular – steady growth balanced by more affordable rates than the nearby city of Vancouver. However, like everywhere else in the Lower Mainland, the Tri-Cities saw significant real estate price increases over the last three years.
The general consensus is that growth has slowed down in recent months, without drying up entirely. Homebuyers will likely find themselves still in a seller’s market, but thanks to rising interest rates and growing inventory, their advantages are increasing.
Moreover, these communities are thoughtfully planned and managed. Residents don’t just love the convenience and the natural settings. They also value the emphasis on community engagement and enrichment that each city demonstrates.
Top Three Neighbourhoods
While these cities are home to many beautiful and appealing neighbourhoods, three of them particularly stand out as strong options for incoming homebuyers.
Moody Centre
This recently-developed Port Moody neighbourhood was constructed near the Moody Centre SkyTrain station and West Coast Express station. This proximity makes it a popular spot for commuters, whether they’re heading to downtown Vancouver for work or travelling to a nearby university for post-secondary education.
The area is zoned for high-density mixed-use real estate, which means that residents have grocery stores, restaurants, health care facilities, and convenience shopping at their fingertips. Most of the residential properties are condominiums; however, older sections of the area feature single-family homes, townhomes, and rental houses.
Yet, the high-density zoning does not detract from the city’s local beauty and emphasis on the arts. The Port Moody Recreation Centre is within walking distance of most Moody Centre buildings, offering a strong library and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. Moreover, there are several parks nearby, including the popular Rocky Point Park, which is connected to Moody Centre via walking trails. These amenities make residents of all ages feel welcome.
College Park
Another Port Moody neighbourhood, College Park rests at the base of Burnaby Mountain and overlooks the Burrard Inlet. It has been slowly built up over the past 30 years, often welcoming Greater Vancouver residents who wanted ready access to the nearby oceanfront and mountain trails.
College Park is also within easy distance of Rocky Point Park, as well as the charming old downtown core of shops and restaurants. There are also several established schools – five for elementary students, one for middle schoolers, and one for high school – that serve the neighbourhood’s youngest citizens.
Commuters find College Park to be a convenient home base. The nearby Barnet Highway connects to the Lougheed Highway, bringing drivers to Burnaby and East Vancouver. Public transit is also readily available, with buses transporting riders to the SkyTrain (Burquitlam and Port Moody stations) and West Coast Express (downtown rail service).
Eagle Ridge
Coquitlam’s Eagle Ridge community rests on the Port Moody border. Like the neighbouring city, Eagle Ridge is a strikingly beautiful, forested region. One of its primary features is the Coquitlam Crunch, a challenging hike that’s popular with outdoor enthusiasts and sometimes compared to Vancouver’s Grouse Grind.
Eagle Ridge’s residential developments are an attractive mix of condominiums, townhouses, and single-family homes. The majority of these residential units rest on calm streets, appealing both to young families and homeowners who want respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. That said, there are strong feeder routes nearby to provide direct access to the Lougheed Highway. Regular bus service is also available for public transit users, in addition to two SkyTrain stations (Inlet Centre Station and Lafarge Lake—Douglas Station).
Residents are well-served by an array of community amenities. Because of the high number of families with children, the public and private school offerings are strong. Dining options are diverse and plenty, from international cuisine to local chain staples. There are also quality grocery stores, shopping centres, and fitness facilities readily available.
Reach Out to Rick Clarke and the Real Estate Valley Team
As you can see, there are many reasons why Greater Vancouver residents and newcomers take more than a second look at the Tri-Cities. Whether you’re downsizing or looking for your first family home, each of these communities has unique options for you to consider.
If Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, or Port Moody piques your interest, reach out to Rick Clark and the Real Estate Valley team. It’s okay if you don’t know where to start! We can provide more resources and insight into the area, so you can evaluate whether it’s the right fit for your next home.
Call us today or submit a contact form, so we can start this conversation and serve you with our experience and expertise.
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