# Is Coquitlam a Good Place to Live? > Is Coquitlam a good place to live? Honest breakdown — schools, commute, affordability, lifestyle, and the real trade-offs vs Vancouver and Burnaby. **Source:** https://soldbycraig.ca/is-coquitlam-a-good-place-to-live/ **Author:** Craig Johnston, REALTOR® (BC Licence V99960) · The MACNABS · Royal LePage Elite West **Site:** https://soldbycraig.ca --- Lifestyle FAQ ## Is Coquitlam a good place to live? Yes, for specific people. No, for others. Here's the honest breakdown of who thrives in Coquitlam and who probably wouldn't. [See the answer](#answer) [Map my equity first](/home-evaluation/) 1% Ranked Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® 2% Nationwide Top 2% Team Member — Royal LePage nationwide 44 Local Lived in the Tri-Cities 47+ years ★ Team The MACNABS Quick Answer Is Coquitlam a Good Place to Live? Is Coquitlam a good place to live? Honest breakdown — schools, commute, affordability, lifestyle, and the real trade-offs vs Vancouver and Burnaby. **Craig Johnston, Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®** and 47+ year Tri-Cities resident, can walk you through the local context. Free Strategy Call ends with a written one-page plan in 24 hours. Also read [Burke Mountain homes](/burke-mountain-homes/) [Heritage Mountain homes](/heritage-mountain-homes/) [Westwood Plateau](/westwood-plateau-real-estate/) [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) ## The honest read Coquitlam is one of the strongest family markets in Metro Vancouver. Strong schools, SkyTrain, parks, and real neighbourhoods. It's not the right fit for everyone — urbanists who need density will prefer Vancouver; beach people will prefer the North Shore. But for families, empty-nesters, and SkyTrain commuters, Coquitlam delivers. **Great for:** Families, commuters, downsizers, outdoor lovers. **Less great for:** Density-first urbanists, beach-lifers, nightclub scene. **Verdict:** Right for most Metro Vancouver buyers. Tour it. ![Is Coquitlam a good place to live?](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2025-03-10-at-5.40.10-PM-1-scaled.png) ## What Coquitlam does well ### SD43 schools Strong district. Real catchment variety. ### Trail access Burke, Westwood, Heritage trails at the doorstep. ### SkyTrain Evergreen Line to downtown. Real commute option. ### Price per square foot Meaningfully better than Vancouver core for families. ### Community feel Real neighbourhoods, not just addresses. ## What Coquitlam doesn't do ### Walkable density Only Burquitlam and parts of Austin Heights qualify. ### Late-night scene Quiet after 10pm. By design. ### Beach life North Shore wins here. ### Hipster cafes Burquitlam and Port Moody core, not much else. ## Which part of Coquitlam suits you? Burquitlam for SkyTrain urbanists. [Burke Mountain](https://soldbycraig.ca/burke-mountain-homes/) for newer-build families. [Westwood Plateau](https://soldbycraig.ca/westwood-plateau-real-estate/) for view-home lifestyle. [Heritage Mountain](https://soldbycraig.ca/heritage-mountain-homes/) for forest feel. Not sure? Start with the [neighbourhood resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/). ![Is Coquitlam a good place to live?](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ## Who moves here and stays Families who want space plus schools. Vancouver professionals trading density for more house. Port Moody owners wanting bigger lots. North Shore movers wanting better commute. Empty-nesters trading the family home for walkable strata. The common thread: people who've decided lifestyle trade-offs — and chose the Coquitlam balance. [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Back to neighbourhood hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) ![Moving from Vancouver](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-3.39.56-PM-scaled.png) ### Moving from Vancouver The Vancouver-to-Coquitlam playbook. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/moving-to-coquitlam-from-vancouver/) ![Neighbourhood hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/craig-johnston-headshot.jpg) ### Neighbourhood hub Every Coquitlam pocket. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) ![Coquitlam market guide](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ### Coquitlam market guide The broader market picture. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) ## Related questions ### Is Coquitlam safe? Yes — lower crime than much of Metro Vancouver. Consistent across neighbourhoods. ### Is the commute to downtown viable? Yes via SkyTrain (35 min from Burquitlam). Driving varies by time of day. ### Are schools really that good? SD43 is one of BC's stronger districts. Specific catchments vary — verify your address. ### Is Coquitlam diverse? Yes. Strong multicultural community, real range of food, culture, and language. ![Is Coquitlam a good place to live?](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ## Still have questions? I answer these kinds of questions every day. A 15-minute call usually resolves it. [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Back to neighbourhood hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) Keep exploring ## Keep exploring Coquitlam The guides that help you decide. [moving-to-coquitlam-from-vancouver/The honest comparison.](/moving-to-coquitlam/) [coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/Every Coquitlam pocket.](/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) [burke-mountain-homes/The family-mover favourite.](/burke-mountain-homes/) [coquitlam-real-estate-guide/Broader market context.](/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) About Craig ![Craig Johnston, Coquitlam REALTOR](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/craig-johnston-headshot.jpg) Craig Johnston Licensed REALTOR® · Coquitlam & the Tri-Cities I have spent the last 47+ years living in Coquitlam, 9+ years on Burke Mountain, helping move-up buyers and sellers get from where they are to where they want to be — without the panic of owning two homes at once or selling under value. I work the Tri-Cities every day: Burke Mountain, Westwood Plateau, Heritage Mountain, and the rest of Coquitlam’s move-up neighbourhoods. If you want a straight read on your timing, pricing, or move-up strategy, the fastest next step is a short call. **Specialty**Move-up sellers & upsizers **Coverage**Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam **Experience**47+ years living in Coquitlam, 9+ years on Burke Mountain, serving families [Book a Strategy Call with Craig →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) ” From Craig “I operate the way I'd want a REALTOR® to work with my own family — written advice, honest trade-offs, and no hedging on the hard questions.” ![Craig Johnston, REALTOR®](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/craig-johnston-headshot.jpg) Craig Johnston REALTOR® · Coquitlam Why Craig for this decision ## The four pillars I run every file on Licensed REALTOR® in Coquitlam. Tri-Cities-fluent, written-advice-first. Here's how I work any client file that lands on this page. [Start with a free Equity Map](/home-evaluation/) [Call 604-202-6092](tel:+16042026092) Local resident Lives and works in the Tri-Cities; kids in SD43. Written positions Pricing, negotiation, and disclosure in writing — never verbal-only. Full representation Equally strong on buy-side and sell-side; no part-time bias. Same-day response You won't be waiting a week for a callback. Next steps ## Three ways to take the next step — pick the one that fits. [If you're just exploring Book a Strategy Call No pitch. Just scope your options and walk away with a written next-step plan.](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [If you're actively shopping Set up a custom search Matched to your criteria with written comparable-sold data on every showing.](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [If you need an answer now Call 604-202-6092 Same-day response during business hours. Tri-Cities local line.](tel:+16042026092) Questions? I'm real local help. [Talk to Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) Authority Sources & Local Resources ## Verify everything — the sources behind this page Every claim on this site is checkable against a government, regulator, school district, or independent authority. Cross-reference anything — if a number here ever drifts from the source, the source wins. Municipal & Transit - [City of Coquitlam — municipal services, bylaws, permits ↗](https://www.coquitlam.ca/) - [City of Port Moody — municipal services ↗](https://www.portmoody.ca/) - [City of Port Coquitlam — municipal services ↗](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/) - [TransLink — SkyTrain, West Coast Express, bus schedules ↗](https://www.translink.ca/) Health - [Fraser Health — regional health authority ↗](https://www.fraserhealth.ca/) - [Eagle Ridge Hospital — Port Moody ↗](https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Locations/Tri-Cities/eagle-ridge-hospital) Schools - [SD43 — Coquitlam School District ↗](https://www.sd43.bc.ca/) - [Fraser Institute — BC school report cards ↗](https://www.fraserinstitute.org/school-performance) Parks & Outdoors - [BC Parks — provincial park system ↗](https://bcparks.ca/) - [Coquitlam Crunch — City of Coquitlam trail ↗](https://www.coquitlam.ca/1129/Coquitlam-Crunch) - [Pinecone Burke Provincial Park ↗](https://bcparks.ca/pinecone-burke-park/) - [Belcarra Regional Park — Metro Vancouver ↗](https://metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/belcarra-regional-park) Real Estate Authorities - [Greater Vancouver REALTORS® — monthly market reports ↗](https://www.gvrealtors.ca/market-watch/monthly-market-report.html) - [BC Assessment — property values & search ↗](https://www.bcassessment.ca/) - [BC Financial Services Authority — real estate regulator ↗](https://www.bcfsa.ca/) Local Lifestyle - [Coquitlam Centre — regional shopping ↗](https://coquitlamcentre.com/) - [Brewers Row — Port Moody brewery district ↗](https://www.portmoody.ca/en/discover/brewers-row.aspx) External links open in a new tab. I'm not affiliated with these organizations — they are cited as independent authorities. Any time a number on this page differs from the authority, the authority wins. ★Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® ![Medallion Club Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®](/assets/medallion-club-badge-60.png)Medallion Club Team Member President’s Club Team Member 47+ Years in the Tri-Cities ## What Coquitlam clients actually say after working with Craig Real reviews pulled from Google. No paid placements. No curated-only-positives. Every client below closed with Craig — most sold over asking, several within a week. ★★★★★ “Craig sold my property in just 6 days. After receiving one offer, he quickly reconnected with all the other REALTORS® who had viewed the property, and before I knew it, we had multiple offers — all over asking price. Craig didn’t stop there; he negotiated even better terms for me.” Heather Fox Sold with Craig · Over asking, 6 days ★★★★★ “We worked with Craig on three real estate transactions. In all cases he was extremely professional and efficient. In the case of the two sales, both houses were sold for over asking and within the one week of going on market. Craig analyzed the market accurately and advised on a selling price that was fair and saleable.” Ann English 3 transactions · 2 sold over asking in a week ★★★★★ “Craig recently sold my townhouse in West Vancouver in less than 6 days for over asking price. Craig is one of the most prolific and highly motivated REALTORS® I have seen in the Realty business, and I have extensive experience buying and selling properties of all sorts.” Riverplate Equities West Vancouver townhouse · Over asking, 6 days ★★★★★ “We consider ourselves lucky to be able to work with Craig over the last 5 years, over multiple transactions. He is a professional who is guided by integrity, honesty, and punctuality. Craig is a seasoned and well-informed realtor who will be a great asset on any real estate journey.” Jaeyoung Joo Google Local Guide · 5 years, multiple transactions ★★★★★ “As first-time home buyers, we had a myriad of concerns. Craig immediately put us at ease by taking the time to address each of our questions thoroughly and patiently. At no point did I feel pressured or rushed into making a decision. Instead, Craig empowered us with all the facts and options.” Jeff Kwok First-time buyers ★★★★★ “One of the most dedicated and professional REALTORS® I’ve encountered. No matter the value of the property, Craig puts great care into preparing high-quality marketing content. With his in-depth knowledge of the Coquitlam area, I highly recommend Craig to anyone looking to buy or sell.” Allan Liang Coquitlam specialist ★★★★★ “His creativity, top-notch communication skills, and a solid plan were instrumental in selling high and buying low. His foresight in negotiation skills, predicting outcomes before they happened, truly set him apart. A remarkable professional who exceeded expectations.” Matdori Google Local Guide · Sold high, bought low ★★★★★ “Craig absolutely delivered on his promise of selling my condo, exceeding my expectations. A++ communications and he kept me informed and educated every single step of the way. Rock solid performance and a very quick above asking sale, I am beyond grateful.” Rich & Andrew Condo sold over asking ★★★★★ “We were referred to Craig by a friend and knew from day one we were in great hands. The marketing was outstanding — we received seven offers, and Craig held firm on our priorities. When we re-listed in January, it sold in three days at the price we wanted, and he went on to find us an off-market buy in Vernon.” Jim Turnbull 7 offers · Sold at target price · Off-market buy in Vernon [Read the Google reviews →](https://www.google.com/search?q=craig+johnston+macnabs+coquitlam+reviews) More on Living in the Tri-Cities ## Keep Digging Craig writes the Tri-Cities coverage most REALTORS® won't. Every page below is built on the same ground-truth data and the same negotiation playbook Craig uses for every client. [**Living in the Tri-Cities hub** →](/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) [Coquitlam neighbourhood hub](/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) [Coquitlam vs Burnaby](/coquitlam-vs-burnaby/) [Coquitlam vs Maple Ridge](/coquitlam-vs-maple-ridge/) [Coquitlam vs New Westminster](/coquitlam-vs-new-westminster/) [Coquitlam vs Port Coquitlam](/coquitlam-vs-port-coquitlam/) [Eagle Ridge homes guide](/eagle-ridge-coquitlam-homes-guide/) [Hikes & trails (Tri-Cities)](/hikes-and-trails-coquitlam-tri-cities/) [Is Coquitlam good for families?](/is-coquitlam-good-for-families/) In this topic cluster · neighbourhoods & schools Keep reading in the neighbourhoods & schools cluster - [Burke Mountain townhomes](https://soldbycraig.ca/burke-mountain-townhomes/) - [$1.5M vs. $2M home](https://soldbycraig.ca/what-a-1-5m-vs-2m-home-gets-you-in-coquitlam/) - [Moving to Burke Mountain](https://soldbycraig.ca/moving-to-burke-mountain/) Or see the full library at [the neighbourhoods & schools section of the resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-resource-hub/#neighbourhoods). [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Home Eval](/home-evaluation/) More Tri-Cities guides ### Explore the neighbourhoods connected to this page - [→ Maillardville (Coquitlam) guide](/maillardville-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Eagle Ridge (Coquitlam) guide](/eagle-ridge-coquitlam-deep-dive/) - [→ Ranch Park (Coquitlam) guide](/ranch-park-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Anmore estate homes & acreage](/anmore-estate-homes-acreage-guide/) - [→ Moving to Port Moody from Vancouver](/moving-to-port-moody-from-vancouver/) - [→ Burke Mountain estate homes](/burke-mountain-estate-homes/) Tri-Cities monthly ## Get the honest Tri-Cities market read, monthly. June 2026 Coquitlam detached HPI is $1,649,000, -4.8% YoY. What that means for your buy or sell decision — without the salesy fluff. One email per month. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, no listings flood, no marketing automation games. Genuine monthly update from a 47+ year Tri-Cities resident. Best REALTOR® by area ## A specialist for your specific Tri-Cities city or neighbourhood. [Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-coquitlam/) [Burke Mountain](/best-realtor-in-burke-mountain/) [Westwood Plateau](/best-realtor-in-westwood-plateau/) [Heritage Mountain](/best-realtor-in-heritage-mountain/) [Port Moody](/best-realtor-in-port-moody/) [Port Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-port-coquitlam/) [Anmore](/best-realtor-in-anmore/) [Belcarra](/best-realtor-in-belcarra/) [Or compare all Tri-Cities specialists →](/best-local-realtor-tri-cities/)